Under Loch and Key

by Lana Ferguson

To my favorite Scottish lass, Blair, for granting me forgiveness for giving Nessie a penis. My deepest apologies.

There are voices that carry into the house as I approach the door I saw Rhona disappear through before I went to put my bags away—a deep rumble that follows a sharp bark of laughter as commotion ensues. I linger outside the door for a moment as I listen to the muffled voices on the other side, trying to calm the nerves in my belly as I realize I’m most likely going to be subjected to the same cold welcome that Rhona gave me all over again.