A short story …

… for my first visit to The Sunday Muse 

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0000xEbenezer Black strode slowly down the main street dressed in his frock coat and top hat, cane in hand. Behind him, two magnificent black horses, feather plumes fluttering in the chill breeze, hauled a flower-strewn hearse bearing a wreath-adorned coffin.

Ebenezer Black was the town’s sole undertaker as was his father and his father before him. In 1831 he retired and soon after went to the other place. Since then generation after generation carried on running the family firm.

                                         *

It is said that Ebenezer Black still appears before folk during their final few hours, standing at the foot of their bed, seen by none but them. He looks on, motionless, dressed in his sombre frock coat, top hat held to his chest, and a measuring tape around his neck.

*

One morning Robert Black was sitting at his desk opening post and checking emails. The light grew dim, and slowly the image of his great grandfather Ebenezer Black appeared before him,  looking just the way the departing described him.

Later that day Robert Black lost his life in a tragic accident. He was never blessed with children, so nothing remains of the family firm.

Except that is for Ebenezer Black.

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17 thoughts on “A short story …

  1. Sadje Jun 19, 2022 / 13:48

    Very interesting story Keith.

    Like

  2. Shawna Jun 19, 2022 / 13:51

    Oh, yes. I am clapping giddily over this most excellent tale. Much love for that name! Ebenezer Black. Fabulous.

    This is my favorite bit: “He looks on, motionless, dressed in his sombre frock coat”

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Sherry Marr Jun 19, 2022 / 16:59

    An excellent tale well told. It reminded me of a time when, as a hospice volunteer, I was standing at the foot of an old woman’s bed; she was sleeping. When she opened her eyes and saw me, with my wild frizzy hair, she gasped and said “OOO!!!” I think she thought I was the Angel of Death. Smiles.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Keith's Ramblings Jun 19, 2022 / 17:02

      Haha, that’s so funny! I’m sure she saw the funny side of it too once she was over the shock!

      Like

  4. Gillena Cox Jun 19, 2022 / 20:37

    Intriguing story Keith. Thanks for dropping by my blog today.

    Much❤love

    Like

  5. wyndolynne Jun 20, 2022 / 00:27

    Unnerving.

    Like

  6. Carrie V. H. Jun 20, 2022 / 02:55

    I absolutely love this Keith! A captivating story told wonderfully! So glad to see you at the Muse!

    Like

  7. messymimi's meanderings Jun 20, 2022 / 03:24

    A friend was once standing at the foot of her father’s bed, with her brother next to her, when her father told them, “Move over, you’re in the way of the angels!” He was gone soon after.

    Yours is a very spooky tale, well told!

    Like

  8. hilarymb Jun 21, 2022 / 18:04

    Great story Keith – well done … as too Messymimi’s – thankfully it’s mid-summer – cheers Hilary

    Like

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