This week's #SatSunTails had two prompts. The image below and this phrase:
“underneath the inconsequential”
150 words
A Vampire Story
“A tattoo? You got a
freakin’ tattoo?” Eyes bulging, face stiff as plaster. Ma gave up expressions along with aging
gracefully. “It’s the goddamn pageant
tomorrow. Jesus God! Look at that
thing!”
I finger the dressing on my neck. It’s not what you’d call
unobtrusive, this tatt. Half butterfly,
half bloody corpse. Symbolic, I like to
think.
She drags a comb through platinum hair, nails gleaming like hellfire. “After all I’ve done for you! You freakin’ ingrate.”
I walk to fridge, fling open the door and stare. Rows of cartons. Tomato juice, she says. De-tox.
Bending down, I pick up the bag I brought back from Cancun. It’s narrow, heavy.
“I’m sorry ma, I really am.”
After the last show, girls started disappearing. Rivals. I
touch the cartons. They’re red, blood-red. Look underneath the inconsequential
and you’ll always find something. Folks
will do anything to stay young.
Opening the zipper, I reach for the stake.
6 comments:
As from the fridge, I was expecting a frozen 'steak'.
LOL it would have been a novel approach certainly.
Loved this, fantastic writing and loved Ma giving up expressions along with aging gracefully!
Random meaningless thought: my husband has a butterfly tat. it's a skull with wings of sorts. hard to explain now that i think about it.
Annnnyway.
I love this! There is so much going on. I have lots of questions (in a great way) and would love to read more!
A great read.. instantly took me to another place after bl*** long day in the office.
I also love the "Ma gave up expressions" bit.
Can't wait for a novel :)
Oh thank you so much! Funny how characters like this spring to life in flash fiction. I had a really strong picture of the protagonist in this.
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