A retelling of a classic fairy tale that takes a completely different path over the river and through the Wood...
Before she could see, she
could feel. Hard. Wet. Cold. Letting her fingertips stretch out and walk in
every direction, she got her bearings. There was the drip, drip, drip of water
nearby. And the deep dampness in her bones.
Ruby’s eyes fluttered open, but not a shred of light snuck from any
crevice. She must be close to the river, probably tucked into the bluffs. Was
it her imagination or was the cave closing in around her? Never a good idea to
linger too long, not in the depths of the bluffs. Not in Woodsville.
Rolling
over, she hefted herself up, using the sodden surface surrounding her. How did she
get here? Why was she here? Her hand clutched her neck, as memories unscrambled
themselves.
The
Wolf mansion. The mayor. Running. The Mage. Ella had appeared and sent electric
shocky sparks right at her. Ruby’s hand dropped to her chest; her breath welled
up. It was all too much.
“Ruby? Is that you?”
a whisper slithered through the suffocating silence. “Please help me…”
She
cocked her head and listened. Was someone calling her?
Ruby,
please Ruby. Ruuuubbbyyy, are you there?
A
trap? Maybe. Other options? None. With a reluctant shrug, she followed the hiss
of her name. Using the rocks as a guide, she crept along with care. To the side
of her, there was an empty darkness as deafening stillness closed the void
behind her. Ruby pushed away the fear simmering in her soul and focused on the
whispers.
Ruby, can you hear me? Follow the
words.
Was
the voice getting louder? Stronger? Closer?
Please hurry…Ruby…hear me. Come for me.
"Before she could see she could feel".
ReplyDeleteI love how this simple line drags me down into sudden blindness. With only touch, even a small surface becomes huge and unsure. Slowly I arise into seeing again but still I am lost until focusing on sound helps center me.
A lovely reading experience!
Thank you! That is high praise from a wordsmith such as yourself! Thank you so much for stopping by...I look forward to your thoughts and insights! Be well. ✌
DeleteChills! Reading that voice calling for Ruby is so eerie. I enjoyed reading this, Aspen xx
ReplyDeleteLynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Sweet! Exactly the response I was hoping for. Thanks, Lynn!
DeleteWhat are "bluffs" in the context of the environment you described? Interesting choice of words when you said she cocked her head, which is something canines do a lot, was that deliberate?
ReplyDeleteGreat questions! Bluffs are large cliffs that border rivers (in this story), beaches or other coastal areas. And yes, the cocking of the head was deliberate. ✌
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