Stone Circle on one evening in the back of my house, caleb came around

an obscene gurgle left riley's lips, followed by what could only be described as a hiccuping laugh that whooped through the pines. the rumble that ripped through easthollow had rattled riley and just about all its occupants down to the bone, but the child lacked either common sense or fear, for he was not in the least afraid.

rather, the boy seemed excited by this booming noise.

lifting one pudge paw, riley chortled as the ground shook again -- seemingly in harmony with his footsteps. at a rough canter, riley scampered off -- fully expecting a trembling crescendo as he went. instead the rumbles seemed to fade away, leaving the boy disappointed, but not dispirited.

he tentatively tested a paw on the ground again; no shake, very sad, much disappoint. just as he was about to give up his game, another earthshattering peal thundered under his paws, the quake violent enough he was dislodged from standing, and thrown to the ground. around him the forest clattered and shook; somewhere in the distance, rocks were upended from their glacial roots -- the silence that followed was eerie, and interrupted only when riley got to his feet with a squeal.