This story originally appeared in Flash Me online magazine. Sadly, Flash Me is currently on indefinite hiatus. But here is a story.
Follow Your Bliss
by Marian AllenBliss backed the pick-up out of the drive, bucking across a decade of dried‑mud corrugations.
For ten long years, she had endured Harley’s stumbling home late every Friday and Saturday; of his flopping into bed, liquor-stunned, gone before he was down; of his waking up, violently amorous; of his pride in the bruises his strength left on her – his badges of manhood.
For ten years, she had gritted her teeth while he mocked her church. His favorite joke was to offer her whiskey “in case one of them snakes you Bible thumpers han’le up and bites you.”
His latest pleasure was to forbid her to go to church at all, just in time for this week’s big Revival. But this was Friday – payday – and Harley hadn’t been home to stop her.
Now, she pulled onto the church’s gravel lot. The Temple of Deliverance was bright this crisp November evening, already filled with the faithful, filled with the spirit. A voice shouted, a tambourine shook. Here was joy. Here was paradise on earth.
Harley would come home to an empty, unheated place. He wouldn’t even notice her absence. He would kick off his shoes, toss his clothes on the floor, and slide between the sheets. She’d left a heating pad on under the blanket to make a cozy sanctuary in the chilly house. Maybe Harley would appreciate it.
The rattler she’d put there certainly seemed to.
WRITING PROMPT: What attitude does your main character have toward people with religious beliefs or practices other than his/her own?
MA
Amanda
June 26, 2011 at 5:47pmWow, didn’t see that one coming! 🙂
Love it!
Marian Allen
June 26, 2011 at 6:49pmThanks, Amanda. 🙂
Jane
June 26, 2011 at 10:20amLaff out loud funny!
Marian Allen
June 26, 2011 at 12:32pmWho says Christians have no sense of humor? 😉