Thursday, January 08, 2009

Entry #29

Last Escalator Ride
by Alexander Salas


The ascending escalator crawled, testing Jason’s patience. An inconspicuous orchestra played Zeppelin’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’. “Hah, so much for a stairway to heaven.” Jason laughed.

Jason rode alone. He squinted, trying to see the top of the moving staircase. “I can’t see anything…This is taking too long.” He thought about climbing the rising steps. “Fuck it. Just enjoy the ride to paradise, Jason.”

It got hot. Jason began to sweat. He unbuttoned his shirt. His fingers contacted wetness. Jason looked down. Red fingertips greeted him. A cherry blotch grew from his left breast pocket.

Memories exploded in his mind. The bank robbery…the alarm…shooting the manager…hostages…SWAT…gunfire…a sharp pain… “Got shot by the cops. That’s how I died.”

“Damn, it’s getting hotter.” Jason tilted his head up. An endless mirror reflected his ascent as a decent. “Hah, I feel sorry for you buddy.” Pointing at his mirrored image.

Jason felt he was riding a sauna. Perspiration streamed from every pore.

The hidden musical ensemble began a new tune. Jason immediately recognized the song. “AC/DC…Highway to…” He screamed. “I’m not in the mirror.”

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

OoOoOO.....I actually got chills. A story that makes you react is a great story. Thanks!

laughingwolf said...

good one, alexander :)

Lena said...

i liked how you involved songs into it and the whole mirror effect... wonderfully done!

Sameera Ansari said...

Interesting take :)

peggy said...

haha, a cool horror story! Great take on the prompt

Ruinwen Dagorielle said...

A visual delight...and at the same time I could "hear" the music in the background. Great story. :)

Rachel Green said...

Ha! Glad I'm not him!

Sarah Hina said...

Oh, no! Jason, why did you do it, man?? ;)

The mirror was a great touch. And the growing heat, and sweat, made the dread of his destination all the more palpable. Sizzling interpretation! :)

JaneyV said...

Great fun! I love that the horror aspect crept in at the end. I enjoyed this very much.

K.Lawson Gilbert said...

perfectly executed ;)

SzélsőFa said...

some great visuals here!
One of those writings when I dislike the MC but enjoy the story nevertheless :)))

wrath999 said...

Thanks to all of the above who've commented. alex

Sen said...

cool...actually got goosebumps...very well done!

JR's Thumbprints said...

Not seeing his reflection in the mirror could only mean one thing. Yikes!

Catherine Vibert said...

Well Jason, if you want to be a bad boy, you'll have to suffer the consequences! Great read.

wrath999 said...

To all of those I have not thanked, thank you for your comments.
alex

bluesugarpoet said...

Way to turn it around! Funny, yet frightening.

jana

Anonymous said...

Thanks for being a wonderful part of the contest!