“A bowl of soup for me and one for my friend here.” The look of fear and distrust on her face bothered him. He had offered many of these kindnesses over the years. Even though Connor was not rich he was better off than most. “Sorry, do I know you mister?” Her attempt at courage failed; frightened rabbit. “No. I am Connor.” He tilted his head and placed his right hand to his old chest; an old greeting of custom but one that he had always done. “Then we are not friends.” “My mistake young lady. I was only trying to be friendly.” The soup arrived steaming hot, and smelling of pork. It had been over one hundred years since the last animal had died, but they had been told this is what pork smelt like. “Have the soup and my apology.” With that Connor moved back to his table. He knew that he had her now, she would make him wait then join his table. It took longer than he had thought, but the girl had come over. “Hi. My name is Hannah. Sorry I was so rude, but I am just used to guys trying to take advantage.” She had her sweetest face on, with bright eyes and a beaming smile. They were all so predictable. Flash a smile, and maybe some skin and the men would forgive them murder. “It’s fine, dear. I am Connor. Would you like to join me?” In the opposite seat she dug into the soup. It was clear she hadn’t eaten in a few days; all too common nowadays. The corporation made sure there was not enough for everyone; scarcity puts the price up. “Have you been in town long, Hannah?” The question caught her off guard. “No! I got in today. I’m just looking for a place to crash before I head to my friend’s up-town.” The lie was well practiced, rolling of her tongue with ease. “There are some decent places around here; not expensive and mostly clean. Though I wouldn’t stay here. Too many dodgy, drunk guys. If you know what I am saying?” He could see her mind running through all the options she had. It was clear that Hannah had not a penny to her name. So finding a bed meant finding the least repulsive man to bed. Connor, although by far the oldest, was the cleanest and his pleasant demeanor and sweet granddad face made him the best choice. Most of the guys in this place had the rough road look about them. Never judge a book by its cover. “Thanks for the tip. Do you live around here?” Her voice dropped seductively, while her ample chest tilted forward to give a full view. Connor had seen this so many times before; Hannah had made the choice to bed him. Old, nice and harmless. Plus, he properly wouldn’t last past a BJ. These desperate girls were all the same.
Eternal Debt
Icy winter fog swirled about his feet. Frost bite had long ago taken all feeling, leaving his legs almost as numb as his heart. The sky was cresting the old oak trees that stood guard; its light pale and without warmth. Turning toward the sound of cracking branches, he spotted the fleeting movements of another; the grounds keeper going about the morning rounds. Life went on even if he didn’t want to. The still of this morning would not last and with the new day, pain and death would stalk the world.
Even the birds knew life was off, their morning songs silent. Unnatural and cruel, it was hunting him now; black, soulless eyes following his movements, fingers frozen into claws waiting for the right moment. The soil at his feet was freshly opened, bits of torn wood and the smell of decay. This one was old and she would be hard to kill.
The Gods cursed him to this life of fixing the balance. Hades would be watching to see if he paid his debt. With a deep sigh of soul crushing burden, he set off to meet his fate.
Depression
Darkness holds me, its icy hand wrapped around my heart.
Cold burns me, its trembling hands burn my soul.
Fear stalks me, its shacking hands cut my skin.
Pain fills me, its unrelenting hands enclose me.
Light comes from “I love you daddy.” To be followed by the darkness “Until she knows you.”
Warmth comes from holding hands, only to fade with the loss of the touch.
Courage comes from a job done, but the faults bring fear.
Relief comes from family, but if I lost them?
Changing Times Part 2
Part – 2
Blue red lights flashed and sirens filled the darkening sky. The high pitch scream rattled her very core. The beast darted away into the shadow and was gone. How close was that? The creators had saved her at just the right time, but for how long? They stayed hidden, locked away.
Day past into night and she kept her vigilant watch. The cool air and light breeze comforting in these troubled times. In the distance she heard it, faint and soft but it there. It was a song. Why were the creators singing? What were they singing? Was it a goodbye to this world?
Slowly it built, its melody full and passionate. Those creators that had hidden away in her and others around burst forth and broke into song. It was happy and proud, a song of victory. Hope burnt in her, filling the very walls with a joy. They would stay and all would be right again.
Why they had hidden away mattered no longer, only that they would be back.
Changing Times
Stoically standing guard over the deserted world, they had seen much in their long life. But not this strange time. They had watched armies march in proud lines, heard the cries of new life, seen lovers meet and stood as time stole youth and innocence. This was different though, never had this change happened. The powerful, unstoppable force of the creators had been blunted.
All the old ones where scared, they whispered of the end, the prophecy. The day that the creators would leave and the world would end. Was this it? Had the creators met their match? She was not sure, and the fear of not knowing was the hardest. She was old compared to the short lived creators being 50 years old. Still a child when you talk about the oldest. He was over 2000 years old!
He had seen more than any other, wars, death, and more creators than could be counted. In times like this he counselled that we need calm. The creators had always been and this was just a slight change. Things would be right again soon.
What was that? It had four legs and was covered in brown fur. It looked like a dog but bigger and meaner. It was coming her way, no stay away! Help me creators save me from this beast. Deep growls and sharp claws this thing was coming to end her.
I hope you enjoyed my little bit of writing.
Daff
life. Step by step death walked towards her.
Father
Fire burnt in his eyes, and his stare bore into the heart of my soul. He was angry again, and again it was for something I hadn’t done. Fear had paralyzed me, rooting my body to the spot. All I could do was watch with dreaded anticipation as he stormed towards me. He was still in his short sleeve work shirt and dark grey trousers. The light is reflecting off his gold watch and thick necklace that hung in his sweat-matted chest hair.
I am punished for what I am not.
My heart leaps as I see him pick it up. The long wooden ruler, with its evil bend and hellish lash, I will not be able to walk tomorrow. I can smell his aftershave now, one day I will wear a scent just like him. His superman strong hand grab me in the same rough way, he always has. At times I wish he would hug me, and tell me just once that he loves me.
Tough love grows strong men.
I can feel his legs tremble with rage and vibrate against my chest. The ruler sings that familiar song; the air rushing passed it on its painful arch. The first strike is always the worst; I never know when it will hit. I learnt early to relax if you clench the pain is ten times more intense. After the initial strike he will fall into a rhythm. Twenty-three that is the number of times he will hit me. Each one will hurt less than the one before.
I can drift off to a world where I am the son he wants.
Peace and Love
Daff
Grannies tale -Forgotten memory
Painful light clawed into her eyes. Doing its best to bore to the back of her skull. Ronda lay still and waited for the pain to subside. The ground under her was soft and cool. A lite breath of air touched the skin of her legs blowing up her dress. As her mind cleared, she sat up and looked around. She was on a beach, of black sand. The sun crept over the horizon. The first of it rays touching a rough and rugged landscape. Strange trees climbed impossibly high into a white cloud sky.
What happened? They had been running from the guards. That was right, then? What? She drew a blank. Her body ached and protested as she forced herself up. Best find out where she was. Walking along the coast Ronda started to marvel at this place. It looked completely untouched by human hands. Climbing atop of a large rock she had a better look.
She found herself in a large bay. The far coast was a line of thick tree cover. Coming closer she could see the water was clear and blue with an amazing amount of fish. Up the black sand lay plant litter and seaweed, but none of the man-made trash she was so used to seeing. Off to the left she could see a large group of sea lions.
The beach ran up to a small grass covered dunes. There light brown a stark contrast to the dark and forbidding gloom of the thick forest behind. This was a place that foreign to her yet somehow familial. The bay with its dotted islands and these massive tresses jogged some memory that she just couldn’t quite get hold of.
Movement from the forest drew her eyes. A shadow was heading out of the gloom towards her. Fear touched Ronda, as she searched for something to defend herself with. Laying on the sand between her and the on coming shadow sat a fallen tree branch.
Leaping from her rock, Ronda sprinted over the dark sand, leg pumping and heart racing she push her sore and tied body. I must reach that branch. It was the only thought in her mind. The seconds stretched into eternity.
Shaking hands grabbed the hard, cold wood pulling it up and over her right shoulder.
Peace and Love
Daff
Eyes fixed on the shadow Ronda waited.
daffthewriter 