Sunday, October 19, 2014

Laura James Week 121: Stormy Weather

Picture 1


Picture 2


Laura James’s Picture Choice: 1

Title:

Woken by the storm Randy stood at his bedroom window, duvet wrapped close around his body. Rain gathered in the road turning the tarmac into a river of fast flowing water, no cars, no people, no movement but the rush of water.

He normally enjoyed watching rain storms, cozy and safe in his room, but tonight there was something different in the air and his six year old mind couldn't quite put in to words. Lighting flashed overhead followed immediately by a huge clap of thunder causing him to jump backwards from the window. Cautiously he moved back to his position.

Flashes of lightening, both forked and sheet, lit up the sky with increasing regularity. If it wasn't for the fact there was no colour he could easily have convinced himself that Bonfire night had come early and he was watching the village display. Despite the one clap of thunder that had caused him to jump the only noise was the constant drumming of rain on the ground and roof.

Without warning the rain stopped and all was calm. Within a few minutes the drains had done there work and the streets were clear of water. Just the periodic drip drip of water from leaves giving any indication that there had been a storm. Shivering to himself Randy left the window, a feeling of dread settling within his tiny frame. Snuggling back into his bed he tried to forget about the storm and what he thought he seen slithering along the street during the last flash of lightening.

The next morning the sun shone brightly banishing all shadows and Randy should have been happy. He was meeting his friends at the park and his mum had packed a small picnic. He didn't want to go but he didn't know how to explain it and he didn't want to upset his mum. Putting on a brave face and his jacket he let his mum take him out the front door.

"Why don't you take your tric?"

Sighing Randy got on the tric and started to peddle down the street. Remnants of the storm could be seen all around; branches lay on the pavement, flowers were smashed into the earth. Randy began to feel better with every puddle he splashed through, the darkness he had felt since he got up began to leave him, he was unstoppable. Soon he was flying down the road screaming with laughter, his mother shouting and running after him. "Slow down Randy!" He screeched round the corner at the end of the road turning the tric onto the tree lined path to the park, his legs barreling up and down increasing his speed.

Halfway up the path Randy screeched to a halt in front of a large black mass. Panting he watched with interest as the mass unfurled itself and large claws reached out plucking him from his tric.

By the time his mother reached the path there was no sign of Randy or of the black mass. Just a red tric surrounded by leaves.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Like what you just read? Have a question or concern? Leave a note for the author! We appreciate your feedback!

Based in Dunfermline, Scotland, Laura is obsessed with all things horror and spends her time writing flash fiction which she hopes, on occasion, really scares her readers. Feel free to stalk her on twitter, @lejamez

#DailyPicspiration

4 comments:

  1. What a deliciously dark picspiration. Perfectly suited to the chill frosty nights around Halloween.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh yes, totally dark, gripping and extremely sinister!! Fab description of that storm too! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ackk!! Not little Randy! Gah! This totally got me. I actually squeaked out loud at the end!! Great story! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. This could have gone so 'The Shining' but you made it wonderfully original. You do monsters so well! Good stuff.

    ReplyDelete