The Blood Of Old Souls

Part VI: Lemuel

Tre L. Loadholt
Sep 6, 2018 · 2 min read
Courtesy of Prince Akachi via Unsplash

Lemuel’s eyes are fixed on the broken sky. His big sister Cassie is planning to sneak out again tonight. This will be the fifth night in a row. Lemuel is not a snitch, but he has been itching to get Cassie into trouble since she ratted him out for eating the last thin crust pizza, their Mom’s favorite.

This behavior is not what he expects from Cassie, she’s never jumped ship on a “babysitting” gig before. Although Lemuel is thirteen and can practically fend for himself, he is blind. Their parents depend on Cassie to make sure Lemuel’s well-being is positively maintained.

“I’ll be back. I put some leftover barbecue chicken in the oven for you. The timer is set for thirty minutes. I’ve heated up the mashed potatoes and the spinach only needs two minutes in the microwave. Don’t forget to take the aluminum cover off this time, Lemuel. For God’s sake, just don’t.”

Lemuel nods in his sister’s direction and does not utter a word. The timer dings, signifying the sweet morsels of honey-glazed barbecue chicken and Lemuel skirts his way into the kitchen. In the dark, dank, confines of the tiny space, he can hear soft whispers,

Lemuel ignores the whispers, surely he needs rest. He devours his dinner, remembering to remove the aluminum cover on the spinach. Before he can swallow the last bite, he hears the chant once more. This time, it fills the walls and fills the cracks in the floor. Lemuel’s parents come barging in the door, one after the other. Lemuel cannot wait to let them know about Cassie leaving every night this week when she is supposed to be overseeing his care.

The voices grow louder and louder. Lemuel’s parents gaze at the boy, finally believing his days are numbered. “Cassie isn’t here. I don’t know where she is. And, she’s been leaving every night this week.” He felt a sense of pride revealing his sister’s secret.

Lemuel points to nowhere in particular as the voices continue to get louder. He smiles in his parents’ direction and bites down lightly on his tongue before opening his mouth. “Cassie, she’s been…”

Thunder roars, the floor in their kitchen shakes, and hands erupt from beneath Lemuel. His legs are the first to disappear. The souls pull Lemuel under while his parents watch him sink in a fiery heap.

At that very moment, Cassie walks in. The only thing she can think of saying is,

“Tattletales go to Hell.”


©Tremaine L. Loadholt, 2018. All Rights Reserved

A Cornered Gurl

Where Writers Break Out of the Box.

Tre L. Loadholt

Written by

I am more than breath & bones. I am nectar in waiting. •https://acorneredgurl.com

A Cornered Gurl

Where Writers Break Out of the Box.

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