Jasper: Purple Flamingos Fly at Midnight (Jasper - Purple Flamingos Fly at Midnight Book 1)

by Refner, Daniel

  “Text me a picture of your dress and tell me what color my tux should be…” Jasper stopped. Suddenly all around them a mist began to take form. Like fog, it rolled around at all different levels at first. Then it began to expand from below the bridge to around their feet and slowly, quietly, it rose high into the air and blocked out the setting sun. But unlike fog, this mist was neither cold nor wet, but rather it was warm and dry. No fear was felt, only peace. The sun began to pour through the very center, and the light splashed upon Jasper and Stacy, causing them to sparkle. It was so bright, but somehow they could both see perfectly. A figure began to form out of the cloud. Calvin Indiana appeared inside the mist, sitting upright upon a cloud.

  The twins smiled at each other. “I told you I would see you again. I’ve been watching you this whole time. I am your spirit guide. Well, most of the time anyways. Wow, an adventure the two of you have shared. Brother, I want you to know something…love is the most powerful weapon against evil. Nothing can trump love…absolutely nothing. You know, some people meet and share a love that lasts only a season, but when I look at you and Stacy, I see a love that is going to last on both sides of eternity. Both of you need to keep that in mind, because this fight has just begun. So love each other, and don’t let go. We will be watching.” With that said, Calvin shifted his weight to one side and turned his cloud; the mist swirled from underneath him and revealed Thunder. Jasper and Stacy gasped! They jumped up from the bench, excited to see him. “It is my turn to ride him.”

  Jasper reached out with his arm to touch Thunder’s brow, and Thunder became solid in form, just as if Jasper had ridden him right into the park. Thunder gave a hearty blow, “Neigh,” and licked his hand. Jasper’s grin flowed ear to ear. He pressed his forehead together with Thunder’s. He reached his arms up around his neck and squeezed tightly. “I will never forget you. You are my best friend. Thank you so much for what you did for me. You’re so good. You saved me. You crazy horse, I’m alive because of you. There won’t be a day that goes by that I don’t wish you were right here with me. I love you Thunder. Goodbye, boy…I’ll miss you and I will hold you in my heart forever…I promise.”

  So many tears streamed down their faces as if it was raining in heaven, their hearts…breaking, bit by aching bit. Thunder stomped his hoof and snorted again. He threw his nose over Jasper’s right shoulder and pulled him in closer, holding him against his body. A series of images passed from him and went into Jasper’s head one last time. Flashes of them together riding next to the creek on the farm; chasing bandit planes and turning into dinosaurs to whack them out of the skies; resting in the warmth of his stall; and walking together in the tall open grasses. “Wait for me there, Thunder. That is where I’ll meet you when this life is through with me.” Jasper took hold of Thunder’s muzzle, kissed him on his face, gave his mane a good shake, and backed away to where Stacy stood at the front of the bench.

  Thunder gave a final grunt and began to return to a misted-over form. Calvin turned Thunder into the sun and rose slightly into the air. Before riding away he looked back over his shoulder and said, “Jasper, it is okay to be sad. No one understands that more than I do, and know this,” Calvin said with a joyful tone. “It is never ‘goodbye,’ just ‘until we meet again.’” Away from the bridge they went, directly into the setting sun. The mist faded and what was left of the darkening blue sky and its cloud companions returned. Jasper and Stacy sat back down on the bench together, watching them move off into the distance like a passing storm. Listening closely, they could hear Thunder’s hoof falls as he galloped across the sky. It was music to Jasper, filling him with joy. All at once a flash of lightning surrounded Calvin and Thunder. That magnificent horse had once again transformed into a large, long-necked Brontosaurus dinosaur, with Calvin hanging onto his back for dear life. The light and clouds dissolved away, and the sun went below the horizon, giving permission for the moon to appear. The last rolling echo washed over Jasper and Stacy… MALOOF!

  Jasper Indiana will return in

  Creepy Cow, Go Home

  The promise of a prom date would be the last natural thing Jasper and Stacy would ever pledge one to the other, because everything that followed was supernatural.

  follow THE AUTHOR

  DANIEL REFNER

  Resides in south western Michigan with his beautiful wife, two playful dogs, one hyper active kitten, and a ugly day job. In his down time he enjoys trips to the shoreline of Lake Michigan and play time with his grandkids.

  Readers may learn more about him and his work, post a review, and correspond with him on these social media pages:

  Email: refnerbooks@outlook.com

  www.facebook.com/refnerbooks