Flash Fiction Friday (26)

Dottie over at Tink's Place have come up with the idea for a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate you post your story on Friday - 350 words, give or take.

I have to thank Blodeuedd at Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell for introducing me to this fun meme. I don't know if I'll be able to keep up with every week, but I'll give it a try from time to time.

The Image This Week:

By:  Melissa

Eric trudged through the barren cemetery, passing the tombs and grave markers.  The trees bare and leaves dropped to the ground looking as empty and dead as he felt inside.  Finally he came to the home of his deceased wife, a cement tomb.

The door was heavy, but opening fairly easily on new hinges.  Eric knelt beside the coffin, bowing his head tears slowly seeped from his eyes.  Before he knew it tears were rushing down his cheeks and he sobbed a loud chock.  He took a few deep breaths to try to calm himself before talking to his wife.

He ran his hard callused hand, a hand of a construction worker that only knew brute and force except when he touched her hand, neck, cheeks, or lips, over the edge of the coffin.  Taking a long inhale of the stale air he calmed slightly.

"I'm sorry, my love.  It's been so long since my last visit.  It's been so hard without you.  The kids... the kids, homework, school, the house, work... and everyone is so sad.  Miserable."  Eric paused trying to not get to emotional.  He knew he wasn't making any sense but she would understand him, she always did.  He wasn't one for words, he was the one to build her, her dream home and carry her when she fell.

A tear escaped its prison.  With a whisper he said, "I would do anything to have you alive again."  With that the flood gates opened and he laid his forehead against the coffin edge.

A breeze ruffled Erics' hair.  Turning his head abruptly as the breeze came from the direction of the solid back wall, not the door.  There she was.  Like the spotlight of his world; bright, beautiful, and smiling.  "My love, I have missed you as well.  But anything?  Things cannot be that bad."

Eric sniffed and sighed as he slideto sit on the cold damp hard floor, "Oh yes.  The kids don't know me or I them.  You took care of them and I worked.  Anything to have you alive. Again."

She advanced on him, placing her golden hand firmly on his shoulder.  Something was different this wasn't like her so noble in her presence.  She never had a superior stance to touch with him.  She was always loving and sharing with him, but his love was here.  He didn't care how, just that she was.  "Anything it is then. Or, anyone."

"Whaaa..." was all Eric got out as he sagged to the cement floor.  His breathing slowed and the world drew dark around the edges.  But before the light was gone and the world silent he saw black wings spread behind his love and her face contort to a man's and the man said, "You will do."  with a greasy smile.