I stand at the base of an old oak tree, looking up at its display of human ornaments that begin to dance to the motion of the breeze. Men and women that share their final resting place with the assistance of a personal, weathered noose.
Some laugh.
Some cry.
The remaining glare down at me with milky eyes.
My personal noose in place, I’m hoisted into the air as I rise past a young woman.
Smiling at me, she says her name is Ruth.
She, along with the rest of the tree dwellers, are placing bets on how long I last.
Wonderfully imagined and executed. (Pardon the pun)
As understated a piece of horror fiction I’ve read in a long while. Your matter-of-fact way of telling the story makes it seem even more real! Great job!
The ending really made the piece work for me!
Poignant, despite its macabre subject matter, and from a different perspective.
Awesome storytelling. Ending Superb