The Forgotten Eden by Aiden James

continuing to ignore my brother.
    “‘ Yes, sir.’
    “ His voice full of worry, it only acerbated my brother’s growing frustration. I alternated glances between the two before turning to leave the kitchen. Jeremy reached out and grabbed my arm, preventing me from leaving just yet.
    “‘ What the hell’s going on here, Grandpa?’ he demanded. ‘Why do we have to close the windows, and what the fuck do you need a shotgun and rifle for, anyway??’
    “ Grandpa shook his head. Only a minute or so passed, but seemed like forever. When he tried to answer Jeremy, he seemed at a loss for words. The uncomfortable air around us thickened.
    “ He walked over to the sink, closing the kitchen window and securely latching it. Then, he walked back over to the storm door and peered through that window once more, carefully scanning the porch and backyard for a second time.
    “‘ It’s the ‘Season’, boys,’ he said, finally.
    “ Jeremy and I looked at each other for clarification as neither of us knew what he meant.
    “‘ The ‘ Season’? ’ Jeremy asked, incredulous.
    “‘ Yeah, Grandpa,’ I chimed in. ‘What kind of ‘Season’ do you mean?’
    “‘ Just go close all the windows first and make sure the doors are locked upstairs, Jack. Jeremy, you and I’ll check everything down here on the main level. Once we’ve got the place completely secured, I’ll tell you both a little about the ‘Season’,’ he said. ‘Oh, and Jeremy, remember the Winchester. Make sure it’s loaded.’
    “ He motioned for us all to move out of the kitchen.
    “‘ We’ll all meet back here when we’re done…. Jack, don’t forget about the ac, now.’
    “‘ I won’t, Grandpa,’ I assured him.
    “‘ Jeremy, be sure to check the windows on the north and west sides of the main floor,’ he reminded my brother. ‘I’ll check the windows everywhere else down here.’
    “‘ Got it, Grandpa,’ said Jeremy.
    “ The three of us left the kitchen, with Jeremy shrugging his shoulders after I gave him a look asking if he had any idea why we were doing this. Bewildered by our grandfather’s peculiar behavior and strange request, at least the air conditioner would soon cool the old house.
    “ I ran upstairs and hurried to finish my task. Meanwhile, Jeremy started in the dining room and worked his way to the living room, where he grabbed the Winchester and ammunition from the gun case.
    “ Grandpa waited at the kitchen table with his shotgun by the time Jeremy rejoined him. He told my brother to set the rifle next to the back door after first confirming the weapon was loaded. They heard me running down the hall toward them right after the air conditioner kicked on.
    “‘ All done, Grandpa!’ I proudly announced.
    “‘ Very good, son,’ he said. ‘We’re all set to defend ourselves should we need to.’
    “ Though always a handsome man, he looked like he’d aged several years since dinner. His light gray eyes were still red from his recent tears, but the calm steadiness one could usually expect was rapidly returning.
    “‘ Defend ourselves? From what ??’ Jeremy demanded again.
    “ He truly hated Grandpa’s vagueness and was in no mood for any more mysteries. Just the facts, and only those that explained why we sat in the kitchen with a pair of loaded weapons and every door and window in the house closed and secure.
    “‘ Let me begin by saying I’m truly sorry for breaking down like I did in front of ya’ll,’ said Grandpa, dabbing at his eyes with a hankie. ‘This evening’s events have truly upset me, and if something bad were to happen to either of you boys….’
    “ He paused to take a deep breath, and then regarded us both very seriously.
    “‘ I want your promise to stay away from the woods. For now, this includes the backyard as well.’
    “‘ Why, Grandpa??’ asked Jeremy, even more irritated. ‘First of all, you go throwing that thing Jackie brought in here tonight out into the woods