Prompt from the site of Heretics,Lovers and Madmen-
I was settled in for the night, fire blazing in the hearth, relaxing comfortably into the armchair with a glass of port, mince pies and Dickens. I must have dozed off for I awoke with a start as the grandfather clock in the hallway chimed the midnight hour. The fire had burned down and a stillness lay on the house. I felt acute indigestion in my chest regretting those mince pies so late at night. Was that a knock at the door? Surely not at this hour. I waited. There it was again, a hesitant knock. I opened the door to see death staring me in the face.
Death beckoned. ” The ferry man awaits.”
I stared in confusion. ” You must be mistaken. Are you sure you have the right address”
Death nodded the affirmative.
” Your knock seemed a little hesitant, as if you were unsure. Are you absolutely certain it is tonight. Perhaps you are a few years early.”
Death kept staring me in the face. ” Perhaps I am a few minutes early, but I’m patient I can wait.”
“But I don’t want to die”, I gasped ” Can we not reach an accommodation.”
” You wish to negotiate” Death asked ” You may not like the price”
“Anything you ask ” I pleaded.
“One for one” Death intoned ” One year for one life”
“I don’t understand your meaning.” I was getting confused.
” You will take one life in order to live one year” Death explained ” Each year you take a life you will be spared death. That will be the contract between us.”
I shuddered in horror at this dreadful pact. I was not a violent man……but…… I did like my creature comforts.
” Agreed. ” I said and with those words Death disappeared.
I flopped into the armchair considering this pact I had made with Death. How would I go about this? Who would I choose? To assuage my conscience I persuaded myself that I needed some rules, not to kill violently but with compassion and to enact some form of kindness to the victim before death.
The first victim I chose was Mr. Moriarty my feeble next door neighbor and I was never kinder to the old man than during the whole week before I killed him.
I’d probably have a ready-made list in my back pocket 😀
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Now that is really funny. I like your humour.
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Ooooo excellent take, Len.
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Thank you Violet. Just be thankful you’re not on anyone’s list.
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Dun dun dunh…
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Where will he strike next.
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I was hoping not Sherlock or Watson. 🕵️
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Two of my favorites. They will live for ever.
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Such a chilling thought. Remind me not to answer the door!
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I can’t wait till Halloween is over so I can get on to some cheery Christmas stories. More my type.
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I agree!
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This is a creative and creepy tale for Halloween Len. I bet making a list of people to off would be a good way to work out some frustrations. 🙂
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ouch … what we will do to avoid death but in reality there is NO such bargaining or extension!
Very well written Len
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Thanks Kate. You are absolutely write, no bargaining with Death when it comes calling. Only in the fantasy life.
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quite relieved that I don’t live nearby or I could be on your list 😉
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You’re safe for this year, so you can breathe easy. Just one a year.
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You are right Brad. Make a list and throw darts at it…..a lot kinder….unless voodoo is a thing.
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A pact with death! Amazing thoughts Len. I admire you courage though I have told death to come quietly to embrace me in sleep. (in one of my poems)
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That would be the better way to go.
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HALLOWEEN spooky tale at its best. 👍
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Thanks Pallavi. Yes it’s that time of year when the dead rise.
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Glad I don’t live in your neighbourhood! Spooky!!
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Count your luck stars Marie, it’s pretty scary at Halloween.
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Wow, Len. Creepy!
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It’s that time of year Chelsea.
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