The Eclipse.
July 05, 2012
"Let's go see the end of the world." You said with a smirk. I took your hand, laughing and followed happily, eager to watch the sky fall.
The park was full, but you found a spot on the hill where we could see everything. The green grounds had become a riot of brightly colored people and dark lenses. Children and adults alike were whispering and laughing excitedly. And you sat quietly, barely speaking, but I could feel the quivering excitement that you were trying to hide.
Then it began. Only a few noticed at first but gradually the sea of color shifted into a mimicry of a solar panel and hundreds of black lenses were lifted skyward. You gripped my hand and pointed, as giddy as any child in the crowd. I smiled, but watched silently as the small dark disc crept across the face of the other.
"It looks like pac-man." I whisper, and you chuckle and nudge me with your shoulder. It is darker now, and a cool breeze is brushing against our faces. I am reminded of all the many times in the past when people feared that the eclipse meant the end of the world. The moment arrives when the sky goes dark and we can feel the crowd holding its breath around us. Your hand tightens almost imperceptibly on mine.
Then a bright ray breaks through and dances on the edge of the moon. A low whoosh ripples through the air as the unspoken fear releases the people from its grip. Soon they begin to scatter, wandering off in small groups. Somehow no one seems to be alone today. The thought makes me smile.
We stay in our spot on the hill for a long time, until the sun has sunk in the west and the bright moon hangs over us to light our way. We leave as we came, hand in hand. But this time you stand a little closer, grip slightly tighter, and glance at me oftener. I don't say anything. I just smile, and enjoy the night.
Written for a friend who couldn't go to see the eclipse, and asked me for a story in its place.
5-20-12
Posted by iamjen on July 12, 2012
You left out the explosions of the drone missile that had gone awry... You are such an incredible writer. It's a pleasure to read your words. A novel? A novella? Have you anything bigger in the works?
Posted by morraha on July 12, 2012
No nothing bigger as yet. My muse likes to give me tiny golden nuggets and little shiny chips of gemstones. Maybe one day she'll show me where the lode is.
Posted by wysiwyg on July 06, 2012
You really should have a weekly column.
Posted by morraha on July 06, 2012
Hehehe. Thank you. :) Maybe I'll give my local paper a ring.
Posted by aashton on July 05, 2012
Ok... now I am hooked... the next chapter?? Very enthralling! Again, this is truly your golden cup of honey you share with others! I hope you get published! Or do a screen writing for a movie!!
Posted by morraha on July 06, 2012
Thanks Alli.
Posted by aashton on July 06, 2012
I hope there is another chapter to follow? ;-))
Posted by morraha on July 17, 2012
Nope, no other chapters to this story.
Posted by aashton on July 17, 2012
it was good. It left me wanting more. ;-)