Showing posts with label WEP October Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WEP October Challenge. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

WEP - PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

DAY "17th thru the 20th" 

OF THE HAUNTING

PREMONITION

Gray clouds and, occasionally, a mysterious gust of wind would stir the frozen snowflakes into weird dances that haunted Sarah daily. No sun, no birdsong, just the occasional crack and shattering of an icicle falling from a great height and the unusual gurgle of air escaping from the lake were the only sounds that filled her days. 

Sarah did her best to chase the blues away. Singing her favorite songs, Sarah serenaded the ice-filled gorge for her peace of mind and the echoing accompaniment. Sitting atop the rock in her favorite fishing spot, she sang as she fished for the fresh dinner she'd planned for Chet's return. He said he'd be back in a week, if not sooner, either with the rescuers or just to return to her because the mountain was still socked in.

Sarah hadn't heard the sound of one plane or chopper the entire week, even though she'd spent hours listening. Meditating, praying, and visualizing, to no avail. She had not been able to manifest anything positive, but still, she held on to hope.

She stared over the lake, wondering about Chet's location when she heard his voice. 

"Sarah, you really need to be more careful. Pay attention. Be prepared, he's coming." 

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Chet approaching and turned to greet him, but a sudden yank on her fishing pole had her jerking her attention back to the lake. The rod went flying. She grabbed for it but lost her balance and slid off the rock straight down onto the ice. Chet's makeshift cast on her broken ankle gave way, but so did the ice. Sarah slipped through and into the cold wetness. The pain surging through her body was nothing compared to the intense shock of the water as it consumed her.

Photo by Greg Nerantzakis on Unsplash

She fought with all she had to get back to the surface. But murkiness, tangled reeds, heavy clothes, and a heavier parka weighed her down. Her lungs felt like they'd explode before she would recognize which way was up. But she let go of a lung full of air and watched the bubbles ascend. She kicked off the rocky bottom with her good leg, and with her parka half on and half off, she broke through to the surface. Grappling to find a handhold on the ice and laboring not to be pulled back into the icy water by the heavy parka. She took a deep breath and yelled for Chet. But he was nowhere to be seen. Maybe he'd gone for some rope. Calming herself, she removed the water-soaked coat and threw it toward the rocks sticking above the ice on shore that were out of her reach. After three throws, she managed to secure the hood of her parka over a large stone. Sarah pulled herself from the lake and across the rock-filled icy shore.

Breathless and unable to find her crutches, she crawled back to the cave. She knew how deadly hyperthermia was, and her only goal was to get to safety and warmth. But as she dragged her broken foot along the ground, the rest of the splint, mostly gauze, sluffed off. But a section became caught on a stone. She stopped to tear the rest of the makeshift cast off, which left her leg unprotected and made her movements even more painful. She took a moment to catch her breath, pray, and look around. Where the hell was Chet? She knew she'd seen him. She knew she heard his voice.

But a deep silence covered the area. No wind, not even a rustle. The pain in her leg was becoming worse. Even more than she remembered of the initial break. She laid her broken leg across her good leg. Just as a chill wind blew a swirl of snow like a dust devil at her. The clouds darkened, and lightning and thunder shook the gorge. Giant icicles by the dozens crashed to the ground, and blowing snow twirled and blew in all directions.

Darkness had fallen so quickly that it was as though someone had turned the lights out or closed the curtains. Sarah shivered and thought her bones would snap from the instant brittleness caused by the Arctic chill. Then her entire body began shaking uncontrollably. Her extremities burned as though they were on fire, and then they grew numb almost simultaneously. She gathered her strength and pulled herself backward with her hands and arms. She let her good leg protect and haul the broken one. Eventually, she made it to the entrance of the cavern.

Photo by Chris Ensminger on Unsplash

Sighing in relief, she suddenly froze in place. The howl of a wolf, something she'd heard several times since the crash, stopped her cold. The cry was close. This time, the wolf was closer.

She looked up. Atop the cliff was a gray-black wolf, his vicious fang-filled grin intimated at the terror he couldn't wait to inflict.

That's when she realized that Chet wasn't coming back.

He'd warned her.

It was Chet's last heroic deed.

***

842 words

Yolanda Renee © 2023

Tagline: Pay attention to your sixth sense.

This is another excerpt from the 7th book of my Alaskan Series, Murder on Mount Fairweather, coming out December 2023.

READ THE OTHER ENTRIES HERE




Monday, October 16, 2023

DAY "16" OF THE HAUNTING

 


Photo by Andy Holmes on Unsplash

It's Getting Dark

Can you see my scowl

It's quite foul

 never goes away

even during the day

there's a reason

for all seasons

I'm patient

and very sure

you and I

we have a date

and I'm never late

it's your fate!

MUAHAHAHAHA!

***

Yolanda Renée © 2023

 

JOIN US ON OCTOBER 18 – 20

FOR ALL YOUR

WEP

HALLOWEEN FUN


Sunday, October 15, 2023

DAY "15" OF THE HAUNTING

 

Photo by Steven Van Elk on Unsplash


LIFE IS DEATH


You thought I lied

I'm only opening your eyes

but see those numbers

it's no time to slumber

we're coming for you

me and my crew

an invasion of evil

a world in upheaval

will you laugh or cry

or simply sigh

ignore my theme

or will you scream

anything's possible

this season of dreams

time to prepare

fulfill all desires

expose the terrifiers

they won't win

fun isn't a sin

so take a breath

life is death

when winter leaves

it's spring we bring

it's a harvest ball, after all.

MUAHAHAHAHA!

***

JOIN US ON OCTOBER 18 – 20

FOR ALL YOUR

WEP

HALLOWEEN FUN



Saturday, October 14, 2023

DAY "14" OF THE HAUNTING

 

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

You're Invited

Yes, welcome, friend

to your end

You accepted my invite

so robust and hearty

just my type

just what evil likes

an unsuspecting guest

the perfect quest

dance and be happy

isn't the music snappy

enjoy your last night

drink or get high

alcohol dims your fight

makes the capture

a demon's delight!

MUAHAHAHAHA!

***

Yolanda Renée © 2023

 

JOIN US ON OCTOBER 18 – 20

FOR ALL YOUR

WEP

HALLOWEEN FUN


Friday, October 13, 2023

DAY "13" OF THE HAUNTING

 Photo by Tolga Ahmetler on Unsplash


Paraskevidekatriaphobia

"Do you want to go alligator hunting today?" Greg asked his wife.

Shanna smiled. "You realize it's Friday the 13th."

"I've promised for months now. Besides, you aren't paraskevidekatriaphobia. But if you'd rather wait until next week. I'll consider taking next Friday off, too."

"Are you kidding? I'm not superstitious. I consider the 13th my lucky day. I'm game, let's go. We've been here for a year, and I still haven't seen one, but they're always in the news. I'll get Charlie's lease if you'll get the camera. It's on the table in the den."

*****

Shanna wandered around the apartment in a daze, then the doorbell rang. After she accepted the delivery of Dahlia Yellow Star, she recalled the last twenty-four hours in detail, and the tears flowed like the water from the spigot.

It wasn't the shock of Greg's death hitting her so hard but the uncalled-for accusations from the detective investigating what he called a brutal murder.

Would he apologize after he viewed the film, or would he still want to prosecute her to the full extent of the law? What a rude bigot of a man, she thought.

When he claimed she had hyperbolized the horrific details of her husband's death. Shanna wanted to knock the dull gold tooth from his mouth. Thank goodness she thought better of it and instead handed her camera to the young lady beside him.

"This shows the exact details of what happened. And nothing I've said was hyperbole. I hand this to you because obviously your youth and gender will ensure a different outcome than what this," she looked at the startled detective, "Neanderthal is hoping for."

Shanna stood. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to make arrangements for Charlie."

"Don't you mean Greg and Charlie?" the Neanderthal asked.

"No. That film will prove my husband tried to feed me to that beast. I'll call Jenny. Apparently, she wanted him. He's all hers, well, what's left of him. If not for Charlie...well, you'll see."

335 Words

Yolanda Renee © 2023

*** 



To bad for Greg

the tables were turned

Shanna didn't die

but he sure got burned

MUAHAHAHAHA!

***

FYI: This first appeared on the blog of Sue at Elephant's Child's   Words for

 Wednesday Challenge. But it was perfect for today!

Thank you Sue, for the inspiration!

&

In case you didn't know

 paraskevidekatriaphobia  is the fear of Friday the 13th.

Check out the link to learn how to pronounce it!


JOIN US ON OCTOBER 18 – 20

FOR ALL YOUR

WEP

HALLOWEEN FUN

Thursday, October 12, 2023

DAY "12" OF THE HAUNTING

 


WHAT'S YOUR DISH?

Tired of my warnings

But not yet mourning

maybe a tale of death

would take your breath

Didn't I just fulfill your wish

By providing a tantalizing dish

Love unrequited

Did not end reunited

nightmares, my dear

zombies a capital fear

bats that bite and suck,

witches with pluck

I know all your delights

just tell me your frights

and I'll transpire

your every desire

a tale of horror or two

the goal to inspire

all for you

and your muse too

all for the holiday

so come on out and play.

.MUAHAHAHAHA!

***

Yolanda Renee © 2023

JOIN US ON OCTOBER 18 – 20

FOR ALL YOUR

 WEP

HALLOWEEN FUN

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

DAY "11" OF THE HAUNTING

 

Photo by Sophia Müller on Unsplash

Olly Olly Oxen Free!

Olly olly oxen free. Hide and seek is over. I won. Why won't you appear? Death is no deterrent.

I hear your final words. Nightmares that haunt asleep or awake. You said you'd always love me. I remember your lovely whisper as blood gushed from my first slash on your delicate throat.

You even said you'd forgive me before my blade sank deep into your heart. And as I covered my body with your blood, you promised to always be mine. Forever and always, that's what you vowed.

Did you lie? Have you deceived me? Where are you, my love?

***

100 words

Yolanda Renée © 2023

***

MUAHAHAHAHA!

Another shift

to my murderous gift

one hundred words

for all you nerds!

***


 

JOIN US ON OCTOBER 18 – 20

FOR ALL YOUR

HALLOWEEN FUN


Tuesday, October 10, 2023

DAY "10" OF THE HAUNTING


Photo by Bee Felten-Leidel on Unsplash


Crazy Faces

A bit silly, you say

but give crazy its sway

there are many ways

to receive my gift

not all are so thrilling

many quite chilling

becoming a goon

howling at the moon

seeing ghosts

watch out

fangs could mark your host

a wart on the nose

belies the hostess with the most

deranged, totally insane

is our sweet plain Jane

but this time of the year

everyone's a bit queer

get ready, dear friends

for all that Halloween portends.

MUAHAHAHAHA!

***

Yolanda Renée © 2023

 

JOIN US ON OCTOBER 18 – 20

FOR ALL YOUR

HALLOWEEN FUN




XXX

Monday, October 9, 2023

DAY "9" OF THE HAUNTING

 

Photo by Lucia Foster on Unsplash

You'll Do My Bidding

Think I'm kidding

do I look like a fool

don't mess with me

I'll take you to school

the fright is coming

prepare for a dunning

don't delay

a sacrifice may help

muahahahahahah

you stupid welp

you hold no power

but we love your attempt

to keep us at bay

however when we come out to play

the only thing that holds sway

is your soul

the one you'll sell

don't worry, all will be well

for the devil rules

which you'll see 

as  life unfolds!

MUAHAHAHAHA!

***

Yolanda Renée © 2023

 

JOIN US ON OCTOBER 18 – 20

FOR ALL YOUR

HALLOWEEN FUN


Sunday, October 8, 2023

DAY "8" OF THE HAUNTING

 

Photo by MARIOLA GROBELSKA on Unsplash


Oh, The Fun!

The days count down

my numbers increase

my smile lengthens

and yours decrease

are the signs getting to you

am I making a dent

it's the month of evil

my haven

cheer up, dear one

see what you've won

dancing bones

rotting flesh

or burning alone?

MUAHAHAHAHA!

***

Yolanda Renée © 2023

 

JOIN US ON OCTOBER 18 – 20

FOR ALL YOUR

HALLOWEEN FUN

Saturday, October 7, 2023

DAY "7" OF THE HAUNTING

 

Photo by Stephen Kidd on Unsplash


Did you like yesterday's story?

shall I give you the answer

or make you wait another day

okay

you win

a drabble

one hundred words

that tells it all.

***

Black Magic

When I woke, a blue bottle on the nightstand told me the dream was true.

My lover's pillow was cold. What lie would be told today? I hid the bottle in my pocket and went about my day.

He claimed work kept him but vowed his undying love.

His favorite dinner I served with the blue bottle powder liberally spread. Would he now be my beau or a gargoyle of stone?

He ate, and a declaration of love was made.                           Photo by Donovan Reeves on Unsplash


Nothing changed, and I knew I'd won my man.

Then the full moon rose and a gargoyle I owned.

MUAHAHAHAHA!

 ***

Yolanda Renée © 2023



JOIN US ON OCTOBER 18 – 20

FOR ALL YOUR

HALLOWEEN FUN

Friday, October 6, 2023

DAY " 6 "OF THE HAUNTING

 

Photo by Florian Olivo on Unsplash


I heard you were bored.

so here you go

you want woe

then read my tale

a story of whoa


A WITCH I SOUGHT


One dark and dreary night

all Hallows Eve

I walked through the forest

no sense of the horror

my love had cheated

a lie he repeated

the pain severe

my destination unclear

but in a clearing

I found

a garden of beauty

forget-me-nots, roses

chyrsthamums

and a gargoyle doing guard duty

all kinds of posies

lifted my spirit

and gave me hope

but the effigies 

filled me with terror

it was truly a sight

still, beauty held my heart

then I noticed

a cabin with smoke curling

my thoughts were swirling

an abode of mystery

 a witch with  history

her advice, I sought

and then I bought

magic in a  bottle 

the sorcerer told me

if true love is your goal,

and your lover's heart is true

only you, he will see

no more will he stray

but if his heart lies

into a hideous gargoyle of stone

will he turn

forever to guard over thee

but never more will he roam.

***

Photo by Mike on Unsplash

***

did my story fulfill your wish

did I serve you a delightful dish

are you curious to see

the result of she

then come back tomorrow

for more sorrow

MUAHAHAHAHA!

***

Yolanda Renée © 2023

 

JOIN US ON OCTOBER 18 – 20

FOR ALL YOUR

HALLOWEEN FUN