Jenn Monty Week 106: Candle Light

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Jenn Monty’s Picture Choice: Both

Title: Candle Light

Georgia stared across the water. The sun cast rays of orange and pink into the clouds. The forecast called for clear skies later in the evening; she hoped it was right. She needed the light of the full moon. She paced the beach, her toes playing in the surf as darkness spread along the waterfront. A pale iridescence appeared on the horizon indicating just a few more hours of waiting. Georgia smiled as she turned back to her beach house to gather supplies.

The white light of the full moon rippled with the waves. Georgia lit a candle and waded into the ocean until the moonlight touched her face. The water was just above her knees and cooled the hot summer night. She took a deep breath and began to recite the words she’d copied from the Internet.

“Lady of the ancient sea
Hear my plea I beg of thee.
On this night of light and love
So below, as above.
By seaweed, sand, and elder spell
Cast my enemies into hell.
I honor thee
By rule of three.
I offer my light
So mote it be.”

Georgia dropped the candle into the water. She gasped as the wick stayed lit and illuminated the sand around her feet. A hand appeared in the wavering light; Georgia stepped back but the hand latched onto her ankle and pulled. Her body was yanked under the waves without warning and Georgia felt her lungs burn with the sting of saltwater. She kicked out, struggling against her attacker. The harder she fought, the faster she was pulled into the ocean. Her lungs began to ache in a way she had never imagined. She had to breathe. Water poured into her mouth as her body involuntarily tried to pull in oxygen. The blackness consumed her but Georgia was certain she could hear the most beautiful singing.

“I am the lady of the sea.
Who is this girl who called to me,
And wished upon both light and love
To call me to the shores above?
By seaweed, sand, and elder spell
I claim this girl for the pits of hell.
She is mine to have by rule of three
Her soul I keep,
As it pleases me.”

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Jenn Monty, also known as Brewed Bohemian, is a lover of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and anything with "Punk" in the name. She is an avid reader and writes flash fiction at www.BrewedBohemian.blogspot.com

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Monty Week 98: Purposeful Movement

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Jenn Monty’s Picture Choice: Both

Title:

She moved, silent as the blossoms drifting through the air. Her grandfather’s words echoed in her mind.

“Each petal has a purpose. Each moves on the Wind, using Wind’s great power. And yet, to a girl on the street it would seem the Wind is in control, would it not?”

Purposeful movement without notice; that was her strength.

Ling Me progressed through the courtyard, weaving in and out of the crowd. Her eyes never left her prey. She shifted her position in concert with the Prince and his teacher. The guards took no notice of the willowy girl and the villagers who did notice assumed she was transfixed by the presence of royalty.

Purposeful movement.

She slipped past a guard and into the inner circle unseen. She stepped behind the royal carriage and then up into the cabin without a sound, her blade at the ready. She stopped short as cool brown eyes gazed at her, unconcerned with her sudden entrance. It would seem she was expected.

“I knew my enemies had hired an assassin but I did not expect to die by such a beautiful hand.” The Prince smirked as Ling Me blushed.

She moved away from the opening she had just entered until her back was against the seat opposite the Prince. Her dagger remained at a deadly angle in front of the Prince as her eyes roamed the space for hidden doors. Where was the teacher?

“Your weapon is elegant. Did you craft it yourself?” Ling Me’s gaze darted to the prince.

“I...No. It was my father’s.” She continued her scan of the space. She must find the teacher.

“Ah. It is an honor to be that the mercy of great craftsmanship and beauty,” the Prince replied. Once again, Ling Me felt her cheeks burn with heat.

“Where is your teacher?” Ling Me asked.

“Do you not wish to be alone with me?” the Prince replied.

“I wish to find your teacher.”

“Sadly, I thought you had come for me. Ah well. He has stepped out but will be back shortly. I hope that is not too much of a disappointment.”

The Prince grinned at the young woman who meant to kill him. Her kimono shifted as she searched the room and the Prince marveled at the creamy skin just visible below the silk. She turned and caught his stare, her eyes growing wide with shock. She lunged, her speed so sudden even the Prince could not have countered the attack. His own eyes widened with the realization he truly would die by her lovely hand.

The scream of metal on metal sounded in his right ear as blades collided. He shifted to see his teacher, sword drawn. To his amazement, the young assassin’s blade appeared to have blocked what would have been a fatal blow from his teacher’s sword. His confusion increased as the two clashed. With each swing from the sword, the assassin countered to defend the Prince. He saw determination on the girl’s face and watched in awe as she moved with purpose, like a petal on the wind.

Ling Me swiveled in the confined space. She needed to end this quickly before the Prince was accidentally hit just from proximity. She pivoted, her back to the teacher and her eyes locking with the Prince.

Purposeful movement.

She swung the dagger in an arc over her head as she arched her back, both hands on the hilt. She twirled, letting the momentum push her forward. The tip of her dagger sliced through the neck of the traitor as her body turned. It was over almost as quickly as it had begun.

The Prince stared at the arresting pale face streaked in blood.

“I do not understand. Why did you protect me?” the Prince stammered.

“I was not the assassin. I was merely protecting my Prince.” Ling Me bowed and placed her father’s dagger at his feet.

“No, you were not the assassin. You were a blossom dancing on the wind; purposeful movement that normally goes unnoticed.” Ling Me’s eyes shot up to the handsome face.

“But believe me, I have noticed now.” The Prince smiled and could see the young woman blushing even through the traitorous blood.

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

Jenn Monty, also known as Brewed Bohemian, is a lover of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and anything with "Punk" in the name. She is an avid reader and writes flash fiction at www.BrewedBohemian.blogspot.com

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Monty Week 96: Time Loop Part 1

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Jenn Monty’s Picture Choice: One

Title: Time Loop Part 1

Elian was lost; literally as well as figuratively this time. She looked around, hoping to see something familiar. Not even Starbucks ventured into this neighborhood, apparently. There was a bar across the street, though. That would have to do. She pulled out her phone to check the time, refusing to acknowledge the lack of texts from Jonathon. Eleven am was late enough to begin creating the haze she lived in most days. She crossed the street and pushed the heavy door. A cool darkness greeted her. She lifted her sunglasses and surveyed the place. The bar itself appeared to be hand carved wood complete with ornate scroll work and a worn brass foot rail. There were several shabby tables in the middle of the room and an old pool table in one corner. Three young girls sat at a table near the back of the room and looked up when she entered. They each gave her the once over before returning to their conversation. A man stared intently into his glass at the end of the bar, either too drunk to notice her or too consumed by his own thoughts to care. Elian moved to the bar and sat down.

“What’ll it be?” The bartender didn’t even bother to walk the length of the bar.

“Blood Mary with an extra shot for good measure, thanks.”

The bartender nodded. The man at the end of the bar looked up at her, his dark brown eyes full of questions. Elian thought it was strange her order would get his attention when her entrance hadn’t. Maybe it had been the sound of her voice; the place was strangely quiet given the chattering girls a few feet away. She flashed a smile then pulled out her phone again. She still didn’t have any messages. She stared at the screen absently. What exactly had she said before storming out? Something mean, she knew that, but the specifics slipped from her memory. The vodka coursing through her veins at the time hadn’t helped either. She had walked out while it was still dark. Six hours later she was sober enough to regret the event even if she couldn’t remember the fight. Time to fix the sober bit, she thought as the bartender sat her drink down.

“Start a tab?” he asked.

“Please,” she said. She drank half the glass, enjoying the tangy burn as it went down her throat. Just thirty more minutes, she thought. Thirty more minutes until the regret was gone and the quiet phone forgotten. The man at the end of the bar watched as she devoured the rest of her drink.

“You know what, just bring me a shot glass and a bottle of vodka,” she said.

“Seems a little early for such a bad day.” The brown-eyed man said.

“Yeah? Well maybe it isn’t so early for me.”

“Ahh.” He swirled the remaining liquid in his glass. The bartender poured Elian a shot. She picked it up and turned to the man.

“Cheers.” She raised her glass then downed the drink. He raised his own glass and followed suit.

“Shot?” she asked as she poured herself another drink.

“Sure, why not,” the man replied. “My name is Noble, by the way.”

“You’re kidding, right?” The bartender sat another shot glass down.

“No. That’s really my name. So what type of day prompts shots before noon?” Noble asked as he took the glass Elian had just poured. She tipped the bottle into the second glass before answering.

“I’m lost.” Elian clinked Noble’s glass and downed her second shot.

Noble chuckled. “Lost will be the right word if you keep drinking like that.” He upended his own glass before continuing. “Are you lost literally or figuratively,” he asked.

“Both,” Elian answered as she poured another round.

“Let’s start with the literal lost, then.” Noble picked up the now full shot glass. “Where are you trying to go?” He tipped his head back, but kept his eyes on Elian.

“I’m not really trying to get anywhere specific. But I will eventually need to get back home.” Elian slammed her third shot and smacked the glass back down on the bar. There it was, the haze she wanted. She leaned back from the bar and closed her eyes. A grunt from the bartender prompted her to open her eyes a few moments later. He ripped the shot glass from her loose fingers with a glare.

“Sorry,” she gave a sheepish grin and shrugged her shoulders. She glanced over to the liquid brown eyes still watching her every move. Elian had almost forgotten she was in the middle of a conversation with this handsome stranger. Her smile stretched out and her shoulders dropped. A few more minutes and she’d be putty in anyone’s hands; hopefully, his hands. What was his name again? Oh yeah, Noble. What an incredibly funny name. She giggled.

“Feeling better?” Noble asked.

“Yes, a bit. Thanks,” Elian replied.

“So where’s home?”

“Oh, yes. That. Just south of St Edward’s Cathedral.” Elian slid her sunglasses back down as the room appeared to brighten slightly. She noticed a brief break in the chatter across the room and looked over at the table of girls. Everyone at the table stared intently in her direction. She put her hand up and rippled her fingers. A girl with pink pigtails sneered and looked back toward her friends. The chatter started up again and Elian swiveled her head back toward the bar. She leaned closer to Noble who obliged by moving closer.



“Do you think they are old enough to be in here,” she asked as she gestured toward the back table. Noble laughed and his eyes sparkled.

“They are more than old enough,” he replied.

“Ah,” Elian leaned back a bit. “I suppose I am too far removed from the party scene then,” she said. Noble laughed again.

“I would be surprised if you had ever been to one of their parties,” he said.

“Hey now. I’m not that old,” Elian retorted.

“It has nothing to do with age, trust me. You just don’t appear to run in their circles.”

Noble winked and picked up his glass absently. “So eventually you want to get back down to the south side of town.” He looked into his empty glass.

“Eventually I suppose I won’t have a choice,” she replied. She pulled out her phone to confirm no new messages.

“When that time arrives, I will call you a cab,” he said.

“I prefer to walk. If you can point me in the general direction I’ll be fine.” She said. Noble looked at her thoughtfully for a moment before nodding.

“So now that that is settled,” he paused. “How are you lost, figuratively speaking?” He finished his thought with a glance at her face.

“Oh you know,” she waved her hand. “The usual. No clue where my life is headed. No clue which direction to take. Yadda, yadda.” She glanced at her phone again. Noble looked at her phone and then back to her face.



“Anything to do with whoever is on the other side of that phone?” he asked.

“A bit, yes.” She replied.

“Would you like to talk about what he isn’t saying?” Elian raised her eyebrows enough Noble could see the gesture over the sunglasses.

“Or maybe it’s a she,” he added. Elian smiled and he released a small sigh.

“He,” Elian looked over the top of her glasses for emphasis. “Isn’t the problem. I am.”

“I’m sure that’s not entirely true,” Noble offered.

“I’m sure it is,” she replied.

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

Jenn Monty, also known as Brewed Bohemian, is a lover of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and anything with "Punk" in the name. She is an avid reader and writes flash fiction at www.BrewedBohemian.blogspot.com

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Monty Week 94: Sunshine

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Jenn Monty’s Picture Choice: One

Title: Sunshine

There in the golden hues of morning
Between earth and the heavens
Happiness unfolds her arms
Pushing through the dewfall
To capture rays of light.
She only stays a moment
Then moves into the day
Wearing the perfect timing
Of nature in the sun.

Then once again
In the deep blues of night
Happiness returns
Dancing on the breeze
Donning stars in her hair.
Moonlight pulls the radiance
From her cheeks
To shine upon the evening primrose
And give life to a sleeping world.

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

Jenn Monty, also known as Brewed Bohemian, is a lover of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and anything with "Punk" in the name. She is an avid reader and writes flash fiction at www.BrewedBohemian.blogspot.com

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Monty Week 92: The Journey

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Jenn Monty’s Picture Choice: Both

Title: The Journey

I love it here
In the yellow light
And smoke filled air.
The world past this point
Down those tracks
Doesn't exist.
It melts into the familiar,
Sights and sounds mingling
As the fire jumps higher.
Just a stop on the journey,
Too small to notice
Too encompassing to forget.
The whistle blows.
Time to go,
Moving forward at the speed of life
As the world burns behind me.

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

Jenn Monty, also known as Brewed Bohemian, is a lover of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and anything with "Punk" in the name. She is an avid reader and writes flash fiction at www.BrewedBohemian.blogspot.com

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Monty Week 90: Normalcy

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Jenn Monty’s Picture Choice: 2

Title: Normalcy

The mylar balloons made an eerie scratching noise as the wind blew through the empty back yard. Jamie inched around the swing set and moved toward the faucet on the side of the house. She stayed low as she moved, hoping the inhabitants were either dead or no longer inside. She sank to her knees and turned on the water. Jamie cupped the water in her hands and drank greedily as her eyes continued to scan the backyard and back door. The creak of the back gate sent a chill up her spine. The gate was around the side of the house and out of eyesight. Jamie frantically searched for a hiding place. She ran as silently as possible toward the swing set and slumped down behind the slide. It wasn't a great spot but it was better than staying completely in the open.

A girl walked around the side of the house. She was pretty in an old movie star kind of way with flowing chocolate hair and beautiful powder white skin. Her dress clung to her curves in all the right places. Her lips were ruby red and her checks flushed. As she neared, the smell that drifted over Jamie was so bad her eyes watered. It was like nothing she had ever experienced; a putrid rotten meat scent like several dead animals. Jamie choked back a gag reflex and wiped her eyes so she could focus on the figure still moving around the back yard. If she was lucky, the vampire wouldn't smell the fear rolling off Jamie's skin. She watched in horror as the beautiful head snapped in the direction of the slide.

Jamie tried to run. It was no use but she tried anyway. The vampire was upon her within seconds. She watched in horror as a silky white hand plunged into her chest. Jamie screamed then abruptly stopped as the vampire pulled out a lung.

The body no longer resembled a human when the vampire glided back through the gate, leaving the balloons as the only evidence of normalcy.

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

Jenn Monty, also known as Brewed Bohemian, is a lover of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and anything with "Punk" in the name. She is an avid reader and writes flash fiction at www.BrewedBohemian.blogspot.com

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Monty Week 88: Silence in the Morning

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Jenn Monty’s Picture Choice: 2

Title: Silence in the Morning

How does the morning always find me?
I hide so completely with you
Tucked away from the light;
And yet the sun creeps
Across the bedroom wall,
Pecking at you relentlessly.

The silence of morning
Plays with the grey light of dawn
Pushing up the pain of you.
Clinging to the dream,
I hold fast to the night
So I don't lose my grip on sanity.

Only the decay of time is so thorough
Washing away the real world
Leaving dust behind
You are my dream
A slight whisper
in the silence of the morning


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

Jenn Monty, also known as Brewed Bohemian, is a lover of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and anything with "Punk" in the name. She is an avid reader and writes flash fiction at www.BrewedBohemian.blogspot.com

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Monty Week 86: Heartache

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Jenn Monty’s Picture Choice: One

Title: Heartache

A wind howls through the barren night
Singing in a deathly tone.
The moon is gone,
The stars burned out,
Showing I am alone.

A vast sea of broken dreams
Stretches before my eyes.
The mud is thick,
The water deep,
Wading through all the lies.

The light is gone, the wind bears down
Rippling across the waves.
Heavy feet
Trudge forward still,
Forty nights and forty days.

Lost within the endless sea
Tears mingle with the dreams.
A favorite kiss,
A forgotten look,
Dreams are never as they seem.

The wind kicks up a driving force
Pushing against my back.
The waters whisper
A wicked voice,
Telling all the traits I lack.

A dream drifts up from across the sea
Of a lusher, drier land.
But moving muck,
And sliding truths,
Prove there is no place to stand
.
A crashing wave of dreams now past
Pulls me under and down.
One final dream,
To say goodbye,
May it surface someday and be found.

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

Jenn Monty, also known as Brewed Bohemian, is a lover of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and anything with "Punk" in the name. She is an avid reader and writes flash fiction at www.BrewedBohemian.blogspot.com

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Monty Week 84: Counting Stars

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Jenn Monty’s Picture Choice: BOth

Title: Counting Stars

Volleyball on the beach looks really cool on TV. What they don’t show on TV are the sand fleas. Thousands of tiny, biting sand fleas. Gavin had finally talked me into a date; an afternoon on the beach with his friends followed by a campout complete with dinner for two.

Of course, I had eaten more sand than I cared to admit during the impromptu volleyball match. A side effect of being face down in sand most of the afternoon was a body full of small red whelps.

One of the girls had a home remedy for bug bites; a small brown bottle filled with a sticky liquid. Before I could stop him, Gavin had smeared the goo across my arms and hands.

“Really?? Now I’m going to have sand and bug bites all over my arms. This stuff is gross,” I said.

“I’m just trying to help,” Gavin sighed. “I’ve got extra water bottles in the car; let’s go wash it off if it’s so gross.”

We finished washing off my arms and hands in silence but I could feel his eyes occasionally roam away from the water bottles or my face. I pulled out some cotton crop pants and a t-shirt from my backpack, and then handed the bag over to him.

“Think you could put this in the car while I put on some clothes?”

“Of course; but do you really need the extra clothes? It’s so balmy out here.” His eyes sparkled as they strayed from my face again.

“Whatever.” I rolled my eyes and stepped into the pants. His laugh rang out in the clear night air as he finally walked away. The light from the car went out just as I pulled the t-shirt over my head. The resulting darkness was disorienting. I peered blindly into the night but I felt Gavin’s energy approaching before my eyes adjusted.

“How do you move around in this darkness?” I asked as he walked up.

“You really are a city girl, aren’t you?” he chuckled.

“Yes. And I don’t see how you can stand being blind at night. I really miss street lights.” He began to move in the direction of our campsite. I quickly followed his dark form. He suddenly stopped and I walked right into his back.

“Sorry.”

“I didn’t realize you were so close or I would have warned you I was stopping.” I could hear the grin in his tone. He placed his hands on my shoulders and pulled me close. I held my breath at the thrill of butterflies in my core. Was he coming in for a kiss?

“Look up,” he said gently. Confused, I followed his instruction and gasped. The clear night sky was laid out before me, stars flowing and twinkling like a river of light. I’d never seen the stars look so bright.

“That’s how I can stand being without street lights at night,” he said.

“They look alive,” I breathed.

“I know; it’s beautiful. The winter sky is my favorite. Do you see that line of stars – three in a row?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s Orion’s belt.” He continued pointing out stars and constellations; Betelgeuse, Taurus, the Pleiades, Castor and Pollex. As he pointed, he told stories of the hunter, the bull, and the battle for the seven sisters. As I listened I watched the stars wake up, saw Orion shoot his bow across the sky, and Taurus rear his head. It was amazing. We looked up until my neck hurt.

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

Jenn Monty, also known as Brewed Bohemian, is a lover of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and anything with "Punk" in the name. She is an avid reader and writes flash fiction at www.BrewedBohemian.blogspot.com

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Monty Week 82: Perfect

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Jenn Monty’s Picture Choice: Both

Title: Perfect

**So let me start by saying I’ve been working on a horror piece for submission. It has obviously swayed my writing into a dark and violent alley. As a warning, there is graphic death in this piece so feel free to stop reading. I’m not sure what has happened to my mind. **

His fingers tightened. He enjoyed the squish of the flesh; it just kept giving and giving. He wondered how many minutes it would take; like that stupid bird on the t.v. How many licks. Except the bird had cheated. Maybe he should cheat; press down with his body instead of just his arms. Jeremy shifted.

One.
Two.
Crunch!

The damn bird had been right. Three licks to get to the center. The thrill of bones grinding beneath his palms surprised Jeremy. He thought the sensation of pulsing blood under his fingertips was a rush. But that snap! Man, he hadn’t expected the excitement. He needed more. Jeremy looked down.

Perfect.

Blood, just a touch, dripped from the corner of her mouth. Was it from the bones Jeremy was pulverizing? Or had she bit her lip? He couldn’t tell from this angle. He leaned forward.

Crack!

The arm bones pinned beneath his knees gave way. Jeremy shivered with joy. Better than all the imagining. So. Much. Better. Too bad she didn’t scream. That had ended a few minutes ago. Now, nothing seemed to be coming from her purple lips except spit and that beautiful string of crimson. Jeremy looked at her eyes. Glassy. And the tears had stopped. That wasn’t cool at all. She should be crying, at least. Come to think of it, he couldn’t feel the movement of blood any more either. Jeremy relaxed his grip. The girl’s head flopped to the left. Jeremy sighed.

Too fast.

That went way too fast. He’d have to pay better attention next time. Draw it out a bit. Not let the excitement rush him forward. He needed another doll. Jeremy stood up and grinned at the bruising where his knees had pinned her arms. And her neck - gorgeous stips of lavendar bloomed along the sides. He had made her prettier - all red and purple against the alabaster skin. That was a curious word, alabaster. He’d heard it in a song, maybe? Jeremy shook his head. Didn’t matter; time to go. He left the apartment and drifted down the hall to the front of the building. No one noticed. No one ever did. Except that girl; she had smiled at him. Smiled and taken off her scarf. He’d smiled back. He knew what she wanted. The exposed neck said it all.

Jeremy walked outside and into a cold rain. Cold and sideways. His mother would say God was mad at him, punishing him for what he’d just done. Even the birds kept their heads down in shame, she’d say. But he knew the cold and the wet would purify him; make him clean so he could meet another doll, another neck to paint. Jeremy headed back down to the corner coffee shop. He looked up briefly as he entered. A blond doll slid into a booth three tables in; she looked up and smiled. Smiled as she tugged at the edges of her scarf. Jeremy smiled back.

Perfect.

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

Jenn Monty, also known as Brewed Bohemian, is a lover of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and anything with "Punk" in the name. She is an avid reader and writes flash fiction at www.BrewedBohemian.blogspot.com

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Monty Week 80: The Traveller

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Jenn Monty’s Picture Choice: Both

Title: The Traveller

Raesha tossed the bones once again. And once again the pattern told her it was time to leave. She peered across the tree line for prying eyes as she swept the bones back into the leather pouch on her hip. She stood and walked across the clearing that separated the forest from the road. She loved this forest; she didn't want to leave. She had made a nice place for herself among the circus folks of the area. They let her sleep in the storage trailer; she had even built a name for herself performing as their fortune teller in exchange for food.

But the bones didn't lie. It was time to move on. Raesha slipped out of her flip flops and stepped onto the road, her rune pouch clutched tightly in her hand. An east wind blew along the road, tossing her raven hair gently to one side.

"West it is," she said aloud as she stepped back into her shoes. She let the wind push her west, down the road toward the county line. She hadn't gone more than one hundred feet when she stopped abruptly. A three foot waif of a girl almost toppled into Raesha's legs.

"Why have you followed me, Poppet?" Raesha asked without turning around.

"You're leaving, aren't you?" A small voice accused.

"Yes, Poppet. It is time for me to go." Raesha replied.

"Who's gonna tell my fortune?"

Raesha turned and smiled at the watery blue eyes turned upward toward her. Her heart twinged as she bent down to speak with the child. Raesha slipped one of her many bracelets from her arm and placed it gently in the girls hand.

"The stars will always hold your fortune. Simply look up and they will tell you what comes next."

The girl looked up and frowned. "But what if it's daylight?" The girl asked.

"Then wait until it is night, silly." Raesha pinched the girls cheek then stood up straight. "Go home now. Do not follow me any longer."

With that, Raesha turned and walked westward. She wiped a tear as she moved down the road, away from the girl and a life she had loved.

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

Jenn Monty, also known as Brewed Bohemian, is a lover of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and anything with "Punk" in the name. She is an avid reader and writes flash fiction at www.BrewedBohemian.blogspot.com

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Monty Week 78: Closing

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Jenn Monty’s Picture Choice: Both

Title: Closing

Lost in the stacks
Tripping over Hobbits
Searching for fallen angels
To fight my personal demons

Druids, magicians & violence
Growl in this ancient forest
Resting on the shelves
A world within a world

Drifting far into the lore
Riding cadence and rhyme
To a place where death is honor
And the air smells real


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

Jenn Monty, also known as Brewed Bohemian, is a lover of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and anything with "Punk" in the name. She is an avid reader and writes flash fiction at www.BrewedBohemian.blogspot.com

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Monty Week 74: Missing

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Jenn Monty’s Picture Choice: Both

Title: Missing

Music drifted through the concert hall with a fierceness Alan hadn’t anticipated. Lights flashed and smoke churned just like every other show but this audience was alive; a sweaty, writhing entity breathing in his music. The surreal view from center stage echoed in his ears when lyrics streamed back at him from the alien crowd. A thousand voices belted out his words causing Alan to grin like a cheshire cat. Being a rock star was such a wonderful life.

Alan’s heart pounded as the last song died away. Cheers from the crowd vibrated through his body and the rush bubbled up through his bones. It was the perfect night. Almost. Thoughts of Becky tugged at the back of his mind for a brief second before the adrenaline washed them away. The lights finally dimmed and Alan moved to the back of the stage. Another night, another city, another adoring crowd; Becky would have loved this show with its infectious vibe. Seriously, stop, he thought to himself. Becky had moved on and hundreds of girls out there tonight would gladly take her place. He thought about asking a few to come back to the tour bus. Instead, Alan grabbed his cell phone and slipped out the back door before his manager forced him to mingle with the fans.

He pulled his hood up and walked behind the building, looking for a secluded spot. He didn’t want a stray fan stumbling up, it would kill his nerve. He found a bridge with a train track running beneath and moved into the tunnel. What time would it be for her? He couldn’t remember what time zone he was in but it couldn’t be too late back home. Alan hit the speed dial; he still hadn’t removed her number.

“Hello, Alan.” Her voice sang through the phone. She obviously hadn’t removed his number either if she knew who was calling. Hope trickled into Alan’s heart.

“Hello, Becky. It’s not too late I hope?” he asked. God it was wonderful to hear the sound of his name on her lips.

“No, it’s just about dinner time here. Where are you tonight?” Alan’s shoulders slumped; she wasn’t following the tour then.

“Just finished the show in Bristol. I’m not too far from Temple Station,” he said.

“Öh. Was it a good crowd?”

“A great crowd. You would have loved it.”

“So you’re having a good tour then?”

“It would be better if you were waiting backstage each night.” Alan said the words before he could stop himself.

“Alan, we’ve been through this,” Becky began.

“I know,” Alan stopped her. “I just miss you.”

“OH MY GOD! There he is!” Alan cringed when he heard the shouting at the mouth of the tunnel. He knew Becky had heard it too.

“Go on then; your fans are waiting,” Becky said. Alan thought he heard disappointment in her voice.

“Becky, I…”

“No, just go. You can’t stay here with me and I’d rather be blind than see all those girls.”

Alan heard a click on the other end of the line. He snapped his phone shut, plastered on his best fake smile, and went to greet the girls who had ruined his night.

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Jenn Monty, also known as Brewed Bohemian, is a lover of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and anything with "Punk" in the name. She is an avid reader and writes flash fiction at www.BrewedBohemian.blogspot.com

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Monty Week 72: Empty Water

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Jenn Monty’s Picture Choice: Both

Title: Empty Water

Moving thru water
Trudging
Straining
Feeling useless
Like a sieve
Everything pouring thru
Leaving
Abandoning
Jumping ship
Before it goes down

Barely afloat
In my own mind
Breaking heart
Tearing muscles
Crumbling with wet rot
On the inside
Dry rot on the outside
Standing next to failure
Waiting for the tip
That pushes the scales

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Jenn Monty, also known as Brewed Bohemian, is a lover of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and anything with "Punk" in the name. She is an avid reader and writes flash fiction at www.BrewedBohemian.blogspot.com

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Monty Week 70: Fireworks

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Jenn Monty’s Picture Choice: Both

Title: Fireworks

Sam looked across the table into the most beautiful green eyes he’d ever seen. He smiled and sipped, hoping she liked mocha. He ordered before she got there in an effort to be more romantic and now they sat forehead to forehead trying not to get a brain freeze. He felt like some rock-a-billy throw back in a Norman Rockwell painting. But she looked happy and that was all he really cared about.

It had taken Sam three weeks to work up the nerve to ask Stacy out. Her dark flowing hair and petite frame drove him wild but his shy nature meant weeks of smiling across hallways and classrooms before he could even say hello, much less ask her on a date. To his amazement, she’d said yes and they now had three more weeks and two dates under their belts. This was date number four and Sam decided it was time to make his move. What was that saying everyone was using, YOLO? Yeah, no time like the present.

Sam reached up and gently pulled the straw from Stacy’s lips then cupped his hand behind her ear like he’d seen in a thousand movies. His nerves jangled like the chain on his wallet as he pulled her face closer and closed his eyes. His lips touched hers and Sam’s world changed in an instant. A kaleidoscope of colors exploded all around him, spilling across the shake glass, the table, everything. Her taste and scent enveloped him as the electricity from her lips sparked goose bumps across his body. He slowly pulled back, his cheeks flush with excitement and worry. Stacy smiled and reached to wipe the lipstick from his mouth and the worry melted away with the last of the ice cream.

He’d never kissed a girl before but it was just as he’d imagined - earth shattering; brilliant; beautiful. Just like Stacy.

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

Jenn Monty, also known as Brewed Bohemian, is a lover of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and anything with "Punk" in the name. She is an avid reader and writes flash fiction at www.BrewedBohemian.blogspot.com

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Monty Week 68: Bad Trip

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Jenn Monty’s Picture Choice: Both

Title: Bad Trip

“Fine, hand them over,” I said as I snatched the pills from Jessica.

“Damn. Don’t get your panties in a twist. I was just teasing,” she replied.

“I’m sick of you making fun of me just because I like to be able to think straight,” I said. I popped the pills into my mouth and chased them with my Coke. I was tired of the pressure, nagging and teasing from my friend to party like a real college student. Once wouldn’t hurt and it would get Jessica off my back.

“There; don’t call me goodie-two-shoes again,” I snapped. Jessica threw her hands up in mock surrender.

“OK, now what,” I asked?

“Now we wait,” Jessica said with a mischievous smile. She took a few more pills from her pocket and threw them into her own mouth.

“Well that’s anti-climatic,” I said. She shrugged and plopped onto my couch. I sat next to her and fiddled with my Coke can. I felt stupid for finally giving in and nervous about what would happen next. I’d never been high before and had no clue what to expect.

Thirty minutes later I still felt normal. Maybe Jessica had given me a placebo but seeing how it was just the two of us and not some party, that didn’t seem likely.

“I’m bored.” I looked over at Jessica to see if she agreed. My friend turned to look at me and burst out laughing.

“What’s so funny,” I asked. The pillow she was prompt on began pulsing and I wondered if Jessica was moving it on purpose.

“You look like a flipping cartoon character,” she gawhaffed. “Seriously; you’re like two dimensional and shit.” She reached out to touch me. She had way too much hair on it. It morphed as she moved closer and by the time she touched my arm it was a full on paw complete with brown and white fur. I looked up at my friend who now appeared to be a small corgi. WHAT.THE HELL. I scrambled over the back of the vibrating couch and away from the yipping little dog. I looked around, panic gripping my stomach. The walls of my apartment oozed what looked like blood and the floor was crawling with spiders. I screamed and tried to run towards my bathroom but the dog pounced on me and pulled me to the floor.

“Hey, hey calm down.” The dog was talking to me. I let out a scream that made the pup cringe and was sure to alert my neighbors.

“Shit,” the dog said. It jumped off me and trotted to the coffee table. I saw it pawing at Jessica’s cell phone as I crawled into the bathroom. I whimpered when the dog stuck its furry head into the bathroom.

“It’s ok, I’ll stay out here. But I called 911. I think we are both going to be in a lot of trouble over this. I’m sorry I teased you. Just try to stay awake until the ambulance gets here.” I nodded at the talking dog head and tried not to notice the bathroom dissolving around me.

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

Jenn Monty, also known as Brewed Bohemian, is a lover of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and anything with "Punk" in the name. She is an avid reader and writes flash fiction at www.BrewedBohemian.blogspot.com

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Monty Week 66: Fire and Wind

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Jenn Monty’s Picture Choice: Both

Title: Fire and Wind

Kat and Olivia sat in the back of a dark bar. Kat was there to drink herself into a stupor; Olivia was there to drive the resulting mess home. Kat felt the alcohol mingling with the fire in her veins. It was all she could do to keep the flames from popping up on her fingertips. There were days when being an Elemental sucked, Kat thought.

“Kat, I think you’ve had enough.” Olivia said sternly.

“I don’t. I can still feel the pain.” Kat downed the seventh shot glass on the table. Straight vodka no longer held a taste but Kat still felt the betrayal of Gavin’s kiss, which meant she wasn’t as drunk as she wanted.

“Awe damn,” Olivia mumbled under her breath.

“What?” Kat asked, not truly interested but trying to be a descent friend. Kat followed Olivia’s gaze through the crowded bar. She saw the issue and immediately sucked in a painful breath.

“Awe damn.” Kat repeated the original sentiment. She picked up the beer she’d been using to chase the shots and quickly looked in the opposite direction.

“What are you doing here, Gavin?” Olivia asked. Kat continued to watch the people sitting at the bar-proper.

“I was looking for Kat.” His voice was honey and it stabbed at Kat’s heart.

“I don’t think she wants to be found.” Olivia replied.

“Especially not by him,” Kat added without turning around.

“I think you should just leave.” Olivia said.

“Kat, would you please just look at me?” Gavin asked. “It was just one kiss.”

“Gavin – just leave. Please.” Olivia’s voice had a warning edge.

“And in my defense, I wasn’t really in control of myself; the whole vampire draw and everything…”

Kat’s head swung around and her eyes narrowed with an angry gleam, causing Gavin to stop talking mid-sentence. She glared at him then stood up and began walking toward the bar. She wobbled slightly, the seven shots of vodka taking a toll on her balance.

“Kat?” Gavin and Olivia both said her name with slight alarm. A guy looked over at the sound and Kat made eye contact, flashing her best smile. He smiled back and then shifted his eyes over her shoulder. The man swiveled in his bar stool so Kat could squeeze in next to him. He smelled awful, like cheap cologne and cigarettes.

“Hey there.” Kat playfully touched his knee.

“Hello.” He replied.

Gavin stood between the table and the bar, watching with a jealous vibe.

“Do you think I could bum a smoke?” Kat literally purred at the guy.

“Sure.” His smile widened a little more.

His eyes shot back over to Gavin as he pulled out a cigarette and handed it over. Kat licked her lips slightly and leaned over so the man could light the end. He lit the cigarette, his eyes moving between the woman in front of him and the man a few steps away.

“So, is that your boyfriend?” The guy titled his head toward Gavin.

“Nope.” Kat popped the ‘p’ for emphasis and stood up on the railing of his bar stool.

Shock registered on the man’s face as Kat leaned in and kissed him. Kat pushed all of her anger and pain into the kiss. She wanted Gavin to hurt as bad as she did. She pulled back and the man shot a victorious smile over her shoulder at Gavin.

“Thanks for the cigarette,” Kat smiled and stepped away.

“Can I get your number?” The man asked but Kat was already headed straight toward Gavin.

She knew it was a total bitch move but she just couldn’t seem to stop herself; an eye for an eye, afterall. Or at least a heart. Kat took a long drag off the cigarette and blew the smoke directly into Gavin’s face. Then she grabbed the front of his tee-shirt and pulled his face close. He wrinkled his nose at the sick smell floating off her breath.

“It was just one kiss,” Kat whispered the words.

And then she saw it – her pain in his eyes. She thought it would make her feel better but it just made her feel like a bitch; a very nauseated, drunk bitch. She let go of his shirt and stumbled back to Olivia. She fell into her seat and began flagging down the waitress.

“Gavin, she’s really drunk,” Olivia said apologetically.

“That’s obvious.” His voice was angry.

“And she’s really hurt.” Olivia shot back

“I know,” he sighed. “And I don’t know how to fix that.”

Kat tried to ignore the fact that Gavin sat down at the table. The waitress walked up to aid in Kat’s distraction.

“A shot of vodka and a fresh beer, please.” Kat saw heads shaking out of the corner of her blurry eyes.

“I think your friends are cutting you off,” the waitress said.

“Screw my friends; I’m the one paying.”

Kat pulled a twenty out of her pocket and thrust it at the uncomfortable waitress, who eyed the others before snatching the twenty and darting away. The cigarette Kat hadn’t really wanted was just ash now. She stared absently at her empty hands and started pulling up little shoots of flame, watching the flames dance as she moved my fingers.

“Kat, put the fire out.” Olivia’s voice was kind but urgent.

Kat moved my fingers again, and the flames licked the alcohol off the edge of the table.

“Kat, there’s being self destructive and then there’s just being stupid.” Gavin said as he reached for her hands. She closed them into a fists and extinguished the flames before his fingers could touch hers.

“Gavin, just leave me alone.” All of her anger was gone.

“Would you at least look at me?”

“No.”

“Why not?” She could hear his anger flaring up.

“Because when I look at you all I see is her.” Her statement lingered on the air between them.

Kat watched the bar grow darker and heard the voices fade. Finally, she thought. Finally she was drunk enough.

“Kat,” Gavin’s voice was soft in her ear. “I’m so very sorry. Please forgive me.”

Damn him. Kat’s pain flared up in a dull throb. She sat back in her chair and watched the room begin to spin. She pictured her heart wrapped in titanium and tin but it was no use; her heart melted and she slipped willingly into his arms as her friends took her home.

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

Jenn Monty, also known as Brewed Bohemian, is a lover of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and anything with "Punk" in the name. She is an avid reader and writes flash fiction at www.BrewedBohemian.blogspot.com

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Monty Week 64: Water Works

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Jenn Monty’s Picture Choice:

Title: Water Works

Devon swirled her hand just above the water’s edge. She watched the ripples respond to her movement and laughed with glee. A family of swans looked her way then swam to the opposite bank, uninterested in the girl or her new found powers. Devon flicked her wrist and sent a stream across the lake. The swans squawked and struggled against the resulting current. Devon smiled mischievously. She clapped her hands together, excited to see what would happen. A wave rushed across the lake, white-capping before overtaking the swans. Devon lost sight of them for a few moments until one by one they popped up from the surf.

Excellent, she thought. Olivia is going to freak when she sees what I can do. Devon stood and pulled out her cell phone. She began texting Olivia as she walked to her car.

Meet me at the marina in 2 hrs. Bring the guys.
Ur gonna freak when I show you my new trick. :)

A few moments later, Devon’s phone buzzed in reply.

Hey chica. Wassup? Suits and towels only or
bring the cooler 2?

After a few more texts, the afternoon was set. Now all Devon needed to do was figure out how to control a bigger area of water.

Devon was sitting on the end of the pier when Olivia, Shaun, and Matt pulled into the public beach. As expected, the guys ran across the pier and jumped straight into the water, splashing cool water across Devon’s legs. She smiled as she pushed the water off her body and onto the dock.

“Hey, girl.” Olivia pulled a cooler over to Devon and plopped down beside her friend.

“So what’s up with the cryptic texts? What trick have you learned?” Olivia started to pull out a beer but Devon reached over to shut the cooler lid before her friend succeeded.

“What the hell?” Olivia asked.

“I need you to get into the water before I can show you the trick,” Devon replied.

Reluctantly, Olivia sank down into the water and swam out to where the guys were dunking each other.

“So what’s the deal, chica? Hurry up and show me this trick already,” Olivia called out as she treaded water.

Devon stood up and made sure all three faces were turned her way. She jumped up and out, pulling her knees to her chest in a classic cannonball tuck. As she hit the water, she pushed out with all her might, hoping at least a small wave would jostle her friends about. She felt the water rush away from her body before falling back into place. She swam up to the surface, beaming with pride at her own cleverness. She looked across the water to see if her friends were impressed. All she saw were three heads just above the water line as a gigantic wave rushed toward them. Devon watched in horror as the wave hit; the last she ever saw of her friends was Matt’s arms reaching up to grab the air before the water swallowed them whole.

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

Jenn Monty, also known as Brewed Bohemian, is a lover of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and anything with "Punk" in the name. She is an avid reader and writes flash fiction at www.BrewedBohemian.blogspot.com

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Monty Week 62: The Letter

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Jenn Monty’s Picture Choice: Both

Title: The Letter

“P.S. I Love You”,
She said into the wind
As the clouds floated by
And a tear went to her chin.

“The world’s your oyster”
She read the line aloud.
The letter slowly fluttered
As she melted to the ground.

“Be strong, unwavering.”
The next line made her grin,
Her mother knew her best
“Always carry your pen.”

“Remember when I’m not there,”
She choked the next words out
“That I’ll love you more than ever.”
As if there was any doubt.

“Don’t let the cancer beat you,
Just because it has beaten me.
This is just a body;
My soul is happy and free.”

“P.S. I Love You.”
She read the line again.
Today she’d lost her mother;
Today she’d lost her friend.

She folded up the paper
That her mom had left behind
A last little present
That was only hers to find.

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

Jenn Monty, also known as Brewed Bohemian, is a lover of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and anything with "Punk" in the name. She is an avid reader and writes flash fiction at www.BrewedBohemian.blogspot.com

#DailyPicspiration

Jenn Monty Week 58: Dinner Party

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Jenn Monty’s Picture Choice: Both

Title: Dinner Party

The body pushed up from the marinade; tender limbs struggled to break free. Salt glistened on the palms. The witch noticed the commotion with exasperation. The sleeping potion should not have worn off so soon. Her apprentice must have done something wrong. She took the form of flight and went over to the body. The witch hovered just above the digits and pecked the fingers with her poisoned beak. An inky spell spread through the fingertips. Veins of black swirled down the wrists and into the torso. The additional spell would leave a taste but there was no other option. Maybe a little more thyme would mask the bitterness.

The magic took root and the body went rigid, then soft. The arms fell back into the vat of spices and oils. The witch looked at the moon; just a few more hours according to her calculations. Once the moon was at its highest point, she could remove the heart and dice the body meat. This was her grandmother’s recipe; the timing had to be just right. She left the body to finish marinating and flew over to her apprentice. The witch landed on messy dark fingers. Her apprentice was preparing the New Moon Cake and the black dough stained anything it touched. Another family recipe – this time from an aunt with a passion for the Dark Arts.

The witch transformed into her human state and addressed the apprentice.
“You screwed up the sleeping potion and the main course was writhing around the pan just now.” “Oh Mistress! I’m so sorry.” The witch could see panic lighting the girl’s eyes. Fear was always a joyous thing.
“If it’s ruined be assured I will cook you in its place,” the witch replied. “How is the cake? Is it almost ready for the oven?”
“Yes, Mistress. I just need to add the final spell,” the girl replied.
“Remember, just a drop or it will be too sweet.” The witch watched closely as the apprentice removed the bottle of Children’s Laughter from the shelf. Too much and her lovely black cake would turn glitter pink and be sweeter than a unicorn’s ass. If done correctly though, the Laughter would offset the Broken Heart just enough to amplify the overall flavor. A small layer of Passion mixed with raspberries was drizzled on top. The effect was better than human chocolate.

The witch heard a knock at her kitchen door. She turned to see her father standing in the door frame. He breathed deeply then smiled.
“Hello, my sweet Genevieve. It smells wonderful in here.”
“DADDY!” The witch darted to hug her father. “You’re early. But I hope you like your birthday dinner. I’ve made all your favorites!”

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

Jenn Monty, also known as Brewed Bohemian, is a lover of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror and anything with "Punk" in the name. She is an avid reader and writes flash fiction at www.BrewedBohemian.blogspot.com

#DailyPicspiration