Oh, Those Hot Summer Nights by Nora LeDuc

Oh, those Summer Nights

When the weather changed to hot and humid and night fell late, my brother and I knew it was time again for…firefly hunting. In the summer nights of my childhood, this was a favorite pastime. One year, we prepared by taking one of my mother’s Mason jar for temporary fly housing. Our other vital piece of gear was a working flashlight. Once we had our equipment, we were ready. With great anticipation, we waited for day to end.

 

    At sunset we headed out. I carried the glass container, my brother the light. The cool, damp grass clung to the soles of my bare feet and between my toes. Annoying mosquitoes buzzed around our heads. But we continued.

 

The fireflies loved to hover in the tall grass. So we easily found them. Clutching our tackle, we watched them signal each other their secret messages. Then my brother shut off the flashlight. In the darkness we silently crept to their patch. Speed counted. We got ready and sprang.

 

My brother was much faster than I was. He scooped up one between his palms and put him in the container. We were so excited. We ran inside to show our success off. My mom was not enthused as we 
tracked wet grass and dirt across her floor. She was even less happy to find a creepy crawly in her canning jar. After a few seconds of inspection, she ordered us outside. We chose a special location and released our lightening bug. He flew off, disappearing into the blackness.

 

This long summer when all seems topsy turvy, I remember those times. As I get ready for bed, I switch off the lamp and peer out towards the edge of the woods. And there they are. The fireflies are still flickering in the night. 

 

I don’t chase beetles anymore, but I still dream of hot nights, sunsets, and now-romance. So I’m thrilled and fortunate to have been included in the Romance Gems first boxset Last Chance Beach: Summer’s End. Fourteen of the Romance Gems have written fourteen fantastic short stories set where dreams of love come true. And you can find mine, Beach Kisses & Sunset Wishes. (Thanks to Nancy Fraser, another Gem, for my gorgeous cover!)

Take Care My Friends,

Nora

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