Flash Fiction by Kaci Rigney

Death lingered in the parlor, atop her papa’s bedroom door, dressed in his Sunday best. The scent of roses masked the stench of death. Almost. Amidst chaotic thoughts, Elaina Cartfield’s fingers traced a photograph, a memory of when the world felt vibrant. Now, the weight of her papa’s murder pressed against her chest like a suffocating fog, morphing her grief into a frenzied hysteria that twisted her thoughts. Every heartbeat, every shadow whispered of love that had once flourished in their home. In the fragile silence, she teetered on the edge of madness, desperate for hope. Let it be a nightmare.

Reverend Hart whispered to Thomas, “Sheriff catch them?”

“Elaina’s pa shot Clive; the sheriff searches for Ira.”

Reverend Hart nodded. “What will you do?”

“Move up our wedding.”

“I could do it tonight.”

“My parents will witness.”

“Get them. I’ll stay.”

Thomas crouched before Elaina. “Sweetheart?”

She tore her gaze from the photo and stared blankly at her betrothed. Her whooshing heartbeat nearly drowned out his words.

“Gonna get the folks. Reverend Hart’s here.” He hurried away.

“Tea, Reverend?”

“Thank you, child.”

While the kettle heated, tears slipped unheeded as Elaina gazed at the weeping willow where her papa would rest next to her mama. The sky dimmed, leaving the willow’s silhouette.

A thud. Papa’s gun. Ira! Bang! All went black.

Elaina screamed as Thomas pulled Ira off her blood-soaked dress.

“Reverend Hart!”

“Here.” Blood oozed from his head. “You all right, child?”

“Yes, Ira killed Papa!” She leveled the gun at Ira again.

“Give me the gun, honey. Ira’s dead.” Thomas reached out. “Come now. That’s it.”

Thomas’s mama took charge. “You menfolk clear this riffraff. I’ll get Elaina cleaned up.” She sniffled and spoke to Elaina. “That pretty dress your papa bought for your wedding is waiting.”