Sleepy Meadows - Writing Prompts - Creative Copy Challenge #281

Writing Prompts - Creative Copy Challenge #281:
Sleepy Meadows

RiskWorshipHideTaskRebellionRevealIgniteHallTransmissionTable
I will the old Pontiac's engine to ignite but the transmission is gone.  Her last voyage has left me to walk a lone stretch of road cocooned by overgrown trees.  I sit for hours hoping for another passing traveler but my rebellion against the inevitable only confirms my suspicions.  I am alone.  Resigning myself to the task at hand I risk leaving the relative safety of old Bessie and trudge toward the town ahead.  The sign states, Sleepy Meadows, 5 miles.  Sounds cozy.  I jog down the road, dying flashlight in hand while creatures of the woods scurry about and snap branches just to make me jump.  A baleful cry rises and I'm spooked.  I've never been a jogger but my imagination instructs my feet to go faster until I crest a hill and see the little town sparkling with warming lights.  
As I enter Sleepy Meadows, I hear soft music and feel the glow of fireplaces.  The light and sounds draw me to a motel and tavern.  I dream of sitting at a table with a cool drink and warm meal with the prospects of a cozy bed to sleep in.  The sound of steps behind me push me to a dead run.  The music rises as I push through the door, a quick glance behind reveals nothing.  Turning back, I see no one at the counter.  I follow the music down the hall and notice the small tavern.  I enter and walk toward the bar.  As I pass tables, it appears the patrons seemed to be bowing their heads in worship. I see more patrons, their heads bent low.  No one is moving, or talking.  The bartender is slumped against the bar, not moving but not dead.  Sleeping.  They're all sleeping.  Panic floods my mind but I can't run or hide.  Fatigue forces me onto a bar stool as I look at the sleeping people.  Meals half eaten and moldy left on the tables.  Sticky spilled drinks stain the once white table clothes.  The music changes and begins to soothe, a lullaby with no name.  My head swoons and finds its way to the bar top.  Footsteps sound behind me and a voice rises and sings along …  " Go to sleep, little baby…."
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on October 05, 2012 04:00
No comments have been added yet.


Mingling Myths and Monsters with Mortals

Liss Thomas
Liss Thomas isn't a Goodreads Author (yet), but they do have a blog, so here are some recent posts imported from their feed.
Follow Liss Thomas's blog with rss.