The Hidden Lines of the Family Land We Shared

draw nine parcels for nine houses.”

I looked from the hand-drawn paper to the bubbling spring, my throat dry despite the cold air.

“What did he draw them for?” I asked.

“They are protective easements,” Marcus said. “This isn’t a map of parcels, Nicole, it is a map of the valley’s water.”

I took a slow breath, the scent of damp pine needles continue reading …