Town with a Secret

Aunt Huldah and Uncle Lancy had never had children, so when he broke his arm, she asked me to come lend a hand. Arriving here was like traveling back in time. While Route 41 was the main thoroughfare through Lake Village, it seemed to carry only local traffic. I had remembered it as a busy 4-lane highway. A greasy spoon, farm supply store, gas station, a solitary church plus a volunteer fire station were now the only buildings along the route. The others were boarded over.

This wasn’t the only difference. Soybeans and clover filled fields that had formerly held stalks of corn that waved golden tassels in the breeze. When I asked about this change, Aunt Huldah said, “Cuz Tom said corn is too exhaustive a crop. He’s right. The land is happier. If you listen closely, you can hear it sing.”

“Who is Cousin Tom? I don’t recall anyone by that name.”

“He isn’t any relation. He’s been our mayor for the past decade.” She smiled. “He’s got a package for us. Please go pick it up. You’ll find him at CuzTom Cleaners behind the firehouse.”

Uncle Lancy said, “Take my bike. No need to waste gas.” He smiled. “Ask him to come for supper.”

I filled a bottle and went out to their garage. More than a decade since I had ridden one, my first pushes to the pedals were awkward. The wheels barely moved. But within a few seconds, I was a confident rider pedaling down farm road N350W.

A swarm of bees droned over a nearby clover field. Panting, I pushed the bike off the dirt lane and propped it against a large oak. With a sigh of relief, I drank from my water bottle, then sank to the ground beneath the shady limbs. I had forgotten how sweltering it could be on an early May day. I took off my Chicago Cubs cap, wiped away sweat, and decided to catch my breath for a few seconds.

Five minutes later, I turned onto the highway, then turned again next to the firehouse. The wooden building was hidden behind it and didn’t look like a store. Kicking the stand, I propped the bike outside and entered.

I stood a moment, waiting for my eyes to adjust to the dimness. A solitary lightbulb hung down in the center, and most of the room was cast in shadows. Not seeing anyone, I called, “Hello?”

A weird sounding voice answered, “Whose there?”

“I’m Diane. Aunt Huldah asked me to pick up a package.”

A tiny figure emerged from the back. He wore aviator sunglasses, a mask, and a hooded robe. “Ah, yes.” Coming closer, he said, “You look parched. I’ll get you a drink.”

Before I could answer, he disappeared. He returned and handed me a cold glass of something green. Not wanting to offend him, I took a sip. It was quite refreshing, so I drained it. We exchanged the empty glass with the package.

He said, “Tell the Sorensons I’ll be there by 6.”

As I got onto the bike, I wondered how he knew about supper. After I got back, I helped my uncle repair his irrigation system, then with his afternoon chores. I said, “I know you’re in your seventies, but you barely look fifty. How do you stay looking so young?”

He grinned. “Guess it’s my healthy lifestyle.”

Cuz Tom was already there when we came indoors. After we ate, my aunt suggested we take a walk. Uncle Lancy retrieved the package from an end table.

Once we reached the windbreak of spruce trees, they followed a path to a clearing. A small spring burbled in its center. Uncle Lancy looked up then checked his watch.

Cuz Tom said, “They’re on their way.”

My uncle nodded. He lifted a glowing crystal ball out of the wrappings. “Huldah, it’s your turn to lead our service.” He handed this to her.

Out of the darkness strode some of their neighbors. Without speaking, they formed a circle around the spring and joined hands.

My aunt took a chalice from her apron pocket, filled it with spring water, then gave this to Cuz Tom. He began humming. Instantaneously, the sky lit up by what I thought was a meteor shower. As this came closer, it appeared to be several small spaceships.

My aunt said, “Dear Lord, Father of all near and far, we have followed the advice of your servant Cuz Tom. The earth here again sings your praises. Please bless us and allow us to drink from this fountain of youth.”

As we walked back, I asked, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Uncle laughed. “You wouldn’t believe it then.”