The children gathered around the old woman who rocked in the chair steadily; a blanket draped across her lap. Her wrinkled old hands folded neatly in her lap but fidgeted as if they had something important to do. She looked around her and in a frightened, raspy whisper, beckoned them to listen:
"Come a little closer, closer still. We have to whisper or it will hear you. Hear me; and then we will be in a world of hurt. Oh I know it sounds crazy and perhaps I have gone round the bend, but I know it's waiting; listening. And when we're done, you will too.
It began simply enough. When I was younger, foolish and feeling invincible, I sat with my friends for a bit of spirit talking: the Ouija. Each board is supposed to be linked to a spirit or have the ability to connect with the dead. Oh we had a grand old time, asking silly romantic questions and playing with it more like a fortune teller than with the nervous respect that it deserved; convinced someone was moving the planchette and it was all malarkey. We mocked and laughed heartily. But I made a grave mistake. How ironic that word seems to me now; grave. I directly insulted and questioned our "table talker".
"You're so great ~ show yourself! Really show me something; not just these trite parlor tricks! Or are you just a cowardly cloud of mist ~ a mere sneeze perhaps? Nothing in your life and even less in your death?"
Kennard himself would have back-handed me for my behavior. And to confess, I would never have sat down had I known what was in store for me. Things, we thought, quieted down, after that. Believing our ghost had dissolved, gone on to holier ground or that one of US was tired of shifting the pointer, we settled ourselves in for a few hours rest. The wind outside howled and tossed leaves around in the yard. Branches poked and scratched at the windows. We huddled and teased each other for being frightened. My friends drifted off to uneasy dreams. I envied them; then and now, for I don't sleep much. It isn't safe.
I had resigned myself to being stuck with my overactive imagination, so I got up and sat in the formal parlor. My friend's home was always bright, cheery and quite comfortable. I thought with certainty, I would find solace and peace enough to settle my jittery state of mind in this friendly atmosphere. I had just closed my eyes for a moment when I heard a soft rustling; a shifting if you will. I dismissed it of course as a house settling in for a little rest of its own. Then I heard my name; soft but distinct: "Eleanor". As you can imagine, my eyes flew open and my heart raced to the very top of my throat. I grabbed the arms of the Redgrave chair in which I sat and strained my ears. I reasoned perhaps one of my friends had awakened and come to see me. Silence was my punishment. I remained stone-still except for my knocking knees and shaky breath It felt as if a year had slipped by before I heard the gentle tapping at the window pane. I chuckled at my childishness. Why, anyone of sound mind would understand that in the fall, the cool air shifts the brittle bones of the trees. I smiled and turned to ease my silly shattered nerves.
It sat on its haunches. I initially thought it a wounded or frail animal. It leaned against the glass, rolling what I thought to be a fury little head against the door like a cat seeking attention from its owner. "Good Heavens!" I thought. Had my friend's feline been left out? Surely it would be cold and hungry and need some warmth. I reached for the handle on the French door to let the poor thing in, kneeling down and speaking softly, coaxing it to me.
With astonishing speed, it seemed to unfold; stretching to a nauseating height, blocking the moon and the night time sky from me. Its limbs were overly long and spindly; jointed too far down to be human arms, yet not quite hinged correctly to belong to an animal with which I was familiar. I suppose it had hands, if you will, for I felt it snag the handle and begin to twist the knob eagerly. The thing leaned, making sure to meet my eyes but I only saw gaping holes, deep and black where they should have been while its mouth gaped in a yawning scream; or perhaps it was an evil smile. Trails of burgundy spittle chained its thin dry lips together and glistened off too many long crowded teeth. They were not pointed, no. Not meant for biting or piercing. Quite wrong. They were intent on grinding. I could see splinters of them missing; shaved off as if chewing had been difficult. Realizing that it had beat me to the handle and it could not get in, it pushed against the door and hissed at me angrily.
"Eleanor." It whispered again; almost playfully. "Let me in. I've something to show you. Something you wanted to see...." Again, it mashed itself against the door with the hopes of opening the nightmare to me. I saw smears on the glass where juicy decaying flesh had pulled away from bone. I cupped my mouth to catch my shriek and sought refuge with my sleeping friends as fast as my legs would carry me. I almost crawled under them, trembling with a terror which froze my soul and burned inside my brain. The voice crept under my flesh and sizzled inside of me. I felt as if I were bare in a snowstorm. Slamming my eyes shut, I told it to go away. I begged it to leave. I said I was sorry. I prayed. But to no avail. It snuck around the house and began its harassing again; whispering my name, laughing in high pitched gleeful squeal... offering to show me....
Morning took its time to arrive. My friends stirred at last and teased me for the dark frightened shadows that haunted my pale young face. I said nothing. No one remarked about the white streak in my beautiful chestnut hair. I bid them good morning and raced home. I could hear my breath, quick and panicky as I shuffled passed others in the street, sometimes bumping them. I heard them utter indignant comments and muttered insincere apologies for in the air, I heard it. Coming for me. I heard my name. I heard it laughing. I knew it was waiting to show me.
And so my little dears, I have remained here in this house for nearly fifty years. I lived as best a life as I could. But you understand the bars on my windows and doors. You see the need for the heavy velvet drapes and the constant music. Now you know, why I am so jumpy, skittish like a rabbit during high season. It is for my own safety. I don't want to hear it. Insanity would befall me were I to lay eyes upon it again. I don't want to know what it has to show me."
There was not a sound to be heard, say the horrified swallowing from one tiny wide-eyed child. Little hearts pounded in their chests and shivers spread across them like the afghan the old woman now clutched. The sun had said goodnight and stars winked from behind tired lazy clouds. Each looked around, eyes darting at the thickly clad windows. Little hands clasped together, sweaty with fear, seeking refuge; comfort. Ears pricked to focus on the tinkling of the old scratched phonographs that spun incessantly day and night throughout their grandmother's home. Yet they listened.
"Did you hear that?" she slowly whispered.
Sometimes, I get it right. I love love LOOOOOVE this one! It came to me at work, believe it or not. (And with the witch of a time I'm having as of late I'm ecstatic to have something GOOD come from a day at the office!) I am an old soul ( as a few of you know) and this just came in one sitting, one go thru in two hours. I'm still giggling over it and enjoying the gooseflesh I gave myself. OOOO This was FUN! I truly hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for coming over. Will you hold my hand a little longer? I did a good job with the creep factor on this.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Piglet's very bad day
Poor Winston.
Some days it doesn't pay to get out of bed.
My little piglet didn't ASK for a bad day, it just found him.
It began simply enough. He got up, had breakfast, ate cookies and went back to bed. Any dog would agree this was right and just. But then he got up from his morning nap and all Hell broke loose. His sister was paroled first, promptly rushing over to his cage, biting his face and floppy ears and stealing all his toys right out of his cell. What a bitch. He wasn't even OUT yet. But he stepped out, stretched and did what any "man" would do, scratched himself. Nice Buddy! ~ but next time please don't drop to your belly and pull yourself with your front paws AAAAAALL around my rug; the junk express. Fabulous. But he was simply trying to begin again.
Later that afternoon, Cheech needed to power wash. WELL! No one asked Winston if that was all right. He made it perfectly clear that it was not. He went insane; biting, snarling, bristling at the water. I did what any good mother would do. I opened the door. He dashed down the steps and skidded to a stop in front of the big ugly water monster. Cheech did what any good dad would do: hosed him down from top to bottom. Winston went crazy. We were all laughing and carrying on until he came inside to escape "the Kracken" and proceeded to rub himself all over the couch, shake and shower us all... I can't really complain, we asked for it.
Next came chores. Now Winston hates anything that connects with the floor: vacuums, brooms, mops...etc.. so he next had to save his castle from the evil red broom that was attempting to gobble up my kitchen floor. He circled the kitchen table, snapped at it and then ran around to hide behind the sofa. Now once again, being a good mommy, I of course swooped it up over the couch to attack him from the top. I thought he was going to poop on the carpet. He did not. I was lucky, but to add insult to injury, I pulled out the mop.
He was beside himself. And of COURSE I had to push the little button to make the floor dragon spit at him. It was just too much. He jumped on it and bit it. REALLY bit it, pulling away chuffing and shaking his head. I knew deep down what he'd done. He took off and hid behind my chair. I felt really bad. I went and got him and lifted his little lip. Sure enough he had BENT his tooth forward: roots and all. Instead of hanging down, it stuck straight out. Any air hitting it caused him a lot of pain but I couldn't get in to his mouth to pull it.
It's all fun and games until some one gets hurt: then it's just fun.
Noooo... I am a better mom than that. I helped him and it came out but it took two days. Relief at last. So my precious little piglet had had enough. All he wanted was to eat dinner and go to bed. But noooo... He did the first and went outside to do business. He came in... with a tick... on his... uhhhhh....bum. Was there to be no rest for the weary? Soooo I was a good mom wincing and hissing " ewww gross!" only a dozen times to remove the disgusting parasite.
He came and sat with me; sighing heavily, sadly. Poor guy. It took him about a week to stop being in my shadow and even now, he's still pretty close.
I swept, mopped and vacuumed yesterday. Winston climbed up on my bed and hid under all the pillows. Can you blame him?
Monsters are everywhere.
Some days it doesn't pay to get out of bed.
My little piglet didn't ASK for a bad day, it just found him.
It began simply enough. He got up, had breakfast, ate cookies and went back to bed. Any dog would agree this was right and just. But then he got up from his morning nap and all Hell broke loose. His sister was paroled first, promptly rushing over to his cage, biting his face and floppy ears and stealing all his toys right out of his cell. What a bitch. He wasn't even OUT yet. But he stepped out, stretched and did what any "man" would do, scratched himself. Nice Buddy! ~ but next time please don't drop to your belly and pull yourself with your front paws AAAAAALL around my rug; the junk express. Fabulous. But he was simply trying to begin again.
Later that afternoon, Cheech needed to power wash. WELL! No one asked Winston if that was all right. He made it perfectly clear that it was not. He went insane; biting, snarling, bristling at the water. I did what any good mother would do. I opened the door. He dashed down the steps and skidded to a stop in front of the big ugly water monster. Cheech did what any good dad would do: hosed him down from top to bottom. Winston went crazy. We were all laughing and carrying on until he came inside to escape "the Kracken" and proceeded to rub himself all over the couch, shake and shower us all... I can't really complain, we asked for it.
Next came chores. Now Winston hates anything that connects with the floor: vacuums, brooms, mops...etc.. so he next had to save his castle from the evil red broom that was attempting to gobble up my kitchen floor. He circled the kitchen table, snapped at it and then ran around to hide behind the sofa. Now once again, being a good mommy, I of course swooped it up over the couch to attack him from the top. I thought he was going to poop on the carpet. He did not. I was lucky, but to add insult to injury, I pulled out the mop.
He was beside himself. And of COURSE I had to push the little button to make the floor dragon spit at him. It was just too much. He jumped on it and bit it. REALLY bit it, pulling away chuffing and shaking his head. I knew deep down what he'd done. He took off and hid behind my chair. I felt really bad. I went and got him and lifted his little lip. Sure enough he had BENT his tooth forward: roots and all. Instead of hanging down, it stuck straight out. Any air hitting it caused him a lot of pain but I couldn't get in to his mouth to pull it.
It's all fun and games until some one gets hurt: then it's just fun.
Noooo... I am a better mom than that. I helped him and it came out but it took two days. Relief at last. So my precious little piglet had had enough. All he wanted was to eat dinner and go to bed. But noooo... He did the first and went outside to do business. He came in... with a tick... on his... uhhhhh....bum. Was there to be no rest for the weary? Soooo I was a good mom wincing and hissing " ewww gross!" only a dozen times to remove the disgusting parasite.
He came and sat with me; sighing heavily, sadly. Poor guy. It took him about a week to stop being in my shadow and even now, he's still pretty close.
I swept, mopped and vacuumed yesterday. Winston climbed up on my bed and hid under all the pillows. Can you blame him?
Monsters are everywhere.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Laughter is the best medicine
I was excited to move in to the little house. My friend needed a sitter and I needed some time away from my life. It was the perfect scenario. Her place was cute and quiet. I was exhausted from hearing the engine breaking of trucks, the coping with unreasonable/indifferent clients and breathing the stench of the city. "Dink", my friend since high school, had moved only a couple hours away in to a snoozing, spacious lake community. Her cottage sat at the back side of a small private cove. She left me the keys to her boat (not for me since I don't swim) and home as well as the opportunity for a much needed break. I had all but been crippled by a recent case and wanted to escape. My life as a prosecutor was becoming too big a burden and I needed to change things in my life. Contemplation in peace was as good a place as any to start (again).
I had put in for the time, leaving early one Friday morning. The drive, beginning through the congested, sweaty streets ended with soft voluptuous tree-lined roads and the sweet breath of the lake. The house was gorgeous and quaint. The gravel applauded my arrival as I crunched up to the door and pulled the key left for me. The latch shouted and I stepped in.
The first thing I noticed was the silence. It screamed at me and filled my ears like warm damp cotton. The sun peeped through the blinds as the breeze drifted in and around me. It felt thick, cloying. I don't know, maybe I expected blue birds to alight on my shoulder and for Dopey to begin to sweep the floor while Doc and the others tidied up. The furniture instead was covered with white sheets, crisp with dust and neglect. The rays of light stabbed the room dripping a ticker tape of dust as I moved about. I heard the scurry of mice and above me the scratch of pissed off squirrels.
And a laugh; small and breathy as if someone had found something funny that they shouldn't have. Dink hadn't told me of a care taker or any neighbor in particular, so I searched the house slowly; not calling out; just looking around. The scampering became a little heavier and followed me throughout; like someone was leaping on their haunches or clambering on all fours. I picked the room I wanted, flopped my bag down and quickly found something to do outside. Walking along the paths brought some ease to my pounding heart. It took me some time, but I convinced myself the stress of work and the city had made me hypersensitive and foolish. The sky began to repaint the sky with soft lavenders and fiery pinks. I headed back to have supper.
I felt as if I had interrupted something but wandered to the back of the house to the kitchen , beginning to cook; something that always relaxes and brings me comfort. I opened a bottle of wine my friend had left for me and stared out the window. Down along the tree line, I could see the cove and the last of the boaters as they headed home. Motors hummed drowsily, carrying precious tired cargo back to cabins much like this one. Maybe a little lighter, happier.
The movement was sudden and off to my right. My mind quickly shoved the picture of a deer in to my brain and shouted it "IT IS A DEER". I leaned closer to confirm. The woman sprung in to view of the bottom right pane.
Her face was pasty and grey with eyes empty and black. There were cool bluish purple lines cracking parts of her cheeks. Her fingers were up near her mouth as if trying to catch a laugh but the flesh was rubbed away leaving dirty splintered bones in varying lengths. When she pulled them from her mouth, I covered mine and dropped my glass. Her lips were split on either corner in thick, dark gashes. Flashes of chipped muddy teeth gnashed together. Her hands clapped as I stared at her. She was laughing. Hysterically. Her dress must have been grey or blue at one time. It was thread bare and frayed with crimson stains across its front. Her hair was wiry and matted clumping to one side; a jagged hole above her naked ear seemed to be wet, oozing. Bile rose in my throat. She laid her hands on the window and began to speak; rapidly. Her jaw slacked and dropped as if one side wasn't attached, it seemed to tear new along the already ripped corners of her hideous mouth.
The bleat of the smoke alarm jolted me from this nightmare. I stumbled back to the kitchen to rescue my burned remnants of dinner. Swearing and waving my towel, I plunged the pot in to the sink and began to pour water. Steam filled the small area above the counter. I heard the light pop like that of a small rock being thrown; hitting the little window in front of me; from the inside. I froze. Fear crept under my flesh and slithered in to my joints locking them in place. My lips trembled and although I thought to scream, no voice could be heard; save hers. I felt a tug at my wrist; cold, slimy. My knees threatened to collapse. her voice was soft yet grainy as if she was shouting through wet sand from her throat. I expected to hear the soggy slapping as chunks of it splattered to the floor.
"I am so glad to see you at last I just knew you would come to save me from him I waited and hid like you said to but he found me and I screamed and ran but he caught me and then he tried to hurt me I had to hide in my mind just like you said but how did he know where I was did you tell him you promised I was safe you promised he couldn't get to me you lied you lied you lied but here you are and you came back and now you can take me with you and I can be safe again I forgive you for lying I forgive you I forgive but the pain is so great did you know that so great my mouth and my head oh they hurt so deeply and he just wouldn't stop no matter how I begged did you know I begged I begged for you to come I begged for you to make it stop I begged him to kill me I begged but no one heard you lied no one heard I begged..."
The confession, accusation, and redemption came in a steady yammering with no breath. Of course. She had no breath. It burned in my ears as she continued to talk and whisper pausing only for tiny moments of hard bitter laughter.
I felt my shoulders slump and my stomach wither. I thought I had left her behind. Her name was Liza and she was the last client I would ever take. A witness to a brutal crime, I had convinced her to testify against a man so dark and depraved; a grave mistake for the young woman who disappeared before the trial. He was convicted of a lesser charge. She was haunting me.
I rushed to my room and locked the door. I sat on the bed and held my throbbing head. I heard her laughter between my ears. I felt the push of an icy breeze as she sauntered through the wall and stood before me beginning her tirade again. I swatted at the specter and pleaded for her to stop, dashing passed her and out in to the night. her laughter escalated and followed me out. Every turn I took, every path I chose seemed to bring me closer to her yawning clamoring jaws. Her eyes bored through the trees and across the night to see me, blame me.
The water lapped at the shore beckoning me to hide within its safe dark cover. It hurried me to seek cover, sanity and silence. I hesitated but Liza was rushing up behind me, her incessant ranting tickling the back of my neck which pushed me over the edge in to the void from which I could not be saved. It was so cold I instantly sucked in mouthfuls of water, my lungs beginning to burn. Not knowing how to swim, I began to flounder; kicking wildly and crying out in the water. Then I felt her hands; powerful and angry around my neck. My eyes flew open and bulged. She was watching me die and laughing; her distorted features swelling and separating in the water. Darkness swallowed me.
There was no noise. Although afraid, I was peaceful. I felt her let me go.
I woke to the sting of bleach from my hospital bedding. Dink was sitting next to me. She had forgotten something and had come home to retrieve it; finding me unconscious on the shore. It had been five days that I had not participated in the world
She leaned over me and we both cried. Once the tears had stopped we laughed at each other and sat in comforted silence. I saw her frown and rub her tired eyes.
"What is it?"
She looked around with puzzled fear. "Well, I am sure it's nothing, but lately I've been hearing things. Seeing things."
My blood began to thicken. "Liiiike what?"
"A girl. A girl I don't know and she laughs at me. She talks to me; constantly. She blames me. Says it was almost done and she was robbed I can't find anything about it in the papers. I don't know who she is. It's driving me mad. I even had the house cleansed with sage... but....she won't shut up." Dink fidgeted and looked around rubbing her ears as if a gnat was buzzing in her ear.
Rest came for me at last. I closed my eyes and laughed lightly; just inside my head, feeling relief and fatigue.
A little different; not what you expected? Ha me neither. it wasn't how this one started out, but I like the way it finished. I had a nightmare the other night and wrote down the basics. This is the finished product. I hope you enjoyed it or it gave the creeps... just a little. Thank you for coming by and checking on me. You're such good company. We do have fun together, don't we? I think so too. :)
Until next time, sleep tight.
I had put in for the time, leaving early one Friday morning. The drive, beginning through the congested, sweaty streets ended with soft voluptuous tree-lined roads and the sweet breath of the lake. The house was gorgeous and quaint. The gravel applauded my arrival as I crunched up to the door and pulled the key left for me. The latch shouted and I stepped in.
The first thing I noticed was the silence. It screamed at me and filled my ears like warm damp cotton. The sun peeped through the blinds as the breeze drifted in and around me. It felt thick, cloying. I don't know, maybe I expected blue birds to alight on my shoulder and for Dopey to begin to sweep the floor while Doc and the others tidied up. The furniture instead was covered with white sheets, crisp with dust and neglect. The rays of light stabbed the room dripping a ticker tape of dust as I moved about. I heard the scurry of mice and above me the scratch of pissed off squirrels.
And a laugh; small and breathy as if someone had found something funny that they shouldn't have. Dink hadn't told me of a care taker or any neighbor in particular, so I searched the house slowly; not calling out; just looking around. The scampering became a little heavier and followed me throughout; like someone was leaping on their haunches or clambering on all fours. I picked the room I wanted, flopped my bag down and quickly found something to do outside. Walking along the paths brought some ease to my pounding heart. It took me some time, but I convinced myself the stress of work and the city had made me hypersensitive and foolish. The sky began to repaint the sky with soft lavenders and fiery pinks. I headed back to have supper.
I felt as if I had interrupted something but wandered to the back of the house to the kitchen , beginning to cook; something that always relaxes and brings me comfort. I opened a bottle of wine my friend had left for me and stared out the window. Down along the tree line, I could see the cove and the last of the boaters as they headed home. Motors hummed drowsily, carrying precious tired cargo back to cabins much like this one. Maybe a little lighter, happier.
The movement was sudden and off to my right. My mind quickly shoved the picture of a deer in to my brain and shouted it "IT IS A DEER". I leaned closer to confirm. The woman sprung in to view of the bottom right pane.
Her face was pasty and grey with eyes empty and black. There were cool bluish purple lines cracking parts of her cheeks. Her fingers were up near her mouth as if trying to catch a laugh but the flesh was rubbed away leaving dirty splintered bones in varying lengths. When she pulled them from her mouth, I covered mine and dropped my glass. Her lips were split on either corner in thick, dark gashes. Flashes of chipped muddy teeth gnashed together. Her hands clapped as I stared at her. She was laughing. Hysterically. Her dress must have been grey or blue at one time. It was thread bare and frayed with crimson stains across its front. Her hair was wiry and matted clumping to one side; a jagged hole above her naked ear seemed to be wet, oozing. Bile rose in my throat. She laid her hands on the window and began to speak; rapidly. Her jaw slacked and dropped as if one side wasn't attached, it seemed to tear new along the already ripped corners of her hideous mouth.
The bleat of the smoke alarm jolted me from this nightmare. I stumbled back to the kitchen to rescue my burned remnants of dinner. Swearing and waving my towel, I plunged the pot in to the sink and began to pour water. Steam filled the small area above the counter. I heard the light pop like that of a small rock being thrown; hitting the little window in front of me; from the inside. I froze. Fear crept under my flesh and slithered in to my joints locking them in place. My lips trembled and although I thought to scream, no voice could be heard; save hers. I felt a tug at my wrist; cold, slimy. My knees threatened to collapse. her voice was soft yet grainy as if she was shouting through wet sand from her throat. I expected to hear the soggy slapping as chunks of it splattered to the floor.
"I am so glad to see you at last I just knew you would come to save me from him I waited and hid like you said to but he found me and I screamed and ran but he caught me and then he tried to hurt me I had to hide in my mind just like you said but how did he know where I was did you tell him you promised I was safe you promised he couldn't get to me you lied you lied you lied but here you are and you came back and now you can take me with you and I can be safe again I forgive you for lying I forgive you I forgive but the pain is so great did you know that so great my mouth and my head oh they hurt so deeply and he just wouldn't stop no matter how I begged did you know I begged I begged for you to come I begged for you to make it stop I begged him to kill me I begged but no one heard you lied no one heard I begged..."
The confession, accusation, and redemption came in a steady yammering with no breath. Of course. She had no breath. It burned in my ears as she continued to talk and whisper pausing only for tiny moments of hard bitter laughter.
I felt my shoulders slump and my stomach wither. I thought I had left her behind. Her name was Liza and she was the last client I would ever take. A witness to a brutal crime, I had convinced her to testify against a man so dark and depraved; a grave mistake for the young woman who disappeared before the trial. He was convicted of a lesser charge. She was haunting me.
I rushed to my room and locked the door. I sat on the bed and held my throbbing head. I heard her laughter between my ears. I felt the push of an icy breeze as she sauntered through the wall and stood before me beginning her tirade again. I swatted at the specter and pleaded for her to stop, dashing passed her and out in to the night. her laughter escalated and followed me out. Every turn I took, every path I chose seemed to bring me closer to her yawning clamoring jaws. Her eyes bored through the trees and across the night to see me, blame me.
The water lapped at the shore beckoning me to hide within its safe dark cover. It hurried me to seek cover, sanity and silence. I hesitated but Liza was rushing up behind me, her incessant ranting tickling the back of my neck which pushed me over the edge in to the void from which I could not be saved. It was so cold I instantly sucked in mouthfuls of water, my lungs beginning to burn. Not knowing how to swim, I began to flounder; kicking wildly and crying out in the water. Then I felt her hands; powerful and angry around my neck. My eyes flew open and bulged. She was watching me die and laughing; her distorted features swelling and separating in the water. Darkness swallowed me.
There was no noise. Although afraid, I was peaceful. I felt her let me go.
I woke to the sting of bleach from my hospital bedding. Dink was sitting next to me. She had forgotten something and had come home to retrieve it; finding me unconscious on the shore. It had been five days that I had not participated in the world
She leaned over me and we both cried. Once the tears had stopped we laughed at each other and sat in comforted silence. I saw her frown and rub her tired eyes.
"What is it?"
She looked around with puzzled fear. "Well, I am sure it's nothing, but lately I've been hearing things. Seeing things."
My blood began to thicken. "Liiiike what?"
"A girl. A girl I don't know and she laughs at me. She talks to me; constantly. She blames me. Says it was almost done and she was robbed I can't find anything about it in the papers. I don't know who she is. It's driving me mad. I even had the house cleansed with sage... but....she won't shut up." Dink fidgeted and looked around rubbing her ears as if a gnat was buzzing in her ear.
Rest came for me at last. I closed my eyes and laughed lightly; just inside my head, feeling relief and fatigue.
A little different; not what you expected? Ha me neither. it wasn't how this one started out, but I like the way it finished. I had a nightmare the other night and wrote down the basics. This is the finished product. I hope you enjoyed it or it gave the creeps... just a little. Thank you for coming by and checking on me. You're such good company. We do have fun together, don't we? I think so too. :)
Until next time, sleep tight.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Grouchy Heat
I headed out this passed holiday weekend on a new trail. It was great; a little challenging with the heat but, I loved it; in spite of my mishaps. I just thought we could giggle about them here.
It was hot as Hell's kitchen to begin with and since portions of this new trail were marshy, mosquitoes were attempting to flay me on the spot despite my layers of repellent. I did my skin, each layer of clothing and then another layer of spray. As it happened, the only thing that seemed to save me was spraying it all over my head, face and arms about every ninety minutes. I used the whole dom can and made myself the "cream" in an "OFF" Oreo. Nothing like a little DEET breath to welcome fellow hikers. On top of that, I had bug patches on either side of my hat. Those tenacious little demons still shrieked and buzzed me all afternoon. At least I think it was the bugs; maybe I was high on bug spray... ya THINK? I kept it in "Nag" where I could easily reach it. This first task was accomplished. Task B.. putting it back was more difficult. I spun a little and looked like a happy puppy chasing its tail. I thought I had it in the right spot but it clanked to the ground, rolled around and sought shelter under a boulder. I had to use my walking stick to fish it out. You understand not wanting to just reach in and canoodle for my bug spray, right? Thought so. I retrieved it and had to climb up said boulder. I leaned too far forward causing my water bag to slip up, and mash me a little too far forward face-first in to the trail. In addition to this fabulous dance move, was the surprising fact that my trail mix bag... my food source for the afternoon was actually open. My mix quickly became one with the trail. I was devastated because it was AWESOME and yummy. Sigh. You are never hungry until you can't eat. No use crying over spilled nuts...
On I went.
I go pretty far back in these trails, rarely coming across anyone. It's fine by me. I am out there to regroup not re-GROUP. As fine luck would have it, many people were out and about this fine blazing weekend. The first couple had shorts on. (Really? Do you KNOW what a tick is? And that when they find you, they tell all their little buddies to climb all over you and attach themselves...Far be it for me to judge.) and little cute tennis shoes with no socks. Awwww Can you say unprepared? They were drenched in sweat and looked almost happy to see me: a rumpled woman with a backpack who looks like she sleeps under the interstate ramps at night and licks tin cans clean. ;)
"Can you tell us where we are?"
"Sure. Show me your map. I'd be glad to."
"We don't have one."
I tried to keep that " I just ate a spoonful of alum"-shaped "OHHHH" face hidden away. I turned to one side and asked if they wanted bug spray showing them my almost empty can.
"We did that before we left."
Another attempt at hidden alum pucker. "Water?"
They both sighed. I gave them one of my extra bottles and they sucked it down in record time. I pulled out my map and showed them where were were and where they were headed, being honest about the terrain: a little marshy; lots of bugs, watch for ticks. There were several creek beds that were very rocky so be careful of their ankles. I also showed them a couple of short cut that could be utilized to get them home faster... should they want to...
I gave them my map and we parted ways.
A couple of miles later, I heard ... swearing... eff bombs and every dirty word you could imagine. I naturally thought it was my "pals" from earlier in the day trying to get home. Heat can make anyone grouchy. I had visions of them almost reduced to bones clutching my trusty map upside down, surrounded by clouds of snarling skeeters and biting flies pelting and gnawing at them. I rounded the trail. It was not.
It was a young "lady" in bug glasses (the kind too big for your face.. ANYONE's face for that matter), short-shorts (again... TICKS? HELLOOOOO) a halter and? Oh yes tie-up "come-get-me" sandals. What in the name of Holy Hannah was she THINKING? That the bear would take pause to decide whether to eat or date her? Her beau was lugging a small backpack and was pouring over a map that Princess was swatting while swearing and chomping on her gum. I imagine that was very helpful for the boyfriend to get oriented. Multitasking at its finest.
"Can I help ya, get somewhere?" I asked nicely. I was hot and tired and looked a little worse I am certain than I did before my debut to the first couple.
She paused to confer with her gum and said "No. We're fine." The response was wet and slappy wafting faintly of Peppermint.
"Chew with your trap shut Darlin. You look a little smarter." I thought pleasantly. Yes, heat can make anyone grouchy.
Her friend smiled weakly and studied the map. She swatted it and called him something that rhymes with "stick-feed"
I had given away my map so I needed to see the trail marker and go the right direction (which I immediately concluded was the opposite route they chose to go). The Princess Broad folded her arms, cocked her hips, conferred with her gum worse than Marissa Tomei in "My Cousin Vinny" and snapped through a bubble "I SAID we're fine!"
I wiped my forehead and reached up near her. She stepped back and almost put up her dukes.
"I need to see the marker" ... "YOU STUPID IDGIT"... was what I wanted to add, OR " Why don't you consult your gum a little louder and see if IT remembers what poison ivy looks like because YOU, my dear, must not since you and your cute little shoes are knee deep in it.." buuuut I didn't. I just smiled and walked on. I even hummed a little. I hope she broke lots and lots of vines on those plants. That juice will stay put and can get you WEEKS after you've been out in it... heeheehee... chew on THAT!!!
Princess Broad swatted her hero's map again and called him a firetrucking jerk. What a nice afternoon that poor guy had. I wonder how many ticks she collected. Ya think he got em for her? Hell, if I'd have been him, I'd have gone out and GOTTEN some to PUT on her... while she slept of course...
Heat can make anyone grouchy.
I was a little more than nervous not to have my map; only my written trail intersections and my compass. But you know what? This lil girl made it; with half an hour to spare.
I am over half way to my goal and am really proud of myself.
I WILL get there... on my own two feet.
It was hot as Hell's kitchen to begin with and since portions of this new trail were marshy, mosquitoes were attempting to flay me on the spot despite my layers of repellent. I did my skin, each layer of clothing and then another layer of spray. As it happened, the only thing that seemed to save me was spraying it all over my head, face and arms about every ninety minutes. I used the whole dom can and made myself the "cream" in an "OFF" Oreo. Nothing like a little DEET breath to welcome fellow hikers. On top of that, I had bug patches on either side of my hat. Those tenacious little demons still shrieked and buzzed me all afternoon. At least I think it was the bugs; maybe I was high on bug spray... ya THINK? I kept it in "Nag" where I could easily reach it. This first task was accomplished. Task B.. putting it back was more difficult. I spun a little and looked like a happy puppy chasing its tail. I thought I had it in the right spot but it clanked to the ground, rolled around and sought shelter under a boulder. I had to use my walking stick to fish it out. You understand not wanting to just reach in and canoodle for my bug spray, right? Thought so. I retrieved it and had to climb up said boulder. I leaned too far forward causing my water bag to slip up, and mash me a little too far forward face-first in to the trail. In addition to this fabulous dance move, was the surprising fact that my trail mix bag... my food source for the afternoon was actually open. My mix quickly became one with the trail. I was devastated because it was AWESOME and yummy. Sigh. You are never hungry until you can't eat. No use crying over spilled nuts...
On I went.
I go pretty far back in these trails, rarely coming across anyone. It's fine by me. I am out there to regroup not re-GROUP. As fine luck would have it, many people were out and about this fine blazing weekend. The first couple had shorts on. (Really? Do you KNOW what a tick is? And that when they find you, they tell all their little buddies to climb all over you and attach themselves...Far be it for me to judge.) and little cute tennis shoes with no socks. Awwww Can you say unprepared? They were drenched in sweat and looked almost happy to see me: a rumpled woman with a backpack who looks like she sleeps under the interstate ramps at night and licks tin cans clean. ;)
"Can you tell us where we are?"
"Sure. Show me your map. I'd be glad to."
"We don't have one."
I tried to keep that " I just ate a spoonful of alum"-shaped "OHHHH" face hidden away. I turned to one side and asked if they wanted bug spray showing them my almost empty can.
"We did that before we left."
Another attempt at hidden alum pucker. "Water?"
They both sighed. I gave them one of my extra bottles and they sucked it down in record time. I pulled out my map and showed them where were were and where they were headed, being honest about the terrain: a little marshy; lots of bugs, watch for ticks. There were several creek beds that were very rocky so be careful of their ankles. I also showed them a couple of short cut that could be utilized to get them home faster... should they want to...
I gave them my map and we parted ways.
A couple of miles later, I heard ... swearing... eff bombs and every dirty word you could imagine. I naturally thought it was my "pals" from earlier in the day trying to get home. Heat can make anyone grouchy. I had visions of them almost reduced to bones clutching my trusty map upside down, surrounded by clouds of snarling skeeters and biting flies pelting and gnawing at them. I rounded the trail. It was not.
It was a young "lady" in bug glasses (the kind too big for your face.. ANYONE's face for that matter), short-shorts (again... TICKS? HELLOOOOO) a halter and? Oh yes tie-up "come-get-me" sandals. What in the name of Holy Hannah was she THINKING? That the bear would take pause to decide whether to eat or date her? Her beau was lugging a small backpack and was pouring over a map that Princess was swatting while swearing and chomping on her gum. I imagine that was very helpful for the boyfriend to get oriented. Multitasking at its finest.
"Can I help ya, get somewhere?" I asked nicely. I was hot and tired and looked a little worse I am certain than I did before my debut to the first couple.
She paused to confer with her gum and said "No. We're fine." The response was wet and slappy wafting faintly of Peppermint.
"Chew with your trap shut Darlin. You look a little smarter." I thought pleasantly. Yes, heat can make anyone grouchy.
Her friend smiled weakly and studied the map. She swatted it and called him something that rhymes with "stick-feed"
I had given away my map so I needed to see the trail marker and go the right direction (which I immediately concluded was the opposite route they chose to go). The Princess Broad folded her arms, cocked her hips, conferred with her gum worse than Marissa Tomei in "My Cousin Vinny" and snapped through a bubble "I SAID we're fine!"
I wiped my forehead and reached up near her. She stepped back and almost put up her dukes.
"I need to see the marker" ... "YOU STUPID IDGIT"... was what I wanted to add, OR " Why don't you consult your gum a little louder and see if IT remembers what poison ivy looks like because YOU, my dear, must not since you and your cute little shoes are knee deep in it.." buuuut I didn't. I just smiled and walked on. I even hummed a little. I hope she broke lots and lots of vines on those plants. That juice will stay put and can get you WEEKS after you've been out in it... heeheehee... chew on THAT!!!
Princess Broad swatted her hero's map again and called him a firetrucking jerk. What a nice afternoon that poor guy had. I wonder how many ticks she collected. Ya think he got em for her? Hell, if I'd have been him, I'd have gone out and GOTTEN some to PUT on her... while she slept of course...
Heat can make anyone grouchy.
I was a little more than nervous not to have my map; only my written trail intersections and my compass. But you know what? This lil girl made it; with half an hour to spare.
I am over half way to my goal and am really proud of myself.
I WILL get there... on my own two feet.
Monday, July 8, 2013
The challenge of survival
Hunger drove it out into the forest to hunt. It was getting weak but it didn't have to take shape yet. It would be able to take a meal without physical change; as always.
Mikki hiked alone and loved it. The silence and serenity had become her recharge from her draining everyday demands. This was a new trail; not her usual tromp along the shaded logging roads or the gnarled, dead marshes. It would be an extreme challenge to trek down winding creek beds out near the abandoned tannery and then on around glacial lake. It would be rigorous and she was nervous; but excited. The first day wasn't bad. It was tough on her joints but that was the way the rock beds were. It was always unsteady and harsh; jamming and twisting her knees and wrists. Some of the smaller creeks were still swollen from heavy rain, adding the element of slippery. More than once she dunked in and got wet, having to deal with heavy soggy clothes and the warning of a chill. When it came time to camp, she was dog tired. Everything set up normally. She relaxed, enjoying the clear quiet night. The moon was full and brilliant, acting as a lantern. The stars were not shy in the least, choosing to wink and sparkle in the swift, light cloud cover that danced in the soothing, sweet breeze. She wished she could have frozen time and stayed there. She fell asleep to the soft creeping of animals near by.
It watched; sneaking around her tiny flimsy tent. Not yet though. It planned to toy with her.
The morning was brisk and dark when she woke. Breakfast was quick but leisurely compared to breakdown of camp. She had a big day ahead. Mikki sighed and shrugged on her closest companion; "Nag", her pack. She headed out on to the trail. She was only a couple of miles in when she heard the rustling. It seemed to float all around her. She paused; listening and watching. Whatever it was, either beat her at this "stand still" game or had moved on. She dismissed it. But a couple of hours later, Mikki felt a chill creep under her skin. She again took stock in her surroundings, making sure to have her spray in hand. Bears and coyotes were common. Whatever it was stumbled and romped off to her left, out of sight or hidden in the thick brush. She began to sing and make noise, hoping to discourage it. Fear planted itself in the back of her mind and warned her to hurry. Picking up her pace, she was looking forward to getting around the inlet, closer to an old shelter she had heard about; maybe people.
It was during her lunch break that she felt threatened. Parked on a sloping rock near the inlet, she felt the temperature drop. Shadows ventured in; heavy, ominous. And then she heard it; not exactly a growl or a groan, but a noise that slithered through the wind and tickled the back of her neck. Mikki shivered, turning sharply to see branches and leaves dipping and twisting. Rushing to get packed up, she accidentally dropped her spray, hurrying on. She checked her phone and even though there was no signal sent a time stamp with an update: She would not be going to the other side of the lake; cutting the trip short by a day or two and ending at the ranger station. Regardless, she was two days in and had no choice but to get passed the old tannery, across the creek and then down the mountain. It was still three days. The rampage in the woods slowed and stopped.
She kept on another hour until she got to the tannery. It's big waterwheel lolled to one side; the once hulking building now cowered under ravenous, indifferent forest growth. Careless saplings poked out its window eyes while eager shrub stuffed its gaping doorway of a mouth. Mikki would have liked to taken time to explore it but a thick, almost sick urgency pushed her on. She sang nervously with a dry cracking voice.
Four miles farther, she was forced to stop because of aching trembling legs. Her shoulders pinched and cried from "Nag"s unrelenting weight. Wanting more than ever to stay ahead of her threat though, Mikki forced herself to make it quick. It wasn't quick enough because whatever it was, surged forward stomping closer. Mikki grabbed her pack and ran, trying to slip it over her shoulders as she dashed down the trail. Its snarl was low, hungry; angry. Miki tried to see over her shoulder but could only catch the snapping of branches and shaking of leaves. It seemed big and heavy. She turned to refocus on the trail , hoping to put space between them but the exposed tree root decided otherwise, snagging her boot. She went down hard, Nag eagerly mashed her face into the mud that covered the rocks. She heard a thick crackling sound and felt a hot slash across her nose and cheek. A heavy shadow loomed over her. A hot breeze curled heavily along her neck. Then she melted into the mud hoping not to feel or see any more.
It was the pain that woke her; searing and thumping across her face, down into her neck. She wondered if she'd been mauled by a bear. But rolling over she realized that couldn't have been true. She was no longer face first in the muddy embankment. Mikki was actually back at the tannery. She only knew this because of the eerie scratching a few branches made against random panes. Mikki blinked and looked around. She was alone. Sitting up brought new agonies. She moved slowly, testing her muscles. They were not in the mood to be bothered. She stood and looked around for Nag ~ she had been gutted. Bits of Mikki's pack were strewn and shredded over the debris covered floor. All she had was what few emergency items she carried around her neck and in her pockets. She cautiously stepped toward the door; peering out into the thick green wood The sun was beginning to say goodnight. Her steps were slow; silent at first. As she cleared the first bend in the trail, Mikki began to run. She begged her heavy boots to move. She pumped her arms and fell into a rhythmic breath. Her lungs burned and her heart thundered between her ribs but she kept running.
The moon was not so generous with its light this night. She struggled against the forest; feeling the sting and scratch of branches and bugs. Still she ran, until her legs simply collapsed under her, refusing one more step. Then she dragged herself off trail under a broken sycamore tree. She pulled the emergency tarp from her pocket and wrapped herself in it. She huddled and prayed. Sleep assaulted her quickly.
It watched and waited; amused by her resolve. It began to invade her mind; chewing slowly like jerky at her sanity.
Mikki slept; almost two days slipped by her, due mostly to her injuries but also because of it's attack on her. The beast kept her from fully regaining consciousness. It was hungry and needed her to survive. It sat and watched; laughing and leering over her at times, sending her horrible, grotesque dreams; all part of its plan, pattern and ritual. In the poor girl's head, her brain began to struggle. It saw and presented horrifying images; insane preposterous scenarios that felt all to real to the wobbly injured hiker.
When she finally accepted consciousness, her body was weak, dehydrated, hungry. (exactly what the beast needed) She crawled from under her tarp on all fours and searched the trail. Nothing. A wave of relief followed by stabbing pain washed over her. She found a sturdy branch and began to use it as a cane to walk as quickly as possible. She pulled at some thistle flowers and other edibles, closing her eyes to the bitter crunch of a bug or two. She hated it but was grateful she knew who in the bug world could sit on a buffet and who couldn't. Mosquitoes whined around her head, carving at any exposed skin. She batted spiders and tugged ticks but kept walking. The trail faded away. She lost sight of the markers. She tried not to panic and checked her compass. The glass was broken in her fall and the needle was bent and limp.
She swore and fought tears. She strained her ears and listened for it. Nothing. But she knew it was close. She could hear it in her head; laughing.
"Do it. Give up. You can't make it around the lake. You don't even know where you are." And then the visions would come. Promises? Threats? She wasn't sure but they were all dark red and there was ripped flesh, exposed bones and shrieking. Lots of shrieking.
"No." she shook her head firmly. Holding her fingers up to the sun, she figured she had about three hours left. She listened as she walked and finally heard what she wanted: rushing water. Mikki staggered over and began to follow the bed. It had been dark for a while when she finally convinced herself to stop. Rummaging and discovering an old can, she placed one of her water tablets in and lit a small fire to boil it. She knew she would be sick but she had to drink. It was delicious and sweet. She drank too fast and cramped. The bugs got worse. She could almost feel the parasites taking hold. Fever simmered low inside her battered body. Her stomach and intestines punished her for the water.
The leaves rustled but it didn't come in to view. It sighed; settling in. Mikki tried to sleep but it circled her all night, making sure she couldn't rest. Her brain felt like it was fraying.
That was just what it wanted.
Unsure of the day or location, Mikki got up and began to wander. She kept alongside the creek heading south west (she guessed). If she was right, she would be near Buck Hill by morning. Tears swiped clean streaks down her dirty cheeks; swollen and infected by bugs and her wipe out. She was almost home.
The visions and voices became louder and more threatening. It told her she had gone the wrong direction. she was heading back to the tannery. She would be lost and with her sickness getting worse, she'd be dead by morning. It would be best to stop. Just stop. It circled her again and again; taunting her with growls and guttural noises. Sometimes it rushed up on her to make her run and wear herself out. Other times it sat back to let her think she had made headway.
Mikki's feet kept moving. She did not sing, but whimpered and occasionally mewled "No" or spoke in half sentences as if she were talking with someone. "I will ...." or "I'm good. You know I am."
When she heard the truck rumble up she laughed maniacally. "You LOSE shithead! YOU LOSE!" She picked up her pace, limping and leaning on her walking stick. She swiped at her face and smoothed her hair. She heard voices. She tried to cry out for help but it only came out as a choking squawk
It charged at her afraid the people up the road would help her. Taking shape was strenuous; this demon was used to causing insanity and having its victims commit suicide or die to exposure. It felt strength come in the form of flesh; thick heavy legs, spindly long arms with clawed gnarled fingers. It craned its round head and strained its ears. It had to focus its beady eyes against the light. What felt best was to stretch its jaw; rows of jagged tiny needles crammed into a line that was long and angled. It unhinged as it yawned hungrily. It began to run. It was time to capture its prize.
Mikki hobbled as fast as she could with her mouth held in a scream. She kept trying to shout with every breath to get the men's attention. They were walking back to their truck. They were going to leave! She would die. Behind her came the crashing of the monster. In her head it chanted one sentence over and over with increasing volume: I am coming for you now Mikki.
"NO WAIT FOR ME!" she hoarsely wailed. The men got in their truck and started the engine. Mikki's tears became sobs. The monster picked up speed and began to laugh; telling her it was too late.
The truck began to spit gravel and pull away. Mikki was about twenty yards away. She launched her stick like a javelin and began to run against the throbbing in her legs. her head throbbed. She felt each step underneath her eyes. Terror boiled under her skin at the thought of the little truck driving off. Mikki sucked in one last gulp; screaming from the bottom of her very soul: "JESUS CHRIST! HELP ME PLEASE"
The truck slammed to a halt; the passenger getting out and rushing toward her. He was screaming for her to hurry. His pallor was draining into the ground as he gazed stunned at what was coming behind her. She prayed he would. His arms were wide and waving frantically as if he was trying to catch her. She prayed he would.
It made a desperate lunge for the girl, ripping and snaring her shirt. She went down. It could feel her grasping for the man's hands. He was screaming; horrified; torn between saving her and running away. The beast laughed and grabbed her boot. The tug of war was on. It sat back and began to pull; happily contemplating the man as dessert. Humans called this fishing? The demon reeled in the prizes.
But the third man drove the truck, looping around them, charging in to the wood straight at it. The man on the ground rolled and dragged Mikki to the side. The truck smashed against the monster, startling it. It didn't know what do to with the sensations of hurt or broken. It screamed and tried to retreat but the metal giant backed up and took anothe bite. It wailed and withered. The second man grabbed Mikki and shoved her into the bed of the truck as he smacked at the back window screaming to hurry up and go. The metal monster growled a heavy fueled warning and pulled back. It began to speed off.
It watched the prey disappear. It marveled over its wounds and melted into the brush; to wait. It only had to wait. More would come and it would not be so lazy. An angry whimper drifted through the wind to Mikki's ears.
"What the Hell WAS that? " her hero implored.
"The devil himself." Mikki said and held his hand.
He shook his head and stroked her hair.
They lumbered on; to survive
This one took an awfully long time. I have gutted this several times and am finally happy with the result. It's a little abrupt at the end and I see rambling in the middle but overall, I like the feel of it. I hope you do too. Thanks for coming over and keeping me company. I could use it. Until next time, be good to you.
Mikki hiked alone and loved it. The silence and serenity had become her recharge from her draining everyday demands. This was a new trail; not her usual tromp along the shaded logging roads or the gnarled, dead marshes. It would be an extreme challenge to trek down winding creek beds out near the abandoned tannery and then on around glacial lake. It would be rigorous and she was nervous; but excited. The first day wasn't bad. It was tough on her joints but that was the way the rock beds were. It was always unsteady and harsh; jamming and twisting her knees and wrists. Some of the smaller creeks were still swollen from heavy rain, adding the element of slippery. More than once she dunked in and got wet, having to deal with heavy soggy clothes and the warning of a chill. When it came time to camp, she was dog tired. Everything set up normally. She relaxed, enjoying the clear quiet night. The moon was full and brilliant, acting as a lantern. The stars were not shy in the least, choosing to wink and sparkle in the swift, light cloud cover that danced in the soothing, sweet breeze. She wished she could have frozen time and stayed there. She fell asleep to the soft creeping of animals near by.
It watched; sneaking around her tiny flimsy tent. Not yet though. It planned to toy with her.
The morning was brisk and dark when she woke. Breakfast was quick but leisurely compared to breakdown of camp. She had a big day ahead. Mikki sighed and shrugged on her closest companion; "Nag", her pack. She headed out on to the trail. She was only a couple of miles in when she heard the rustling. It seemed to float all around her. She paused; listening and watching. Whatever it was, either beat her at this "stand still" game or had moved on. She dismissed it. But a couple of hours later, Mikki felt a chill creep under her skin. She again took stock in her surroundings, making sure to have her spray in hand. Bears and coyotes were common. Whatever it was stumbled and romped off to her left, out of sight or hidden in the thick brush. She began to sing and make noise, hoping to discourage it. Fear planted itself in the back of her mind and warned her to hurry. Picking up her pace, she was looking forward to getting around the inlet, closer to an old shelter she had heard about; maybe people.
It was during her lunch break that she felt threatened. Parked on a sloping rock near the inlet, she felt the temperature drop. Shadows ventured in; heavy, ominous. And then she heard it; not exactly a growl or a groan, but a noise that slithered through the wind and tickled the back of her neck. Mikki shivered, turning sharply to see branches and leaves dipping and twisting. Rushing to get packed up, she accidentally dropped her spray, hurrying on. She checked her phone and even though there was no signal sent a time stamp with an update: She would not be going to the other side of the lake; cutting the trip short by a day or two and ending at the ranger station. Regardless, she was two days in and had no choice but to get passed the old tannery, across the creek and then down the mountain. It was still three days. The rampage in the woods slowed and stopped.
She kept on another hour until she got to the tannery. It's big waterwheel lolled to one side; the once hulking building now cowered under ravenous, indifferent forest growth. Careless saplings poked out its window eyes while eager shrub stuffed its gaping doorway of a mouth. Mikki would have liked to taken time to explore it but a thick, almost sick urgency pushed her on. She sang nervously with a dry cracking voice.
Four miles farther, she was forced to stop because of aching trembling legs. Her shoulders pinched and cried from "Nag"s unrelenting weight. Wanting more than ever to stay ahead of her threat though, Mikki forced herself to make it quick. It wasn't quick enough because whatever it was, surged forward stomping closer. Mikki grabbed her pack and ran, trying to slip it over her shoulders as she dashed down the trail. Its snarl was low, hungry; angry. Miki tried to see over her shoulder but could only catch the snapping of branches and shaking of leaves. It seemed big and heavy. She turned to refocus on the trail , hoping to put space between them but the exposed tree root decided otherwise, snagging her boot. She went down hard, Nag eagerly mashed her face into the mud that covered the rocks. She heard a thick crackling sound and felt a hot slash across her nose and cheek. A heavy shadow loomed over her. A hot breeze curled heavily along her neck. Then she melted into the mud hoping not to feel or see any more.
It was the pain that woke her; searing and thumping across her face, down into her neck. She wondered if she'd been mauled by a bear. But rolling over she realized that couldn't have been true. She was no longer face first in the muddy embankment. Mikki was actually back at the tannery. She only knew this because of the eerie scratching a few branches made against random panes. Mikki blinked and looked around. She was alone. Sitting up brought new agonies. She moved slowly, testing her muscles. They were not in the mood to be bothered. She stood and looked around for Nag ~ she had been gutted. Bits of Mikki's pack were strewn and shredded over the debris covered floor. All she had was what few emergency items she carried around her neck and in her pockets. She cautiously stepped toward the door; peering out into the thick green wood The sun was beginning to say goodnight. Her steps were slow; silent at first. As she cleared the first bend in the trail, Mikki began to run. She begged her heavy boots to move. She pumped her arms and fell into a rhythmic breath. Her lungs burned and her heart thundered between her ribs but she kept running.
The moon was not so generous with its light this night. She struggled against the forest; feeling the sting and scratch of branches and bugs. Still she ran, until her legs simply collapsed under her, refusing one more step. Then she dragged herself off trail under a broken sycamore tree. She pulled the emergency tarp from her pocket and wrapped herself in it. She huddled and prayed. Sleep assaulted her quickly.
It watched and waited; amused by her resolve. It began to invade her mind; chewing slowly like jerky at her sanity.
Mikki slept; almost two days slipped by her, due mostly to her injuries but also because of it's attack on her. The beast kept her from fully regaining consciousness. It was hungry and needed her to survive. It sat and watched; laughing and leering over her at times, sending her horrible, grotesque dreams; all part of its plan, pattern and ritual. In the poor girl's head, her brain began to struggle. It saw and presented horrifying images; insane preposterous scenarios that felt all to real to the wobbly injured hiker.
When she finally accepted consciousness, her body was weak, dehydrated, hungry. (exactly what the beast needed) She crawled from under her tarp on all fours and searched the trail. Nothing. A wave of relief followed by stabbing pain washed over her. She found a sturdy branch and began to use it as a cane to walk as quickly as possible. She pulled at some thistle flowers and other edibles, closing her eyes to the bitter crunch of a bug or two. She hated it but was grateful she knew who in the bug world could sit on a buffet and who couldn't. Mosquitoes whined around her head, carving at any exposed skin. She batted spiders and tugged ticks but kept walking. The trail faded away. She lost sight of the markers. She tried not to panic and checked her compass. The glass was broken in her fall and the needle was bent and limp.
She swore and fought tears. She strained her ears and listened for it. Nothing. But she knew it was close. She could hear it in her head; laughing.
"Do it. Give up. You can't make it around the lake. You don't even know where you are." And then the visions would come. Promises? Threats? She wasn't sure but they were all dark red and there was ripped flesh, exposed bones and shrieking. Lots of shrieking.
"No." she shook her head firmly. Holding her fingers up to the sun, she figured she had about three hours left. She listened as she walked and finally heard what she wanted: rushing water. Mikki staggered over and began to follow the bed. It had been dark for a while when she finally convinced herself to stop. Rummaging and discovering an old can, she placed one of her water tablets in and lit a small fire to boil it. She knew she would be sick but she had to drink. It was delicious and sweet. She drank too fast and cramped. The bugs got worse. She could almost feel the parasites taking hold. Fever simmered low inside her battered body. Her stomach and intestines punished her for the water.
The leaves rustled but it didn't come in to view. It sighed; settling in. Mikki tried to sleep but it circled her all night, making sure she couldn't rest. Her brain felt like it was fraying.
That was just what it wanted.
Unsure of the day or location, Mikki got up and began to wander. She kept alongside the creek heading south west (she guessed). If she was right, she would be near Buck Hill by morning. Tears swiped clean streaks down her dirty cheeks; swollen and infected by bugs and her wipe out. She was almost home.
The visions and voices became louder and more threatening. It told her she had gone the wrong direction. she was heading back to the tannery. She would be lost and with her sickness getting worse, she'd be dead by morning. It would be best to stop. Just stop. It circled her again and again; taunting her with growls and guttural noises. Sometimes it rushed up on her to make her run and wear herself out. Other times it sat back to let her think she had made headway.
Mikki's feet kept moving. She did not sing, but whimpered and occasionally mewled "No" or spoke in half sentences as if she were talking with someone. "I will ...." or "I'm good. You know I am."
When she heard the truck rumble up she laughed maniacally. "You LOSE shithead! YOU LOSE!" She picked up her pace, limping and leaning on her walking stick. She swiped at her face and smoothed her hair. She heard voices. She tried to cry out for help but it only came out as a choking squawk
It charged at her afraid the people up the road would help her. Taking shape was strenuous; this demon was used to causing insanity and having its victims commit suicide or die to exposure. It felt strength come in the form of flesh; thick heavy legs, spindly long arms with clawed gnarled fingers. It craned its round head and strained its ears. It had to focus its beady eyes against the light. What felt best was to stretch its jaw; rows of jagged tiny needles crammed into a line that was long and angled. It unhinged as it yawned hungrily. It began to run. It was time to capture its prize.
Mikki hobbled as fast as she could with her mouth held in a scream. She kept trying to shout with every breath to get the men's attention. They were walking back to their truck. They were going to leave! She would die. Behind her came the crashing of the monster. In her head it chanted one sentence over and over with increasing volume: I am coming for you now Mikki.
"NO WAIT FOR ME!" she hoarsely wailed. The men got in their truck and started the engine. Mikki's tears became sobs. The monster picked up speed and began to laugh; telling her it was too late.
The truck began to spit gravel and pull away. Mikki was about twenty yards away. She launched her stick like a javelin and began to run against the throbbing in her legs. her head throbbed. She felt each step underneath her eyes. Terror boiled under her skin at the thought of the little truck driving off. Mikki sucked in one last gulp; screaming from the bottom of her very soul: "JESUS CHRIST! HELP ME PLEASE"
The truck slammed to a halt; the passenger getting out and rushing toward her. He was screaming for her to hurry. His pallor was draining into the ground as he gazed stunned at what was coming behind her. She prayed he would. His arms were wide and waving frantically as if he was trying to catch her. She prayed he would.
It made a desperate lunge for the girl, ripping and snaring her shirt. She went down. It could feel her grasping for the man's hands. He was screaming; horrified; torn between saving her and running away. The beast laughed and grabbed her boot. The tug of war was on. It sat back and began to pull; happily contemplating the man as dessert. Humans called this fishing? The demon reeled in the prizes.
But the third man drove the truck, looping around them, charging in to the wood straight at it. The man on the ground rolled and dragged Mikki to the side. The truck smashed against the monster, startling it. It didn't know what do to with the sensations of hurt or broken. It screamed and tried to retreat but the metal giant backed up and took anothe bite. It wailed and withered. The second man grabbed Mikki and shoved her into the bed of the truck as he smacked at the back window screaming to hurry up and go. The metal monster growled a heavy fueled warning and pulled back. It began to speed off.
It watched the prey disappear. It marveled over its wounds and melted into the brush; to wait. It only had to wait. More would come and it would not be so lazy. An angry whimper drifted through the wind to Mikki's ears.
"What the Hell WAS that? " her hero implored.
"The devil himself." Mikki said and held his hand.
He shook his head and stroked her hair.
They lumbered on; to survive
This one took an awfully long time. I have gutted this several times and am finally happy with the result. It's a little abrupt at the end and I see rambling in the middle but overall, I like the feel of it. I hope you do too. Thanks for coming over and keeping me company. I could use it. Until next time, be good to you.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Goodbyes
I have been gone a lot this week. I'm sorry. A friend of ours has lost her battle with cancer. It was sudden; sort of. We were all a little surpised that it raged over her and stole her so quickly when it had been dilly-dallying for so long.
This woman was amazing. I rarely heard her complain ~ even when things were tough; painful. When I grow up, I want to be that strong. She never stopped laughing; enjoying what she could and when no matter who she was with. I love that about her.
When we got the call that she wanted to see people she cared about; family; friends. We felt that warm, heavy pit form in our bellies. I didn't want to go and childishly cried about it. I guess maybe in my mind, if I didn't say goodbye, she wouldn't go. But we did visit. She was heavily medicated to keep her comfy. She has always hated that feeling. She was sleeping so we left a note ~not wantign to disturb her. As we turned to go, she stirred and looked at us. I wasn't sure she knew who we were with her mind so foggy and gummed up, but she did. She smiled. I asked her if she wanted to go dancing with us. "I love you " Another tired smile.
"I feel so sick."
That was it. The tears came although I shouted in my head for them to stay away. NEVER had she ONCE said ANYTHING like this... Stupid meds. Stupid cancer. Stupid death. I banished it all to Hell. LEAVE HER ALONE! Just leaver her alone. I asked God if she could stay; just a little while longer. He heard my prayer. He gave us five more days. She was hauled from hospital to hospital, she was tested as they tried to fix her. She fought and fought.. more meds. More equipement.
I asked God to make it stop and confessed I had been selfish; wrong. I didn't want to say goodbye but I couldn't stand to see this vibrant woman chewed up anymore. Our Father... does know best sometimes.
She passed. She was with people who love and miss her with tears and wonderful stories of a life lived; fully, gracefully. She was kind. When she discovered more than ten years ago that my mom and dad lived in Florida, she hugged me and sweetly asked "Well, I don't have much family. Want to be part of it? The more the merrier."
I treasure that invitation to share part of her life; considering myself lucky and blessed.
I was out on a hike the morning she died. Cheech waited until I got back to tell me. For some reason, I took only one picture that morning. It was close to her time.
Heaven looks a little brighter having taken in such a wonderful beautiful angel.
I miss you Joan. Peace is finally yours. Thank you for all you are; all you gave and how you loved. We have all been made better people being touched by your light.
This woman was amazing. I rarely heard her complain ~ even when things were tough; painful. When I grow up, I want to be that strong. She never stopped laughing; enjoying what she could and when no matter who she was with. I love that about her.
When we got the call that she wanted to see people she cared about; family; friends. We felt that warm, heavy pit form in our bellies. I didn't want to go and childishly cried about it. I guess maybe in my mind, if I didn't say goodbye, she wouldn't go. But we did visit. She was heavily medicated to keep her comfy. She has always hated that feeling. She was sleeping so we left a note ~not wantign to disturb her. As we turned to go, she stirred and looked at us. I wasn't sure she knew who we were with her mind so foggy and gummed up, but she did. She smiled. I asked her if she wanted to go dancing with us. "I love you " Another tired smile.
"I feel so sick."
That was it. The tears came although I shouted in my head for them to stay away. NEVER had she ONCE said ANYTHING like this... Stupid meds. Stupid cancer. Stupid death. I banished it all to Hell. LEAVE HER ALONE! Just leaver her alone. I asked God if she could stay; just a little while longer. He heard my prayer. He gave us five more days. She was hauled from hospital to hospital, she was tested as they tried to fix her. She fought and fought.. more meds. More equipement.
I asked God to make it stop and confessed I had been selfish; wrong. I didn't want to say goodbye but I couldn't stand to see this vibrant woman chewed up anymore. Our Father... does know best sometimes. She passed. She was with people who love and miss her with tears and wonderful stories of a life lived; fully, gracefully. She was kind. When she discovered more than ten years ago that my mom and dad lived in Florida, she hugged me and sweetly asked "Well, I don't have much family. Want to be part of it? The more the merrier."
I treasure that invitation to share part of her life; considering myself lucky and blessed.
I was out on a hike the morning she died. Cheech waited until I got back to tell me. For some reason, I took only one picture that morning. It was close to her time.
Heaven looks a little brighter having taken in such a wonderful beautiful angel.
I miss you Joan. Peace is finally yours. Thank you for all you are; all you gave and how you loved. We have all been made better people being touched by your light.
Welcome and Thank you
I wanted to take a quick minute to thank my newest fans. I am flattered and happy that you have enjoyed my writing and become steady vistitors; friends. I also thank you for your recommendations to those you know, ratings in your circles and on Google. I appreciate all of these gifts and these opportunities to meet new people and share my writing; friendship with them.
Come over any time. It's better with you here.
Many warm hugs.
Tess
Come over any time. It's better with you here.
Many warm hugs.
Tess
Light em up
And so I hope that your Independence Day was great. I hope you thanked those who have fought and do fight to help us keep it. I hope you enjoyed family and friends and ate too much; needing or at least wanting soft super elastic stretchy pants... oh maybe that was just me... did I type that out loud? ;)
Well we did have a small party; some of my favorite people in my little world. It has been so very long since we've been able to kick off our shoes, talk, vent and best of all laugh. we sure took advantage of a great day and did all that. cheech shaved a ball diamond in to the grass and we had a kickball tournament adults vs kids. We smoked chickens and ribs and feasted like the grandest royals. I was spoiled with my friend's awesome biscotti and of course there was wine. I know, right? WHaaaa? hahaha... not too much though. And why not? Because we had a fireworks extravaganza to set off. My husband spent half the kids' college fund (not really...I don't think so anyway...lemme just check the balances again....) to have a blow out rivaling the town. It was of course filled with ooo's and ahhh's and a fantastic finale. We laughed and clapped.. it was great.
We were cleaning up when my daughter said "Hey mom...ummm... there's a fire in the grass." very simple. Very unalarmed.
"What? noooo..... our lawn?"
"ummm yeah... there IS a fire ..."
So I scoffed, flipped the dish towel over my shoulder and peeked out. Sure as a bear makes messies in the woods, there was a small fire burning in the grass. I calmly went in to the living room where our overnighters were snoozing from food comas (Cheech included) and said softly. "There is a fire."
He rolled back too sleepy eyes. "Who? Who's on fire?"
I smiled. He's so cute when he's confused. "No. A fire. Outside. Can you please help me?"
I was speaking very softly so as not to wake our guests. But the kids heard and stampeded to the windows trampling all reasonably comfortable adults. I'm telling you it looked like a heard of wildebeests raced through there. For a second I thought they might tip the house on its side.
"Where! WHEEEEERRRRE?"
I can only assume they thought it was something of a city on fire rather than the little flames that taunted us from the middle of our yard.
Cheech got up and took the fire extinguisher and a couple of cups of water. Yes, well, that should have been fine except the extinguisher didn't fire. SOOOO we began a a small bucket brigade. The kids were certain our house was about to be engulfed.
"Should we move things out to the street? Should we bust out the windows so it doesn't explode? Where will we live? Will I have to go to a new school?"
"WHAT? ~ No ~ I have BONFIRES bigger than this. Hush and get another cup of water!" It took four. FOUR cups of water. As our world was saved, everyone slapped each other on the back and headed to the house. Safe and sound. BAck to your regularly scheduled food induced coma...remember the riiiibs... mmmm saucy....chicken.....saladssss....zzzzzzz
"Ummm Cheech?"
"Hmmm?"
"There's a fire."
"I know. We saved the day. Smokey would be proud."
"No I know,but there's ANOTHER fire."
"Don't tell me..."
"Okay."
And I waited.
He opened his eyes. "You're still here."
"There's still fire."
"Do you think putting it out is a solution we could live with?"
"Maybe. Wanna come and try that with me?"
"Maybe. Or I could watch from here and see that you do it correctly. Because I saved us the first time."
"Oh. Okay. Sure."
So I go out with the hose and put it out. Not a big deal. A couple of my overnighters woke and asked what I was doing. "Just cleaning up. More cookies?"
They groaned and passed out again.
I woke Cheech and had him come up to bed.
"Night Honey."
"Night. Love me?"
"Always."
"Would you bring a cup of water?"
"Ohhhh well, I would Sugar, but EARLIER, I was thirsty and when I went to get a glass of water, I looked out and I KNOW you won't believe it BUUUUT we had a small blaze... remember? Oh maybe not. It was a second blaze. Well anyhoo, I put that out with the cup of water I was going to DRINK and had to get ANOTHER one when I was done playing firechief. Do you think getting it yourself would be a plan we could live with?"
"Smartass."
He loves me.
Well we did have a small party; some of my favorite people in my little world. It has been so very long since we've been able to kick off our shoes, talk, vent and best of all laugh. we sure took advantage of a great day and did all that. cheech shaved a ball diamond in to the grass and we had a kickball tournament adults vs kids. We smoked chickens and ribs and feasted like the grandest royals. I was spoiled with my friend's awesome biscotti and of course there was wine. I know, right? WHaaaa? hahaha... not too much though. And why not? Because we had a fireworks extravaganza to set off. My husband spent half the kids' college fund (not really...I don't think so anyway...lemme just check the balances again....) to have a blow out rivaling the town. It was of course filled with ooo's and ahhh's and a fantastic finale. We laughed and clapped.. it was great.
We were cleaning up when my daughter said "Hey mom...ummm... there's a fire in the grass." very simple. Very unalarmed.
"What? noooo..... our lawn?"
"ummm yeah... there IS a fire ..."
So I scoffed, flipped the dish towel over my shoulder and peeked out. Sure as a bear makes messies in the woods, there was a small fire burning in the grass. I calmly went in to the living room where our overnighters were snoozing from food comas (Cheech included) and said softly. "There is a fire."
He rolled back too sleepy eyes. "Who? Who's on fire?"
I smiled. He's so cute when he's confused. "No. A fire. Outside. Can you please help me?"
I was speaking very softly so as not to wake our guests. But the kids heard and stampeded to the windows trampling all reasonably comfortable adults. I'm telling you it looked like a heard of wildebeests raced through there. For a second I thought they might tip the house on its side.
"Where! WHEEEEERRRRE?"
I can only assume they thought it was something of a city on fire rather than the little flames that taunted us from the middle of our yard.
Cheech got up and took the fire extinguisher and a couple of cups of water. Yes, well, that should have been fine except the extinguisher didn't fire. SOOOO we began a a small bucket brigade. The kids were certain our house was about to be engulfed.
"Should we move things out to the street? Should we bust out the windows so it doesn't explode? Where will we live? Will I have to go to a new school?"
"WHAT? ~ No ~ I have BONFIRES bigger than this. Hush and get another cup of water!" It took four. FOUR cups of water. As our world was saved, everyone slapped each other on the back and headed to the house. Safe and sound. BAck to your regularly scheduled food induced coma...remember the riiiibs... mmmm saucy....chicken.....saladssss....zzzzzzz
"Ummm Cheech?"
"Hmmm?"
"There's a fire."
"I know. We saved the day. Smokey would be proud."
"No I know,but there's ANOTHER fire."
"Don't tell me..."
"Okay."
And I waited.
He opened his eyes. "You're still here."
"There's still fire."
"Do you think putting it out is a solution we could live with?"
"Maybe. Wanna come and try that with me?"
"Maybe. Or I could watch from here and see that you do it correctly. Because I saved us the first time."
"Oh. Okay. Sure."
So I go out with the hose and put it out. Not a big deal. A couple of my overnighters woke and asked what I was doing. "Just cleaning up. More cookies?"
They groaned and passed out again.
I woke Cheech and had him come up to bed.
"Night Honey."
"Night. Love me?"
"Always."
"Would you bring a cup of water?"
"Ohhhh well, I would Sugar, but EARLIER, I was thirsty and when I went to get a glass of water, I looked out and I KNOW you won't believe it BUUUUT we had a small blaze... remember? Oh maybe not. It was a second blaze. Well anyhoo, I put that out with the cup of water I was going to DRINK and had to get ANOTHER one when I was done playing firechief. Do you think getting it yourself would be a plan we could live with?"
"Smartass."
He loves me.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Hello
Hey there my friends,
I am very sorry we missed each other on Sunday. I got derailed with a couple of emergencies and a personal tragedy. I will get back here as soon as possible. It's frustrating because I actually have a couple that I really like.
Eh ~ We'll get there, right?
Anyhoo, take care of you. I'll see you soon.
Miss your face
Tess
I am very sorry we missed each other on Sunday. I got derailed with a couple of emergencies and a personal tragedy. I will get back here as soon as possible. It's frustrating because I actually have a couple that I really like.
Eh ~ We'll get there, right?
Anyhoo, take care of you. I'll see you soon.
Miss your face
Tess
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