I stare at the burning embers of my misdeeds as I slowly put my phone to my ear the rhythmic ringing of the phone almost made silent against the crackling of the fire. I wait. The line connects. They start talking.

“Heyyyyyy Nathan. Dude wassup? My friend excitedly greets me.

“Yo man. Nothing much man, nothing much just a few thing here and there. How are you?” I reply calmly as a flurry of red, yellows and oranges dance across my face

“Yeah I’m good man. Is there something you wanted or did you just wanted to talk?”

“Oh yeah. Now that you mention it I did have something to ask. Would you be able to pick me up? If not then that’s Alright don’t feel forced.” I reassure.

“That’s fine. Don’t worry where are you anyway?”

“Oh it’s (xxxx-xx-xxxxxx)” I reply.

“Oh that’s far. I’ll have to get gas but I can still come. I’ll see you in a bit”

“Ok. Thanks a bunch.”

I hang up first and gaze back to the blazing flames. It was beautiful. Free to grow and live freely in the midnight air. And the faint scent of burning filling my nostrils. I lay back on the grass a safe distance away but still close enough to feel the heat radiate off the flames and lay back and close my eyes.

(1 hour 50 min later)

My silent basking was abruptly interrupted when the crunching of gravel underneath tires progressively got closer and closer and then a voice shouted over at me.

“Is that a fricking fire man!?”

“Obviously stupid. What else would it be?” I said as if were a daily occurrence, but with the way my week is going I would say it is.

“Wha- You know what never mind,” he scrunched his nose up at the fire and turned his head at me, “just tell me what the hell is that burning smell is” He questions suspiciously

“Well either you smelling the burnt wood, flesh or a mixture of both.” I said nonchalantly

“FLESH!!! Nathan what hell did you do”

“Hey don’t come at me like that. I didn’t want to kill that family. Just wrong place wrong time i guess?” I shrug my shoulders.

“You murdered an entire family!!” He said, distress lacing his words.

“Hey don’t get me wrong that wasn’t part of the plan. To be honest murder wasn’t even on today’s agenda” I replied matter of factly

“It’s not on anyone’s!” he retorted.

“No. It’s on mine, just not until next Thursday” I said.