I'm surprised to see I haven't updated this blog page for so long. I thought I would have at least posted for when I had a story coming up. However, due to the seriousness of the topic, I wanted to be absolutely sure it wouldn't be triggering for a certain crowd, which would be the opposite effect I intend. As a result, it's waiting in beta-reading purgatory. I did get a suggestion of posting where I could get more attention, however, when I checked the terms and service, I didn't see information I was looking for. I got some positive feedback, but I still need to do another round of editing.
So let me make it up by sharing this very short story focused on Helene, giving a deeper insight into her mind. I originally planned for it to be longer, but I feel this is actually a good length. Let me know what you think and if you want more on Helene, check out The Vixen.
I hope you enjoy and remember to dream on,
J. D. Nyle
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Beep! Beep! Ring-a-ding! Cling!
Cars passed by on the street alongside the park as kids ran with laughter and excitement. Bikes stood in the open area as kids played tag. Helene watched quietly as she sat in her swing. Suddenly, a big push from behind sent her flying in the air as she let out a gasp of joy. Crows feet planted firmly in her eyes as she could not wipe the smile. As she fell back, the strong firm hands that she loved gave another push.
“Higher!” she cried in her 10-year-old high-pitched voice! “Higher, papa!”
“Sure thing, my sweet little angel,” her soft baritone father said as he abided by the request.
As Helene swung in the air, her father stood back with content on his face. He cleared his voice and began to sing.
Swing low! Sweet chariot! Comin’ for to carry me home!
Helene frowned and shouted from her swing in her teenage voice, “No! No singing! Especially that one! Stay with me!”
But her father simply smiled and continued.
Swing loooow! Sweet chariot! Coming’ for to carry me home!
When I looked over Jordan and what did I see? Comin’ for to carry me home?
“STOP IT!”
Helene’s swing would not stop. As she tried to plant her feet, the ground ebbed away. Then she heard a bugle playing notes. G.....G...C…..
“NO! NO! NO!”
G…..C...E…..
Helene wept and sobbed, helpless in her swing as it swayed to and fro. She looked down at her legs only to see a folded flag in her lap. Her face crinkled and tears fell upon the stars.
"Stay strong, my little angel."
Helene opened her eyes, but the tears still clouded them in the dark room. She sniffed as she got out of her bed and walked over to a drawer and pulled it open.
Creeeeak!
There it was; that nightmarish flag. Still in it’s neat triangular fold. At least it was neat until Helene’s fist pounded it, rattling the contents of the shelf.
She let out a deep breath and then proceeded to pat out the wrinkles once again, still huffing and trying to dam the river flowing from her eyes.
“Papa…” she muttered before falling to her knees.
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Waaaah!
Helene wept for perhaps half-an-hour in the dark when she heard a scream from her neighboring room. She wiped the tears from her red-eyes and walked out calmly. She knocked on the door saying, “Jack?”
She opened and saw the five-year old crying with anguish in his face.
“It’s dark!” he bellowed.
Helene looked around but could not see the light from the bunny that typically illuminated her little brother’s room. Though as she had been awake for quite a while, she could clearly see her brother. She glided to his bedside and reassuringly said, “It’s okay. I’m here. Your mother is here too. Shall I get her?”
“No! Stay with me!”
Helene pursed her lips and gazed into her brother’s face. She gave him a bear hug.
“Of course I’ll stay. No one is as precious as my little Davy.”
Jack sniffed and pointed towards the desk that held the bunny-lamp. “Can you fix it?”
“I have a better idea. Come with me and you can sleep in my room with me.
Davy held Helene’s hand tightly as they returned to Helene’s room. She grabbed her watch and went to bed next to Davy. She activated a bunny hologram. Davy's breathing regulated as he embraced Helene. Soon, he was quiet and peaceful and not much later, she was too.
