This is my 100 word contribution to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields’ photo prompt. Thanks to Madison Woods for the inspiring photo.
Owl eyes and wolf howls followed Tessa through the woods. Secure within her tinker’s wagon, she was content. These were the lullaby sounds she’d grown up with. The velveteen night revealed no shadows, no bend or curve in the road. Tessa wasn’t worried. The horse knew the way. For an hour, pots, pans, and jars of oil clattered and clanked their gypsy music. Tessa inhaled. Yes, the scent of newly-turned earth. This was it. She reined the horse; opened the back of the wagon. Fifteen sweaty minutes later, Roman was in his grave. He would not strike Tessa again.
Up From the Ashes 
Wow. What an ending. Great piece.
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Thank you very much, yarnspinnerr. I appreciate your words.
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Great first line.
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Thanks, Craig. The moon shining through the clouds reminded me of an owl’s eye.
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I love your words and the way you write. “velveteen night” 🙂 “the scent of newly-turned earth” Great story.
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Thank you!
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The forum is a briehtgr place thanks to your posts. Thanks!
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Wow! Thanks.
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Scary woods that is a lullaby to a brave woman- beautifully crafted.
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Thanks, ansumani. I think when the woods are your home, they’re not scary.
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Lovely! She sounds like a woman now at peace with herself.
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Indeed. I think she’s well satisfied. Always appreciate your stopping by. Alicia
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I really like the sounds and smells, it brought me in close.
Tracey
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Thanks, Tracey. Lately I’ve gotten away from putting the senses into my FF submissions. I’m glad this worked for you. Alicia
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Good one Alicia, probably one of my favorites by you.
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Why thank you, Dawn. Such kind words. I appreciate them.
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Dynamite.
Superb story, subtly told.
I love it.
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Thanks. I’m awfully glad you think so. Your story of a disappointed vampire was well told, too.
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Loved it.
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Thank you.
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Wow! Just did an exercise in my class about surprise endings. This was great stuff. Nice work!
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Thank you very much.
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Mobile domestic violence shouldn’t surprise me but it did.
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Good! Surprises are the best. Keeps us on our toes.
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Wow, wasn’t expecting the ending – great writing.
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Thanks, Sally. I’m glad you liked the piece.
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Brilliant, from peaceful beginning to clever end. And the description of the night–where you usually would expect something scary–was just wonderful. The only thing that’s really to be feared are other people, and Tessa dealt with that admirably.
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I believe she’d had enough. Thanks, gahlearner.
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I love the quiet and tranquillity of the piece suddenly ending in violence. Great story!
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I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.
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The quiet velveteen night hides a dark deed. Atmospheric stuff!
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Yes it does. Thanks, MJ
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You seduced me with your exquisite imagery and delicious descriptions, and then, wham! took my breath away with that dark ending! Beautifully done, Alicia!
VIjaya
[You knew me formerly as V-Hypnagogic Logic (vijaysundaram.com). Now, I’m StrangeLander2015 (http://magicsurrealist2013.me)
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Thank you for your beautiful words. Much appreciated. Alicia
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Excellen piece Alicia!
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Thank you.
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What a wonderful sensory experience I had reading your story, Alicia. I felt like I was right there in the moonlight. Excellent!
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Thanks very much, Amy. I was trying to get back to the senses in my FF submissions. Glad it worked for you.
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Oh, what a story. You surprised me with that ending, an excellent work.
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Why, thank you! Appreciate your stopping to read “Light Work.”
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Excellent build-up and superb ending. Wasn’t expecting that at all 🙂
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Thanks. I was hoping the end would be a bit of a surprise.
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Dear Alicia,
Interesting that we both likened the sky to velvet. Well told atmospheric story which is no surprise. Good job.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The color in the sky reminds me of a gorgeous black velvet dress I tried on when I was about 20. I actually looked good in it ~ and passed it by. Still rue that day (although it WOULD NOT look good now.) Thanks for reading. Hope your recuperation is going well. Alicia
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Excellent piece, Alicia. Tessa seems at peace with what’s she’s done, and I do believe he had it coming.
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Oh, he did! Thanks Russell.
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Your imagery is magical. I love how you’ve told this, and the final lines are powerful. Great work.
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Thanks so very much, Margaret.
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Very well written. A nice innocent travelling tale turned into a story of a much darker past. I wonder what happened between the two – but perhaps I am better off not knowing!
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Not knowing is probably best. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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I guess Roman had it coming.
I was really taken by the description of the world of the tinker. Nicely done.
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Thank you.
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