My first short story published!
I used to love writing fiction as a child and I feared my imagination had left me!
But I'm happy with this for a “warm up” piece!
Let me know what you think 🩷
The Woman In The Cloak.
I often wondered how she ended up like that?
She was always in the same place and wearing that weird cloak.
I found her slightly odd but at the same time I was quite intrigued by her.
Often she'd be in my dreams.
I did have some funny dreams, ever since I could remember.
But why would she be in them?
I didn't even know her. Never spoke to her.
I just felt this bizarre connection between us.
I wonder if she felt the same about me? That's if she's even noticed me! I expect not.
I bet she's there again today, if she is I will try and find out her name.
That's the problem with me, I'm curious and I have to find out the answers even if it appears I'm being nosey.
They don't call me "Nancy Nosey Parker" for nothing you know!
Nancy Parker, that's me and I'm like a dog with a bone.
There she was. Always by that great old oak tree.
The local kids make fun of her but she remains at that same place.
The oak tree is a bit of a celebrity in these parts. It's one of the oldest oaks in the country so a lot of people come to visit.
I've lived in this leafy suburb for a year or so and have always loved to look at the tree whenever I'm travelling to work on the bus, it's quite a sight to behold and is in stark contrast to the dirty dog ends and litter strewn bus!
I don't think a day has gone by when I haven't seen her there.
She has a scar on her neck. I wonder if the cloak is to hide it? If it is, its not working.
I dreamt of her again that night.
Always the same dream and always ends with me waking in a frozen panic.
She calls for me in a clear whisper, "Nancy Parker." All while pointing up towards the sky.
I look up to the sky to see what she's pointing at and suddenly, I'm taken, quickly falling down into a black hole.
That's when I wake up, heart beating fast, skin cold and clammy.
I have to find out who she is and what possible connection we had!
On the bus that morning I sat next to an old lady, I'd regularly seen her on my bus route and we'd exchanged a glancing smile but never had we said a word to eachother.
I decided to ask her about the woman in the cloak.
The colour from her face drained and she turned almost grey.
I was confused and a bit embarrassed as I felt maybe the old lady didn't like to have conversations with strangers on her journey and that maybe I'd come over a little encroaching.
"She died a very long time ago, why are you asking questions about her?"
I was now stunned and even more confused?
I apologised and said I must be mistaken and I quickly exited the bus.
Trust me to ask the local nutter!
The following morning I woke up a little earlier than usual so I wandered to my favourite little tea shop.
The news stand was out so I grabbed the local rag to read while drinking my favourite honey and lemon tea.
I sat down at the table by the window with my tea and opened the paper.
Village Planning To Pay Tribute To Local Woman Murdered 50 Years Ago Today.
On this day fifty years ago, some of us remember the tragic event that took place at the heart of our village.
The murder was one of most heinous savagery inflicted upon an eccentric but popular citizen, a woman who helped a lot of people with her natural medicines.
She was loved by all and was a pillar of the community.
She was bullied and tormented by local youths so violently and for such a long time that she took her own life.
Her body was found hanging from the old oak in the early hours on August 17th by several passers by, so traumatic the event, they needed medical attention for shock.
A sad day in our history but one we should never forget.
Rest well on your journey, our dear friend
Nancy Parker.
Artist unknown.
Thank you for reading something a bit different from me.
Eyes Like Galaxies 💙✨️