The prompt this week was to do zombies, but with a twist.
Mine’s just trying to find his way…
A Real Home
“Young man, excuse me for bothering you. I normally avoid
speaking to strangers, but I have something I must say to you. I take this
Greyhound to Harpers Gate every summer to spend time with my grandchildren. The
journey is usually unpleasant because the other passengers complain about this
or that, and children run the aisle. You, however, have been upbeat during the
entire trip, and since our departure from Winden Falls, you have had the most
endearing smile. May I pry, and ask why?”
“Thank you, ma’am, for your kind words. I was born in Harpers
Gate, but have been away for a long time. I felt like I needed to come home
again. I have no family left there, but there is a lady…”
“Satisfy an old lady’s curiosity. Is she a past love?”
“She is, but we haven’t seen each other in years. Her family
moved away long ago, and we both married others. I heard she was divorced, and
I…well, I’m single now too. Things are a bit different though, seeing as how I’m…uh…”
“An accident? I know I’m pressing, but never be ashamed of
stitches and scars. You’re a fine-looking young man, even though you are a bit on
the pale side.”
“I am that. It was a kind of accident, yes. Goodness, here
we are at the terminal. It was wonderful talking with you.”
“You too, dear. Wishing you all the luck with your love.”
***
“Welcome to Daly’s Five and Dime. What can I get for you?”
“Is Suzanne working today?”
“At the ice cream counter at the back.”
“Suzanne?”
“Yes, sir. What can I… Oh my God! Richie? It can’t be! I
heard you had been murd… I mean, that your wife and her boyfriend kill…”
“It’s true. They did murder me, but that’s not all. This is
hard to explain, but try to understand. They found an old voodoo priest to
bring me back as a zombie so I’d suffer even more. But he was forgetful and
messed up. He did bring me back, but I can think, talk, and I don’t walk like I’m
right out of a horror movie. I got them both though. They were there when I was
brought back and I pretended to be oblivious to everything. They told the cops
I’d been killed by a robber, and talked about where they’d hidden the hammer
they beat me with and where they hid their bloody clothes. I got the evidence
and delivered it on the police department’s doorstep – literally. I’m not a
vengeful person, but they had to be held accountable.”
“Of course, Richie.”
“There’s one other way I’m different from others of my kind.
I can still love, and I still love you. We went our separate ways, but you were
my first love.”
“And you were mine, Richie. I married Jim, but it didn’t
work out. My heart has always belonged to you. Now, we can be together at last.”
“You make me so happy. But, you’re not shocked that I’m a
zombie? What about the townspeople? What if they find out?”
“I’m not, and they would accept you without question.”
“How is that possible?”
“Remember old Mr. Hornsby that used to run the drug store?
He’d give all the kids free candy and pop?”
“He was wonderful. Don’t tell me he’s still working.”
“No, he’s retired. But, one night on his way home from the
store, he was bitten by what we learned later was a werewolf, and how he’s one.
The widow Mrs. Milner is a vampire. That happened when she went to New York
City on vacation alone. Sally Greene is a broom-riding witch, and… See? They
all come here, Richie, to settle down, and they are accepted for who they are,
not shunned and hunted for what they’ve become. Now that you’ve come back, I’ll
just ask Judy Milner to bite me so you and I can be together forever.”
“Suzanne, This is more than I could have ever hoped for. I’m
so glad I came back. I really am home.”
Such a sweet little love story, set in a happy little town. He truly has come home.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mike. I enjoyed writing a nice story. What made it even more enjoyable was that I could include a zombie! Great prompt!
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