The screen door flew open as Alisa burst through. “Pa Pa! Pa Pa!” she called. Her brother looked up at her, annoyance in his eyes.
“Pa Pa’s Out in the forest gathering firewood, Says there’s a cold front coming in.” Alisa muttered her thanks before she ran out the door again. She ran until she hit the woods, slowing then, careful not to slip on the leaves still wet from rain that came down two days ago. She half slid, half clambered her way down until she heard the familiar smack of wood being cut.
“Pa Pa!” she called. The smacking sound stopped and a fit, older looking man looked up and wiped his brow.
“What is it Alisa, darling?” he asked, looking concerned at his daughters hurried manner.
“On the river. I heard, I heard a scream, and th-then… Just come see!” she said, not quite sure how to put it. The man laid down his axe and followed her up the slope, past the house, down the river and to the spot. “My God.” he breathed, crossing himself. “Alisa, you have to tell the police.”