In lieu of a regular blog post, I’m dusting off my flash fiction section and presenting another one of my super short stories. This is again inspired by the lovely Angela Goff’s VisDare. I strongly suggest you check it out if you have any interest in trying flash fiction. It’s a fun time and good for helping you become more concise. Without further ado, I present “Harbinger”:
***
Everyone in these parts know that the black and white cat with its too bright eyes means Death.
Nobody knows where it came from. It just drifted into town like a thunderhead in summertime. People who’ve seen it and lived long enough to tell claim you feel its eyes on you first, drilling into your back like twin augurs. The itch is so strong you can’t help but turn and look. Then it has you.
Oh and there’s one other thing too–dogs don’t much like it. There are lots of them these days, since cats make folks nervous. They make a big fuss when He comes around, yelping like someone lit a fire under their paws.
I write this with an itch between my shoulder blades and howling in my ears. I’m shaking, trying to fight the urge to look. Maybe just a peek…
***
Niiiiiiiiiice!!!! Very atmospheric, great details that really make the final lines sobering, yet fascinating. Love, too, how the narrator’s personality comes through without any overt introduction or references to himself. Hmmm….you must be a writer!! ;) (Love this! So glad you jumped in this week!!)
Thanks Angela! Glad you liked it :). VisDare is a lot of fun, and it gives me a chance to get back in the horror mode, something I haven’t done too much of since I’ve been working on fantasy novels :)
Nice!!!! Flash fiction is so much fun!
It is!