It was midwinter and Ariella was shut in her new house by drifting snow. They should have been together, but he left her before the ink dried on the deed and she was alone amongst vast and empty rooms.
At night she heard old boards creaking. In the library she would find the fire lit and a smell of ancient tobacco. Children’s laughter echoed. Strange words appeared on misted mirrors and faces formed in the smoke.
One night when she laid the table out for dinner, she laid eight places. The number seemed right.
That night Ariella was not alone.
Word Count: 100
This is for Friday Fictioneers. Thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for running the challenge and Dale Rogerson for providing the prompt photo!
I really liked the evocation of a solitude haunted by memories
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Thank you!
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Dear Joshua,
I suppose if you live with ghosts you should invite them to dinner. Haunting story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s only polite. 😉 Thank you!
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Seems only fitting that she finally have good company!
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I agree. Thanks for commenting!
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Creepy little tale 🙂
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Thank you!
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Nice mood to this. I just watched a spanish telenovella series (Alta Mar or High Seas) set on an early oceanliner that had a misted mirror revealing the word “Assassino!” Spooky!
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Living with ghosts! How interesting… love your take 🙂
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Well, at least the ghosts didn’t desert her. I hope she enjoys their company 🙂
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I think she does. Thanks for commenting!
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Good for Ariella – I hope I’d have done the same in her shoes. And in these isolation times, perhapssetting places for ghosts isn’t such a bad idea!
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Perhaps not! Thanks for commenting.
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Sheesh, that one sent chills up my spine. I am guessing well-fed ghosts are more congenial than hungry ones. Great story!
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Thank you!
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You’re welcome.
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It’s always a good idea to stay on the good side of the people you “live” with. I’m not one for ghost stories, but that was good.
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Ooo spooky. I think this story could be expanded upon. Well done.
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Interesting little ghost story, nicely told
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Supernatural or psychological? Either way, I enjoyed this, even maintaining the double implication of my question.
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The story, I think, is ambiguous enough for you to pick whichever you prefer.
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Ooh, I hope she hasn’t “joined them” come morning. They sound friendly enough!
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I’m sure she won’t – dining with ghosts doesn’t mean you have to be one and they do seem friendly enough as you say.
Thanks for commenting!
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I LOVE stories like this – I can feel the eeriness of the house. Such a sad end to what was promising to her at least. Doesn’t seem fair at all. Good story!
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Thank you!
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