This week's challenge: Using between 33 and 333 words, compose something that includes the third definition of the following word:
Halloween had always been Sherri’s favorite day of the year
– more even than her birthday. It wasn’t because of the candy, either.
Halloween gave her a chance to indulge her dark fantasies. Instead of a Disney
princess, Sherri trick or treated as The Bride of Frankenstein or shewolf
(think “wolfgirl” instead of “wolfman.”) One year she and her best friend both
dressed as cheerleaders, only Sherri was bruised, battered and bloodied – the
tragic pom pom girl from Bloody White
Line, the cautionary driver’s ed film.
Now, as a woman, she didn’t have a little black dress, she
had a closet full. As the local country club’s photographer, she took sunny pictures
of golf tournaments and tennis matches, but on her own time she photographed
grave markers, tombstones and memorials that captured her fancy.
Sherri still lived for Halloween. This year she donned
pantalets, a hoop skirt and period-perfect blouse, with a perfectly
round bullet hole. She was Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during Battle
of Gettysburg in 1863. As she pinned her hair up, her head began to throb. Her
muscles ached. The light above her makeup mirror suddenly hurt her eyes. Dammit!
She couldn’t be coming down with the flu! Not on the most magic night of the
year!
She promised herself she’d lie down for just a moment. The
nap would rejuvenate her, she was sure.
She didn't awaken till the next morning, having missed her holiday altogether.
She felt strong but filled with disappointment … and a curiously clear
recollection of a vivid dream. A handsome, clean-shaven Union
officer sat at her bedside, wiping her brow, lifting her head gently and
carefully spooning Golden Elixir (a thick syrup containing alfalfa, willowbark,
sage and brandy) between her lips.
Only it wasn't a dream. For as much as Sherri loved
Death, he loved her, too. He tended to her and ensured she didn’t
join him one moment before her appointed time.
well who knew...Death is a softie :)
ReplyDeleteA wonderful twist at the end. I'm loving all the personifications of Death being so normal, so Human.
ReplyDeleteInteresting... does she pop back into time or does Death prefer an older look. Very nice take on the prompt! :)
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I like the magical feel to it with the costume bringing something supernatural to happen.
ReplyDeleteI love the true Halloween feel to this. I found your character very relatable and likeable. Apparently, I wasn't the only one. :-)
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