.
He received an invitation in the mail. His presence was requested at a party. A formal affair by all accounts, top hat and white tie and tails, it said!
Why she sent it, he didn’t understand. Not only had he not seen her for many years, but something in the back of his mind was telling him she’d passed away. Perhaps he’d imagined it. After all, his memory of those times was somewhat vague.
He’d been a party animal. He attended parties, held parties. The kind you hear about, but not in a good way. Drugs, debauchery. Gatherings of the dregs of society. It was just a matter of time before he became the leader of the pack. Feared by the good, revered by the evil.
However, before long his disdainfullness became his downfall.
During his years behind bars he often wondered what became of her; the sweet innocent girl he’d targeted then dragged down into the underworld. Embroiled, used, abused.
Disappeared.
Since his release he’d mended his ways. He’d become the person he wished he’d always been. His mission, to prevent others from descending into the depths of depravity. Perhaps she did still exist, maybe she’d become aware of his good work, the invitation was a gesture of forgiveness.
After putin’ on his top hat, tyin’ up his white tie and brushin’ off his tails, he started to make his way to the party! ‘If only life had always been like this’, he thought.
As he walked along the street a mist descended. The buildings became hazy, the street lights dimmed. He became surrounded by skeletal trees. The path beneath his feet turned to mud. He climbed some wooden steps and stood atop a bridge. As the moon shined its light upon him he heard a voice whispering in the chill breeze.
‘No’ it said, ‘some may forgive you, but not I’.
He was never seen again.
.
Thanks to Sadje for hosting What Do You See?
Image credit: Darksouls 1 @ Pixabay
Wow, a great dark and eerie vengeful tale. Love it, Keith. Well done.
I’m pleased it worked! Thanks, Mason.
I really did, well done.
Whoa. I was not prepared for that at all. Too sad.
I doubt he was too. Thanks so much, Denise.
You’ve told an intriguing story Keith. The scene and the atmosphere perfectly set. The end was poetic. Thanks for joining in.
Thanks for your generous words, Sadje. You’ve provided us with a really intriguing prompt this week, thank you.
Thanks a lot Keith. I do try but it’s also how the writers view the prompt.
A very intriguing tale Keith👏
I’m delighted you found it so, thank you so much.
I must say I very much feared for his demise… It is rare that one can be forgiven, no matter how much one turned their life around! Well done, sir!
Thanks so much, Dale. That’s exactly what was in my mind. sometimes forgiveness is undeserved.
Indeed…
Excellent storytelling. I got goosebumps as the road “took a turn” and then her whispering voice! Your reading gives it all the more chill. My new nickname for you: Poe.
Thanks for your lovely comment, Lisa. To receive such a nickname is an honour indeed!
You’re welcome, and well-earned.
Great story, Keith, could feel the moment of judgment coming.
Thank you so much!
Bravo, Keith! What a great story you’ve written. Too little to late for your repentant man on the bridge. Try as we may, some things can never be forgiven. Excellent writing!
Beyond forgiveness. Thanks so much, Nancy.
It’s hard to hold on to hate for so many years, it sucks the life out of us. Sad story, well told.
So true, thanks, Mimi.
Dun dun dun….too late for him, unfortunately
Sadly so!
What a thoughtful story! Thank you Keith. The message is just to remind everyone that everything comes a a price. Or, you’ll reap what you’ve sowed.
By the way, I see that the bottom line is for him. But what happened with his “victim”, that girl? Is she going to face with the same trouble after having taken her revenge. What sort of thing she has become?
Very true. I’d like to think her revenge was justifiable despite his apparent transformation.
I wonder what happened in the end? Excellent story, Keith!
Me too, Chris!
Excellent creepy story, Keith!
Thanks, Nicole!
mysterious and engrossing read.👌🏾✨
Thank you!
Beautifully chilling!
Thank you so much!
I love how your vivid imagery of the misty streets and eerie bridge creates a sense of foreboding, building tension as the story unfolds!
~David
Thanks for your generous words, David.