The Cemetery

I knew it was Halloween, but I was running late, and there was no other choice. I had to take a shortcut through the cemetery. Normally, I find the cemetery a peaceful place, where I speak with my departed family members. But I had never been there in the dead of night. Darkness changes things. The trees now looked menacing as the wind blew their skeletal limbs to and fro. The headstones were hauntingly silhouetted against the moonlit sky. My footsteps crunched through the leaves, snapping a twig here, and there as I walked. I had to control an urge to run, afraid I might trip, and fall in the darkness. Was it my imagination or did the air have a whiff of fire and brimstone? 

Someone must be burning leaves. 

I could taste the fear in my mouth. An owl's constant questioning completed the eerie scene.

Forcing myself to think of other things, I went through my list of things to get ready for the Halloween Party. 

Shepherd's Pie ready to put into the oven, after topping with the potato ghosts. Need to heat the cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a little brown sugar. Put vampire teeth into the donuts, and add a little red frosting for blood. Set out the poison...

A sound behind me brought me to a stop!

Am I being followed? 

Slowly I turned around, afraid of what I might see. 

Nothing out of the ordinary, considering I am in a graveyard at night. 

I continued on down the path I had taken. 

There it is again! 

My hair stood on end. 

Do I turn around and look or do I just run for it? 

I ran!

I could see the lights of the house ahead.

Almost there, I should be safe once I get into the house, and lock the door. 

I was panting with exertion, my side was starting to ache. Catching my foot on a tree root, down I went, knocking the breath out of me. 

This is it, they've got me now! 

Tears streamed down my face, waiting for the inevitable, but nothing happened.

Well, that makes me feel pretty stupid. 

Gingerly, I picked myself up, and limped on to the house, the pain increasing with every step. 

Dummy, you've probably sprained your ankle. 

I never was so happy to enter my warm, brightly lite, messy kitchen as I was that night!

Reviews

[Diane]

Couldn't help but giggle. I can remember running full speed from the bathroom to my bed. I was scared of what was in between those two rooms. Haha

This story was great and flow really well. I was hooked as soon as i seen the word grave yard. That was pretty awesome Wendy. Thanks for the read.

[Wendy Seames Garner]

Glad you enjoyed it, Diane! Our minds can really play tricks on us.

[Diane]

oh yeah. doesn't stop when you get older i have learned.

[victor adeniran]

topnotch writing you got here, your use of vivid description and creativity splits my face... well done

[Karen Redburn]

What a fun read. I think we've all been in situations where we realize the fear is silly, but still it gets us! Great little story!

[Wendy Seames Garner]

Thanks so much, Karen! I hope you are enjoying your Thanksgiving day.

[Karen Redburn]

I'm Canadian, we celebrated in October, but thank you for the sentiment. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

[Wendy Seames Garner]

Well then, Happy Belated Thanksgiving to you, Karen!

[Karen Redburn]

Thank you!