“Somewhere past those trees lay Lost Lake, its waters are now hidden under a veil of night. He closed his eyes and pictured its surface, the way it reflected the sky in perfect stillness. But tonight, the lake didn’t feel like a sanctuary. It felt heavy, a keeper of too many secrets.

Paul’s hands trembled at his sides, and he clenched them into fists, willing the shaking to stop. His thoughts were a tangle of worry and guilt, the past, and everything he couldn’t change. He swallowed hard, his throat tight, as he let out a shaky breath.

For the first time in years, he whispered a silent prayer—not to God, but to the lake itself. He didn’t know what he was asking for—strength, maybe forgiveness. Maybe just the courage to face whatever was coming. 

The pines stood tall and silent, their dark shadows stretching over the earth. And somewhere beyond them, the lake waited, holding its secrets a little longer.”