A pale grove sprouted in darkness, surrounding Marta’s bed, blocking the door. Each wore a painted smile, sly eyes molded in plaster.

Go back to sleep, Mom groaned, it’s just a nightmare. Brother hissed, Anything for attention. Deep in that grove, little Marta heard a raspy whisper: We’re waiting for you.

Hillary founded and for 20 years acted as senior editor for the independent poetry publisher, Subsynchronous Press. Her short stories, drabbles, and poems have appeared in numerous print and online publications. Hillary also creates illustrations for horror/sci-fi, and pulp fiction sites. See more at hillarylyon.wordpress.com.