Even though I’m single again, I’ve become a bit of a shut-in. I think my friends know I came back a different person than who they knew before. I used to be the girl who put on the happy mask but meanwhile, behind it, was drowning in sorrow. I can’t be her any longer. I can’t play the victim in my own personal tragedy. I have to find a way to stop blaming myself for things that were beyond my control. If my “furlough” taught me anything, it’s that I’m stronger than all of that. If my soul can journey to where it’s been and I can walk out the other side, then I can survive anything. Gone are the days of weakness. It’s time for me to usher in a new era of strength. Not too much, of course... I don’t want to get all veiny and start growing sideburns or anything.
...
One evening Devon and I had the notion to rent two of Hollywood’s latest blockbusters... heavy on action and sex, but light on plot. We picked up some candy and made microwave popcorn. Devon pulled two reclining chairs together, creating a little makeshift theatre. We spent the night laughing and throwing popcorn at the TV. As we gave the first film the Mystery Science Theatre 3000 treatment, it occurred to me life was normal once more. I was beginning to feel comfortable and like myself again. The feeling snuck up on me, but it was the moment I had been waiting for.
Too bad I wasn’t the only one.
We both fell asleep during the second movie, not because it was late or we were tired, it was just that mind-numbingly boring. At one particular moment, I wasn’t sure if I was asleep or awake, but I felt a presence near me. Whoever it was, did not feel friendly. There was such a sense of malice I was sure I’d suffocate on its ill intent. As it drew closer, I tried to remind myself I was having another nightmare. I was safe, but still held my breath in fear. A melodious voice filled the room, reciting poetry:
“The Queen of air and darkness
Begins to shrill and cry,
O young man, O my slayer,
To-morrow you shall die.”
The last part was damn near hissed. All was silent for a few moments, until she whispered in my ear, “Time to wake, little mouse.”
I shot straight out of the chair, sending popcorn and candy flying all over the living room. Arms and legs flailing, I landed on the floor with a hard thud. I clutched my chest, trying to slow my breathing. I kept reminding myself it was just another nightmare, repeating all the comforting phrases my mom used when I was a kid. There was no one else in the house. It was just Devon and me. I was safe. Nothing bad could get to me.
I had almost convinced myself of all too, until I looked at Devon.
He, too, was now awake. I assumed my spastic episode had roused him, but upon closer inspection it became obvious; I was not the cause of his awakening. All the color had drained from his cheeks and his breathing was as ragged as mine. He was certainly unnerved.
There was a question hovering on the tip of my tongue but I couldn’t manage to push it out. Repeating the words in my head sounded insane. I couldn’t imagine how they would sound to Devon if I said them out loud.
He met my questioning gaze with one of his own. Apprehensive recognition took hold of us and I saw the answer waiting in his fearful eyes. It was driven home when he began to slowly nod his head.
I wanted to dismiss the fright and dread settling into the very corners of my soul. I needed auditory testimony that I wasn’t the only one who heard her. I needed to push the question out but, somewhere deep within me, that confirmation had already taken its hold. The inquiry remained fastened in place and instead all I managed to say was—
“Oh shit.”
THE END
About the Author
Nicki Scalise lives in Colorado with her husband, Jon.
They Share their home with four dogs and a chinchilla.
Prayer for the Dead is her first novel.
Other Works
Apocalypse: An Anthology by Authors and Readers featuring the short- Cheyenne Mountain
Paranormal Anthology with a Twist Featuring the short- Little Tchochkes
Stalkers Anthology featuring the short- Damaged People
Connect with me:
www.nickiscalise.com
https://www.facebook.com/NickiScalise
http://nickiscalise.blogspot.com/
@nickiscalise
Prayer for the Dead (Revenants in Purgatory) Page 24