Empress’ Clothes

Leaves fell to the ground that day as I walked slowly among the stones. Picking my way carefully through the broken bits and trying not to trample the flowers. I could hear the crunch of the leaves, like crisp apples and gravel beneath my bare feet. The cold, wet, slick feeling gave me pause, but I continued on. I knew where I was headed. I think.

Slowly, out the creaking gate, I backed away, looking to the clouded moon for direction. Luna guide me and show me, I prayed deep in my mind. I walked on.

In time, which doesn't have a beginning or end, I reached the darkened windows. I peered inside, knowing they were there. The filthy, stagnant stench of piss warm drunken, laughing bodies wavered in my newly heightened senses. I stared. Fear gripped my, icy fingers clamped around my blackened heart. I walked up the splintered, steps, mindful of the squeaks and holes, listening. Shuddering walls and loud guffaws met my fear, bumping into it, like those cars at the carnival.

Slowly, I push open the unlocked door. I see them, but they haven't heard me enter. Three of them are shooting pool with only 8 balls. Black, shiny, catching my eye. I inch closer to the scrappy, scuffed table - noticing the red felt is the color of blood. Ironic. While they laugh and guzzle 80 proof, I stealthily snatch one of the balls. But he sees me. The big one in the green flannel. Not so scary to me now, I think in the recesses of my once alert and overactive mind.

"Hey," he calls out - "whatcha tink yer doing?" Slurring words and a weaving saunter strengthen my resolve. "Finders Keepers, losers weepers," is all I say. Now they've all gathered round. The crimson stained table stands between us, but I am not afraid. I've done my time, no more sorrow. I stand tall in my new black dress, knowing full well that the makeup artist had outdone himself. Confident, I smile, slowly.

The ginger looks over at me, and then I see the panic in his eyes - the cloudy blue of too much alcohol and stained puddles. "Um...um..."He can't speak, but I can hear his thoughts. So I answer, snapping my voice like a whipping chain..."that's right. It's me."

They're staring, rooted for now, like those elms out back where ... OK, let's forget that for right now. I need to stay composed. I don't have a lot of time - but I don't want them to know that. Suddenly, green flannel takes a step towards me, menacing with a pool cue.

"Stay there," I say, "there's a small bit of business we must discuss." Denim jacket answers, feeling better about himself, "you know darlin', I thought we finished this a long time ago." Green flannel whimpers. I stand my ground. "I know what you're thinking, but lying cheats get put in sockets."

"What does that mean?" asks Green Flannel? "foolish - to think you came back for more." An evil smile touched his lips, but mine was truer still. "Things have changed a bit boys. I see what's mine now, and I'm going to take it back."

A small scuffle happened then, and the lights went out. I remember the sounds, the screams. Blood curdling, sticky gurgles and fear. I could taste the fear in my mouth - and it felt delicious. "All plugged in boys? Let me flip the switch and turn off the lights. Nobody needs to see this anyway."

I know they wanted to run. But I took my time. Crunching bones and soul curdling yelps. The screaming stopped pretty quickly. Oh how the tables turned. I walked back into the wet night, Luna smiling sardonically as the pavement shone red. Red, I think it might be my new favorite color...like those leaves, falling, swirling. I am in the vortex. I let my mind wander while it can, as I pick my way back through the stones to my loamy home.  You see they never should have dressed me up - no, not to watch me die.