Samhain
A 100 word short story
The porch light shines.
A thrum of electricity, loud in the still.
Pushing back night with their modern gods yet forgetting truths of the past.
It’s an invitation I eagerly accept.
From ones who don’t believe, but still fear me. Terrified of the all enveloping dark.
I will make them believe.
Scrabbling inside, I coalesce shadows to form a horror of claws and teeth.
Above, cowardly sighs of sleep will become lullabies of screams.
Suddenly, I realise I’m not alone.
Yellow eyes glitter menacingly in the darkness. A low growl.
“Get out.”
I flee to find another light. Maybe yours.
The Scottish/Gaelic celebration of Samhain marked the end of the harvest season. At the feast, bonfires were lit at sunset to ward off evil spirits as, at this time of year, the veil between the living world and the world of the dead was thinner . However, candles were also lit in windows as an invitation to welcome the spirits of lost loved ones to the feast. For this story I merged the two a wee bit and had the evil spirit using the modern technology of an electric bulb to gain entry rather than a candle. So, maybe when you’re trying to deter burglars, something else is sneaking in! Either way, having a dog is clearly a must! Hope you enjoyed it.
I published this story a day early as I’m now on holiday. Hopefully I’ll be back in a couple of weeks with articles on some scary movies and more Scottish based stories for the spooky season, if I get the time and inspiration to write them in between attending rock concerts and chilling out by the pool! Back soon.
Evocative! 100 choice words, my friend! Have a great holiday!
So good, Dan! "cowardly sighs of sleep will become lullabies of screams." Love this line.
You have a real skill for cramming so much into 100 words, along with a twist.
Great to have the lore behind this, too.