The Vigil (Coincidentally, My 1,000th Post)

As a fiction writer, sometimes, I have difficult tasks.  As, primarily, a horror writer, those tasks can become very uncomfortable.  I almost didn’t send this story, but the writer in me got the best of me.  It touches on some hard, difficult spots.  I realized that that’s what horror should do.  It should leave you feeling raw and exposed, scared and nervous.  Please understand as you read.  Scott

The Vigil

By Scott L Vannatter for Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers

People of all ages had come to the memorial, candle in hand.  The 7 who had been shot at the mall were neighbors, friends, even family in the small Indiana town.  Something this horrendous had never happened to most of these individuals and they were scared, sad, and horrified.  The sheriff and several deputies stood around watching the crowd.  Even during this event, looters and pickpockets could happen.  So close to a holiday made things even worse, if that was possible.

He had paid his respects earlier.  His duties had pulled him long before he had spoken to many and gotten to know them better.  He didn’t expect friendship, but knowledge helped all the same.  A tear ran down his cheek, but it wasn’t really sadness, more of a reverence or prayer.  From the courthouse tower he loaded the first magazine and clicked it into place.  So many here.  He might just outdo Vegas yet.

word count: 155

My story was inspired by this week’s picture which has kindly been provided by Elaine Farrington Johnson.