Monday, July 14, 2008

Entry #33

The Phone Call
by Betty Gordon


I settled on the seat of my pride and joy, the “Horseman,” a black Harley with maroon stripes down its side, remembering the phone call I received hours before. “Come to County Road 96 at dusk for the ride of your life.” The caller didn’t give a name but spoke in familiar terms, a practical joke in all probability. I admit caution lights blinked, but I love a mystery and I love to ride during this time of the evening, so ‘nuff said.

I pulled out of a ridiculous amount of traffic onto County Road 96 and found it void of cars—strange, weird, enough to make me feel like I had wandered into “The Twilight Zone” with Rod Serling riding on my shoulder. The sun kissed the earth welcoming impending nightfall. I shook my head longing to hear the whip-poor-wills that I knew would be singing and see the dragonflies I knew would be flying along with me at 36 mph.

Sweet fragrances filled my nostrils, but it wasn’t long before the aromas flowered into robust odors causing my head to spin. About that time, I reached the end of the road that faced a dense forest. A man emerged from the woods holding a vibrant crystal unlike any I’ve ever seen. He said I could have one wish that would come true immediately. I wished to ride on this road during dusk forever.

I am still riding.

19 comments:

Sameera Ansari said...

That gave me the creeps.

Nice fantasy!Well written.

Beth said...

I think this one encapsulates the picture the best so far ... just riding in the summer wind.

I was just counting the number who had either going off a cliff jumping to death or dying on a bike, etc., and I kind of lost count. lol

J.C. Montgomery said...

This is like the happier ending to the admonishment of "careful what you wish for". Nicely done!

Sarah Hina said...

I was just going to say what JC said. A spontaneous wish that becomes forever. Twilight Zone, indeed.

I liked the touch of fantasy here. We haven't seen much of that in the contest. And may of your descriptions were lovely.

Enjoyed it. :)

My crazy life said...

I liked your descriptions. I was riding along with the rider. Great job! -Rita

Scott said...

Be careful what you wish for?

the walking man said...

As long as there is gas in the tank I can get behind that wish. Very nice thought, escape fantasy. Good one.

BernardL said...

Vividly eerie.

Pallav said...

ah, nice. wouldn't ride of a lifetime be an apt title? oh well :)

I liked the story, well written :)

N

SzélsőFa said...

what a surprise ending, it's really creepy!

JaneyV said...

Nice interpretation of the picture. Eerie yet strangely fulfilling to have such a wish granted.
Enjoyed this a lot.

Esther Avila said...

That last line....great. He got his wish. Good job. A little eerie but perfect.

Dottie Camptown said...

Very mystical piece. Nice job.

AngelConradie said...

nice. spooky.

Anonymous said...

a common theme that is expertly and fantastically original here.

Posol'stvo the Medved said...

forever is a long time and a motorcycle is freedom, but it is solitary freedom. I hope the MC doesn't regret his/her wish anytime soon. But I would have.

laughingwolf said...

astounding wee tale, thank you...

Chris Eldin said...

The first one that makes me feel sorry for the cyclist.
Nicely written and great twist on this theme!

Anonymous said...

My wish might be for that creepy guy to go away. Very classical, this wish-turned-to-hell. Unfortunately, I don't see Rod Serling getting him out of there.