Every year during summer break, Cline and Coby tagged along with their Civil War enthusiast uncle to hike Lookout Mountain. This year was no different except he would allow the pre-teens to trek out a small distance on their own.
Exceeding their boundary, they made it to the top of the mountain. The view was magnificent.
“What’s that thing? A tiny Stonehenge?” Coby asked.
“You’re dumber than I thought.” Cline laughed.
Coby gave Cline a swift kick to the groin. When Cline could once again stand comfortably, the two engaged in a wrestling match until tired. Their red sweaty faces revealed their adolescent mentality. They shared some water and then Cline decided to explain the monument.
“In winter of 1863, during a battle known as Above the Clouds, the soldiers aligned, loaded and readied their cannon. The signal was given to fire. The cannonball didn’t clear the stack of stones but, instead went right through the first one. Wanna see?” Cline said.
Coby shrugged. They walked towards the mound.
“Look, it’s still in there.” Cline pointed.
Coby leaned forward, being small enough, he stuck his upper body through the hole. “I don’t see anything.” His voice echoed.
Cline grabbed Coby’s feet, raised his legs and forced him in. Cline placed his backside over the hole, trapping Coby.
Coby screamed! He frantically pushed his cousin trying to move him. He was too heavy! In a panic, Coby beat every inch of his rock cell. He could feel the stone walls closing in on him, blinded, he lost his breath. Coby collapsed.
Cline wiped dirt on his face, picked up a stick and whistled as he headed back towards camp. He ran the last few yards, appearing weak and frightened. “I can’t find Coby! He disappeared somewhere on the trail!” Cline cried.
The End.
Leesa Writes 