How long have I been in this gully? I can't see anything through this fucking snow.
I thought I'd made it. I could see freedom ahead. All I had to do was make it across the river. I didn't even see the drop coming.
Neither could the cops, apparently. I'd heard them and the dogs come and go hours ago. I didn't scream for help. I thought I'd be able to escape once they left. I didn't realize both my ankles were hopelessly fractured.
Once the tingling and the shakes began, I started lighting matches from that lousy bar's matchbook. If only I'd never set foot there, if only I'd never gotten into that stupid, stupid fight, if only my friends had stuck around to help, then maybe that bastard would still be alive, and I wouldn't be slowly freezing to death.
I studied the match flame. It was getting hard to feel the warmth. My fingertips had gone from red and swollen to slightly blue.
I saw his face in the flame. It reminded me of that old story about the little match girl and her happy visions.
My visions weren't so happy. As the flame burned down, I saw blood dripping down a broken bottle. The next match revealed an ambulance, lights ablaze.
The little girl's last match brought a welcoming spirit to take her away to heaven. My last match showed me exactly what I expected to see: a dark demon sent to drag me to hell.
About the Creator
Catsidhe
Pronounced Cat-she: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat-s%C3%ACth
What can I say about myself?
A mystery wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a walking coffin
The Road to Nowhere
Trigger warnings: Violence, Death. "May the Sun burn your tongue out, woman," Fredrick's father screamed the curse into his mother's ear as their elegant little carriage rumbled along, its polished wood and gilded trim glinting in the torchlight. They had just left the small village of Saffron and were on an unnamed road to the capital for the Royal wedding. Fredrick leaned back in his plush velvet seat to escape into the passing landscape, but across from him sat the servant boy, a scrappy lad named Jack. Jack's eyes held a mixture of awe and fear, the kind that only a commoner could feel in the presence of nobility. Jack looked up and caught Fredrick's gaze, offering him a sad little smile before reaching into his pocket and retrieving a little caramel treat. This candy was no doubt stolen from the kitchen treat cupboard; if he was caught with it, he would be locked in the box as punishment.
By Frank English7 days ago in Fiction
Largest UFO Sighting in History
The UFO category might be viewed as the ultimate mystery of the unearthly world, and indeed there is no case shining brighter than the one which took place exactly 20 years ago, on March 13, 1997. This striking and lasting event, witnessed by scores of people through Arizona, comprises a part of one of the most astounding UFO sightings in the history. However, the multiplicity of first-hand reportage and official release does not help unmask the real truth that is covered by the mystery and debatable issues.
By Amine Oubih6 days ago in Fiction
The Whiskered War
A domestic drama; rather, you're witnessing a millennium-old conflict over the fate of the entire planet (and possibly just a smA titanic struggle between wits and strength has been raging in the shadows for millennia: The Great Nibble vs. The Purrsecution. The cats, the furry fighters, the fascists of the feline world, occupy one corner. In the other, mice make up the squeaky squad, the small militia. The reward? Domination over the entire world (and possibly an especially tasty cheese wheel).
By Richard Weber2 days ago in Humor
Comments (1)
Warm spirits & hot tempers lead to cold ends. Aptly told, Cat.