Day of the Dead

She covered her arms, her face and her chest in the luminescent paint.

Quiet and unassuming, normally no-one noticed her. Today was different. Today was the day of the dead. Her heart beat fast at the thoughts of the festivities that would unfold over the next two days in an explosion of colour and life-affirming joy.

More importantly, she would see him again. Each year she made the offering to the dead and each year he had stayed a little longer. This year she was finally prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice. Herself. He would be hers for eternity.

Written in response to Daily Posts daily prompt. You can join in this challenge or have a gander through the many interesting posts by clicking here.

I hope you enjoyed my 100-word story.

If you want to find out a bit more about Day of the dead – this National Geographic article is really interesting – http://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/travel-and-adventure/top-10-things-know-about-day-dead

Saying Goodbye

Voyages, trips, journeys. Why did everyone think they were good things? Couldn’t things just stay the same? Emily looked at Ben sitting next to her on the couch. He took her hand gently.

“Don’t worry Emily. Don’t be sad, it’ll be okay.” He said but it just made her more upset.

“I don’t want to go I’ll miss you too much.” She said between sniffles.

Emily’s mum walked in. “Emily time to get in the car. It’s two weeks at camp, not death row!” She said pointing to the door. It was going to be a long two weeks.

airplane image - courtesy of Rich Voza - friday fictioneers — Aeroplane Image courtesy of Rich Voza for Friday Fictioneers

Originally written in response to Friday Fictioneers.

Using the above image tell a story in 100 words or less.

The Boy and The Wolf

Fresh snow crunches beneath my footsteps as I search the abandoned castle. I know the child and the wolf passed through here, I have followed the steps for many miles. More than that, it was foretold a long time ago. My family have watched the woods ever since, but as the only son in a generation of female heirs, I knew it would be my destiny to discover the child and the wolf. My pulse quickens as just up ahead I hear a crunch in the snow that does not belong to my steps. Finally, I have found them.

Snow Steps by Sue Vincent — Snow Stairway – Photo courtesy of Sue Vincent

A very, very late edition to the 100 word story hosted by Sue Vincent – I know this probably doesn’t hold up as a story on it’s own with it leaving a lot of questions open but I really liked the voice of the hunter, it seemed to call to me. Maybe something I can develop in the future.

Where there’s a Will there’s a Way

I thought my pursuers had cornered me.
The darker the night got the more I seemed to get lost in the woods.
Then the Will appeared its light floating in the air, just out of reach.
Trusting my instincts, I followed it.
Each time I got close, it moved away directing me through the darkened woods.
Eventually it led me to an abandoned mill – I crawled beneath the wheel and hid.
When my pursuers came, they searched but no-one noticed the little entrance the Will led me too.
I was safe.
I now knew my grandfather was right – they existed.

The light at the Mill - Sue Vincent — Image Courtesy of Sue Vincent @ Daily Echo

Another great photo from Sue Vincent over at Daily Echo, in 100 words or less what is the glow? Go check it out for some more 100 word stories! A little tribute to my Grandfather this week, he has been in my thoughts, particularly with St Patricks Day – I think he would have liked this tale. KL ❤

Going Deeper Underground

Millie glanced inside. She wasn’t afraid of the dark, but she wasn’t unafraid of it either. From behind her, her brother began laughing. “You’re too scared.” He mocked.
Stepping inside, Millie was in complete darkness, her eyes struggling to adjust. Grit fell around her with every step. She swiped away the roots that touched her like long lingering fingers.
Further inside, one wrapped itself around her foot. Behind her, the entrance was no longer in sight, just shadowy darkness all around her. Millie bent down to free herself. Outside the cave, a piercing scream echoed around her then stopped abruptly.

Tunnel Underground by Sue Vincent — Underground Photo – Courtesy of Sue Vincent @DailyEcho

Another great photo from Sue Vincent over at Daily Echo, in 100 words or less where does the tunnel lead? Go check it out for some more 100 word stories! All feedback gratefully appreciated. KL ❤

Why did the sheep cross the road?

I ran across the road as fast as the silly cloven hooves could take me. My ploy had worked. I’d devoured so many of the sumptuous sheep. That little lamb had been best, plump and juicy. It still makes my mouth drool now. The shepherd and his dog had no idea.

Finding my freedom, I glance back then cast my sheep clothing aside, hiding it in a bush. My fur shimmers in the daylight. I am ready for a nap after a busy night. I memorize my outfit’s location so I can have it ready for another night feasting tonight!

Why did the sheep cross the road? Photo Courtesy of Sue Vincent @DailyEcho

A somewhat sinister response to this week’s photo – sorry about that! Another great photo from Sue Vincent over at Daily Echo. The responses have been superb and what fun – everyone wants to know what is happening just off the screen! Go check it out for some more 100 word stories! KL ❤

Beyond the Door – Conjuring for Beginners

Maddie opened the doorway just a jar and peeped out.She couldn’t believe it had worked.

Turning tentatively back into the classroom, she glanced around watching as others made popping, banging and whooshing noises.A few doorways started to appear.

Maddie struggled not to giggle as her friend Jess popped her head through her doorway and came back with singed eyebrows!

Smugly Maddie stood quietly and waited patiently for the teacher to come and inspect her doorway. She knew hers was best. Finally, she had got a spell right, maybe conjuring wasn’t so bad a class after all.

hobbit-door-Sue Vincent — Image Courtesy of Sue Vincent at Daily Echo

Written in response to the Beyond The Door challenge set by Sue Vincent at Daily Echo. I love this little doorway it seems to hold many secrets. 🙂 Thanks for the challenge and amazing photo Sue. ❤