SLClimer - Rumours of the Grotesque
Page 27
"Don't be afraid, young ‘un,” she said. “They won't hurt you. Naw, they just here for supper."
"Supper?” Buddy gazed in amazement as the men got closer.
They shimmered in the night as they walked. It was if they'd been swimming in the moonlight itself and somehow forgot to dry off. Closer, the rhythm brought them to the edge of the yard. One of the men held his arm wearily and then barked several commands. The small platoon responded obediently and closed formation. Then, one by one they began to walk up to the front porch.
"Hello,” she smiled warmly and met their tired eyes. “Welcome to my home."
Buddy watched in fascination as they all graciously lowered their heads after passing. He carefully drank in every image: the creases by their eyes, the languid skin of their cheeks, the dried blood on their tattered military uniforms. Some wore blue and some wore gray, but none of it seemed to matter to her. They were all welcome in her home.
As the last one passed over the threshold, Buddy tugged on her skirt. “Who are they?"
"Poor ol’ souls lookin’ for home, boy.” She put her arm around him. “Jes like you."
They went inside the house, and the screen door slammed behind them. The next few hours were like a whirlwind for Buddy. He lost all track of time as he joined the soldiers at the table. He helped her dish out food, fetch water, and return with seconds. Buddy also ate. The food was satisfying, and she boasted about how well the boy helped her in the kitchen. They all praised him.
Before long, the soldiers began to stir. Buddy didn't want them to leave, but they were gathering their things. One soldier stood from the table and began to slam long, slow notes on his drum. The song rallied the small platoon. Slowly, in grim silence, they filed out of the front door, making formation on the lawn. Above them, the fireflies swarmed like a glowing cloud.
Unnerved, Buddy thought about where he was and what he'd been doing. It finally came back to him. He was lost in the woods, and his mother would skin him alive for being out so late. Thoughts of his mother's wrath and the certain sting of her leather shoe on his butt made him cringe.
Buddy followed the last soldier out the door, and she was right behind him. “You best be gettin’ home, too. Your momma will be worried."
He looked up into her wide black face. “I'm so late. I'll get a lickin'."
"Naw, your momma won't whip you tonight.” She gave a gentle wave as the last of the solders waded into the darkness.
"Why do you feed those men?"
"They lonesome and lookin’ for the Lord,” she stated. “I take care of ‘em until they find what they lookin’ for."
"Were they ghosts?” Buddy innocently asked as he tried to digest all of the evening's strange happenings
She laughed, “I suppose they be ghosts to some people."
"Who were they?” Buddy's next question was more intense.
"Let me tell you a quick story,” she sighed, gathering her thoughts. “You see, a long time ago, there was a big war. Brothers fought brothers, all for nothing. They shot at each other, hurt each other, killed each other.
"In their hearts, they knowed it was wrong, but they did it anyway. Now, after all is said and done, they finally together lookin’ for the Lord. I'm a servant of the Lord, as we all should be. And that's why I take care of ‘em until they get home. But it's late and you need to be gettin’ home, too."
"I'm scared of the woods; I don't know the way..."
"Ain't no reason to be scared.” She squatted down laboriously and looked him squarely in the eyes. “You have plenty of light to get home by.” She gestured to the trees, alive with fireflies. “They'll see you home.” She stood. “Now, on your way."
"Now?” Buddy reluctantly replied, tears swelling in his eyes. “But I don't want to go. I want to stay here with you."
"Hush, you need to go home.” She wiped his tears with thick thumbs. “You be comin’ back to my house soon enough.” She turned him by the shoulders until he faced the woods. “Go on, you'll be fine. You can trust me. Trust the Lord."
"You never told me your name,” Buddy said as he made himself take the first steps onto the stairs.
She didn't answer, though. Buddy stepped from the porch and into the dark yard. Just as she said, the fireflies swarmed in undulating ribbons—thousands of them flickering and twinkling above the dark forest floor.
Some of the little creatures landed on Buddy's arms, and he lifted them closer for inspection. Their tiny abdomens brightened and faded with the rhythm of his pulse. Their legs tickled like stray thread or spider webs as they walked over his skin. Suddenly, the insects unfurled their wings and rejoined the living river forming above the pathway. He took a few pensive steps, but paused. He turned to see her once more, just to reassure him that it was okay to go home.
But she wasn't there. The house was gone as well. Instead, he looked upon a dark meadow alive with night sounds. Things rustled where the house used to be, and bats swooped in for an evening meal. Terror took him in its tight fist. Don't be scared, he told himself. She said to trust her, trust the Lord.
He looked forward again. The soldiers were nowhere to be seen, and even the drum had faded into the shadows. The fireflies, however, had not forgotten him. There were so many of them, Buddy was dazzled. The ribbon of glowing light had thickened until the path through the woods could be seen. The cool evening wind rippled the insects, but they held together just like the brothers of the platoon seeking their own way.
He was no longer afraid and began the long walk home.
About the Author
Steven Lee Climer lives in Metropolitan Detroit with his wife Karen and two daughters, Melaina and Brooklyn. He is also a PhD student at Wayne State University, studying English Composition. He has sold the motion picture rights of his novelDemoneque to After Dark Productions—the folks behindDungeons & Dragons andAmerican Haunting . There is also renewed interest in his paranormal mystery series “A Touch of Evil” in NY at several major publishers.
Visit www.silverlakepublishing.com for information on additional titles by this and other authors.
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