Class Project

A class project, how neat, thought the children – what fun we’ll have making masks to Trick-or-Treat! The scissors too sharp, the staples too biting, the matron of the classroom meticulously crafts each coveted headdress. She snips, and she clips; she rounds the corners just so as they watch in rapt fascination awaiting their turn. The ringing of the bell, other children screeching, running about in the corridor – it is Halloween after all. Her dead stare holds them still, scissors no longer moving. The echo of the last door slamming; quiet once more, she finishes the final piece. “Line up children, we’re going someplace special,” she whispers with a false smile. “To the basement.”

Fear twists their little faces, twists them so that they resemble him. Her shame burning, she helps each don their little ghostly shroud; a rainbow of hues. The trusting glint of childish glee returns, tugs at her heartstrings. Don’t all children deserve a treat on this night? Why should hers be any different; but then again, he is – different. She ushers them down the stairs, into a dank room. As she locks the door, she begins to hear the screams. She murmurs, “Happy Halloween, my sweet boy.”

© Copyright 2014 Nina D’Arcangela. All Rights Reserved.

(This is a 200 word comparative Flash piece that can be found in
the October 2014 issue of The Sirens Call eZine)

Coffin Hop Goodies!

How do you get them? Comment on my Coffin Hop 2014 posts on this blog – I’m posting something new each day, so keep coming back for more chances to win. When will they be announced? When the hop ends (after October 31st). What are they going to be? A surprise! I like surprises, don’t you? ;}

Don’t forget to visit my other two blogs that are participating:
Spreading the Writer’s Word
The Road to Nowhere…

and the Sirens Call Publications blog:
The Sirens Song

Plus all the other amazing hoppers!
Coffin Hop