The Party

Keith's Ramblings

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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.

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Thanks to Sadje for hosting What Do You See?

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Image credit: Darksouls 1 @ Pixabay

37 thoughts on “The Party”

  3. Sadje's avatar Sadje Feb 26, 2024 / 14:47

    You’ve told an intriguing story Keith. The scene and the atmosphere perfectly set. The end was poetic. Thanks for joining in.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings Feb 26, 2024 / 17:35

      Thanks for your generous words, Sadje. You’ve provided us with a really intriguing prompt this week, thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Sadje's avatar Sadje Feb 27, 2024 / 01:04

        Thanks a lot Keith. I do try but it’s also how the writers view the prompt.

        Like

  5. Dale's avatar Dale Feb 26, 2024 / 17:18

    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!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  6. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli Feb 26, 2024 / 19:20

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Dora's avatar dorahak Feb 26, 2024 / 19:36

    Great story, Keith, could feel the moment of judgment coming.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶's avatar The Sicilian Storyteller Feb 26, 2024 / 20:55

    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!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  11. IRINI EeeByGum's avatar Erene Feb 27, 2024 / 10:56

    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?

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings Mar 4, 2024 / 11:58

      Very true. I’d like to think her revenge was justifiable despite his apparent transformation.

      Like

      Reply
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  17. ben Alexander's avatar ben Alexander Mar 4, 2024 / 15:54

    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

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