Which do you prefer – the sunrise with its promise of a new day, signalling a new hope or the sunset the welcome end of a satisfying day’s work, the knowledge that you did your best?
But whether it is the sunrise or the
the sunset, both are evanescent or fleeting moments gone in the blink of an eye. Not unlike our lives.
between
sunrise and sunset
our lives
to squander or make it last
forever
Monstrous Tales
Words 201
“Ma, I never want to go to school!”
“I thought you were desperate to start school?”
“There’s a Monster in school.”
“Monster?”
“Yes. He has big fangs that jut out from pink gums. His eyes have streaks of yellow and red. And…” Molly shuddered.
“What?”
“He’s got a long flaming tail tucked in his pants.”
“Who told you?”
“Dada told me.”
“He’s teasing you.”
“He isn’t. I saw Dada’s hand – it was all red with big welts.” Molly clapped a hand to her mouth.
“What?”
“I promised not to tell anyone.”
“I am not anyone. I am your mother. What else did he tell you?”
“You know why Dada has his lunch standing up?”
“Why?”
“Because he can’t sit. The Monster whipped him with his tail.”
“What else does the Monster do?”
“He pinches their ears. Sometimes he puts a pencil between their fingers and squeezes until they scream. Ma, please don’t send me to school.”
“We’ll see.”
“Ouch!” Molly rubbed her arm.
Grinning Dada held up his weapon, a huge toenail.
“Is it the Monster’s?”
“Don’t you know? We chased away the Monster.”
“How?”
“With this nail.”
“Where can I get one?”
“There’s a cupboard full of nails in school.”
***
Written for the Sunday Photo Fiction – a story in 200 words or less. Thanks to Alistair Forbes for hosting this challenge and the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt, click here.
For readers of Moonshine, here's Chapter 145
Thanks for reading – look forward to your comments 🙂
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