It seems like yesterday, climbing up in the old guys lap. His arm around my little body, his giant hand resting on my thigh. It took my whole hand to hold his thumb. Leaning back on his chest, I knew what was coming next. “Flora May, I’m going to tell you a story.” His tone was gruff.
The dishes would stop clanking, Granny’d wipe her hands on her apron and sit down at the kitchen table. She was an even bigger fan of Pa than I was…maybe.
“Good overcomes bad.” That’s how his stories always began.
I’d stare at my reflection inside his glasses. This time I noticed small stems of blood traveling rapidly towards his pupils forming what looked like the trunk of a tree. A thick white mucus floated beneath his eyelids. He fumbled his words and shakily sat me down on the hardwood floor.
My grandmother ran to pick me up but he forbid her.
“The circle hasn’t been broken.” That’s all he said. He took her by the hand and led her out into the night. I was left alone until morning.
The sun’s crackling rays sent a fervent heat across the land. My grandparents engulfed, hung from ropes. A last attempt to rid me of the sin into which I was born.
I traveled by foot to find my place in this world but it wasn’t long until I wound up in the fire myself. Now I’m just wondering if you could take those keys and let me out of this hell? Oh… wait.. Maybe you don’t have that authority.
Leesa Writes 