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Don’t Drink

January 23, 2023 16 Comments

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She’d thought it was a myth—her mother’s quaint obsession with the fae.

Until they’d stolen her boy.

She gave chase into their realm, tearing through the gnarled forest of twisted trees.

“Mama?”

Relief surged when she saw him by the moss-covered fountain.

“Mama, I’m thirsty.” Pleading eyes squeezed her heart as he held out the flask. She filled it and passed it back.

He shook his head. “You first.”

Trembling hands raised it to her lips.

The illusion faded—her son’s image replaced by a faery baring jagged teeth.

Don’t drink the water, a memory whispered. Drink and you’re theirs.

By Lou Holland

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Karen Tucker says

    January 23, 2023 at 7:56 am

    Well written and a useful reminder! Echoed by the Persephone myth and the tale of Thomas the Rhymer. The fae are not all who we think they are …

    Reply
    • Lou Holland says

      January 23, 2023 at 8:30 am

      Thank you! I have to admit I love spooky stories about the fae. There’s just so much interesting lore there.

      Reply
  2. Derek says

    January 23, 2023 at 10:18 am

    It makes you think twice about having fairies on the Christmas tree. I enjoyed reading this.

    Reply
    • Lou Holland says

      January 23, 2023 at 12:14 pm

      Haha, indeed. Don’t want to be inviting them inside!

      Reply
  3. Jillian Collette says

    January 23, 2023 at 10:40 am

    So well written. Powerful story that will stay with me for awhile.

    Reply
    • Lou Holland says

      January 23, 2023 at 12:14 pm

      Thanks so much for your kind words!

      Reply
  4. Patricia Stott-Prince says

    January 23, 2023 at 1:44 pm

    Enchanting!!

    Reply
    • Lou Holland says

      January 23, 2023 at 2:45 pm

      Thanks! Glad you liked it.

      Reply
  5. Sheri says

    January 23, 2023 at 9:44 pm

    Oh, nice and dark!

    Reply
    • Lou Holland says

      January 24, 2023 at 4:17 am

      Thanks! I feel like my favourite micros to write are either unsettling and dark or ridiculous and silly, there is no in-between!

      Reply
  6. Valli says

    January 24, 2023 at 5:11 am

    Loved it… and the dark twist at the end… a mother’s love nearly betrayed her… well done!!!

    Reply
    • Lou Holland says

      January 24, 2023 at 6:58 am

      Thank you! Really glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply
  7. Julian Grant says

    January 25, 2023 at 8:55 am

    Nicely done. Solid fae horror.

    Reply
  8. Jennifer J. says

    January 25, 2023 at 4:36 pm

    Great story!

    Reply
  9. Eunice Amero says

    January 25, 2023 at 5:23 pm

    i enjoyed this.

    Reply
  10. Robert Burns says

    January 30, 2023 at 10:16 am

    Excellent story, Lou. Well done!

    Reply

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