The Interpreted Rock

By Stephen C. Schultz The air was clear with a slight coolness starting to close in for the season. The light blue Astro Van clunked over the curbing and up into the driveway. With a subtle click and the swoosh of the car seat protective pad shooting up over her head in a single motion, Amanda was out of the seat and opening the door. The van had not even come to a complete stop and she stumbled forward a step before regaining her balance. She leaped from the van to the driveway, landing on both feet at the same time. She had her hands on her hips, looked from side to side and declared to the world in a loud booming voice that can only be mustered by a four year old; "I have to run!" She then took off in a flash and started her mission of running around the outside of the house. It wasn't a single trip with a detour to the kitchen for the latest treat. No, this was a "Five Times Around The House" effort...non-stop! Oh...to have that childhood ene

By Stephen C. Schultz The air was cool and heavy. The smell of stagnant water and the sounds of creatures that inhabit it echoed through the night in an orchestra of unfamiliar and hauntingly eerie sounds. My phone buzzed and I instinctively looked at the number. I stood and excused myself from the others around the table and stepped closer to the water’s edge, acutely aware that I may become a late night snack for an aggressive alligator whose zip code is Tampa Florida. The number was my wife’s. I answered with a simple “Hello”. I felt there must be something wrong. It is unusual for me to get many calls from my wife when I am away on business. Especially when there is a time zone difference and there is a good chance I will be involved in meetings or business dinners. She is fiercely independent, smarter than me and capable beyond measure. So, when she does call, I am confident it’s not going to be small talk. She mentioned that my daughter Emma was at volley