I found a Strange Root in My Yard
The summer rains billowed against the horizon and I knew it would be storming in a few hours. It had already been almost a week since the last trimming, so the lawn was getting a little too tall. I needed to take care of it before my neighbor, Gloria, complained again.
Quickening my pace, I began to cut down the blades beneath my mower. I let my mind wander as I pushed it back and forth across the yard.
At some point, I found it difficult to push the lawn mower forward. One of the wheels was stuck on something protruding from the ground. With a little more effort, I was able to break it free.
To my utter shock and horror, I saw the root the wheel had been stuck on. Except, it wasn't a root at all. Even though it looked similar to a regular tree root, it looked more like a tentacle half-buried beneath the dirt.
I gave it a little tap with the heel of my shoe and it shriveled up and shot down beneath the Earth in a splash of dirt. My heart jumped so fast I worried it might explode.
With the yard half done, rain began to fall but I no longer cared. I had no clue what the hell was beneath my yard and I didn't want to find out. I bolted inside and locked the door, as if that would keep me safe. Now, I'm dreading the next time I have to power up the mower and finish the job I started. What the hell is out there waiting for me?
