Friday 21 October 2011

Knock Knock


Margie heard the doorbell ringing for what seemed like the 50th time that evening. She struggled to her feet, bones and muscles protesting and headed out into the hallway to laboriously undo the bolts and locks to her heavy oak front door. She didn't flinch though when greeted by a tiny Frankenstein's monster and a putrid zombie, just handed over a bag of sweets then shuffled back to the TV to watch Ian argue with Phil on Eastenders while they too were interrupted by trick or treaters. She couldn't understand the sudden interest and commercialism of Halloween. Wandering around in the dark dressed as a freak and begging for treats seemed morally wrong. Last year she'd forgotten to buy the requisite packets of candy and had to spend the following morning washing dried egg off her windows - it had got all stuck around the leading and the effort quite wore her out. Why couldn't the kids go around offering to treat old ladies instead? That would certainly be more community-spirited than feeding the coffers of retailers and dentists.

Margie chuckled to herself. She was becoming a grumpy old woman and that would never do! She'd reached her 90s without complaint and intended to stay cheerful til she met her maker. Margie felt lucky; unlike many of her friends, she was able enough to stay in the house that she and generations before her had made home - even if she needed a bit of help here and there and the poor old building was getting a bit crumbly around the edges. They suited each other just fine - a couple of dowagers growing older together. So, thanking her blessings, she resolved to inject a bit more fun into her next door-opening and treat giving.

But, it was getting late. The Eastenders' closing credits has been and gone and and as a blanket of tiredness wrapped around her, she found herself dozing off to the soft spoken Welsh lilt of the newsreader and the gentle creaking of the old house as it settled down for the night.

KNOCK KNOCK

Margie was startled from her slumber and was on her feet heading to the door before she realised it. A motley crew awaited her and she laughed out loud at the best costumes of the night - each was dressed in period garb through the ages from Elizabethan times right up to a well-heeled suffragette. They were also the oldest trick or treaters she'd ever seen with white hair reflecting back the moon. However, their eyes glinted with such a childish mischief that when they suggested Margie join them, she didn't hesitate. In fact, it felt like the most natural thing in the world to want to do!

As they floated off down the garden path together, Margie was distantly aware of a bit of a commotion going on in her front room as 'the nice lady who helps me get ready for bed' escorted ambulance crew and police in sombre fashion to her old armchair in front of the now silent television.


A ghostly tale for the Halloween Party at A Fanciful Twist. There will be many creatures of darkness running amok over there... go visit... if you dare!!

If you like my spooky stories, there's another lurking here and one more behind the cobwebs...

38 comments:

  1. It's spooky, but there is something bittersweet about it too. What a nice way to pass...going out for a stroll as if it was natural. Thanks for the great story this week. :)

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  2. I had to come back here and tell you that I read this to my 17 year old son. He is a musician and a creative, but a typical teen who listens only halfway. He was transfixed by your story and sat stunned at the end. He said something about your writing being that of a literary genious!! lol You enriched our moment and for that, I thank you...

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  3. Lov your ghostly tale, Lisa. You're brilliant in every way. :)

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  4. Lisa,
    Your art is wonderful and your stories are brilliant. Thank you for the warm welcome on PPF!
    I truly and very happy to be here.. ♥

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  5. You are a genius as stated above...I was transfixed...
    What a tale...

    When (and I choose this word deliberately..haha!) I reach my 90's, I wanna go like this :D

    Happy Haunting, Dear Lisa!
    Cameron

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  6. A beautifully, spooky tale, and a great way to go; that would be something for me! Valerie

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  7. That is a great story! I will be at the party soon-see you there!

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  8. amazing post! happy halloween!!!http://apinkdreamer.blogspot.com/2011/10/little-fanciful-magic-party-and.html

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  9. Great story.
    Happy halloween party.

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  10. I love Margie and the lesson her story teaches. This is the true spirit of All Hallow's Eve. To stop and see what is what really matters and when the time comes, live a little or... um, follow the silver trick-or-treaters in a lovely journey. What a wonderful day to go...

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  11. Ahhh your story made me happy and a little sad at the same time. Sad that the woman had come to the end of her life but happy that she was welcomed by such a wonderful sounding group of ancestors.

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  12. Nice story!

    Happy Halloween to you!

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  13. I loved your spooky tale!
    Happy Haunting:)

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  14. what a great spooky tale, and a lovely way to go for margie. thankyou for visiting my party too :)

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  15. Loved your story. I didn't see it coming until you described those who knocked on the door in the end. Love your way with words --- you carried me so effortlessly.

    When you get back on your broomstick swing by my blog - I'm serving brain tonic and three witches brew. Mildred the spider will give you a ride to the river where you can pick up a boat that will take you on one magical adventure.

    Have fun visiting all of the parties today.

    http://collagediva.typepad.com/collagediva/2011/10/fairy-moment.html

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  16. After reading Lesley's posting above, I too shared your tale with my now 16 yr old (yes, time does fly) who commented that your writing is "awesome" ~ no surprise there though. ;-D
    Wishing you magickal travels this year dear friend!
    ♥Sharon
    www.PlumroseLane.com

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  17. What a lovely ghost story, Lisa! And I hope a happy ending. You always have such interesting tales. Come read my Halloween tale.

    Anyway off to party some more.

    Kelly

    http://kellysalteredart.blogspot.com/2011/10/ghost-adventures-wannabes-halloween.html

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  18. Love this Halloween tale--I am so ready for Halloween--I love it!

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  19. You are an amazing storyteller ... I really enjoyed reading your tale ! Also love your blog !

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  20. What a wonderful story!! And a twist of an end! Thanks so much for sharing this with us:)

    Take care,

    Kim


    http://peachycheek.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-party.html

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  21. Wow, this was quite a compelling story. Just the right mix of a haunting and bittersweet tone. Very well done and perfect for the Halloween party. I look forward to reading more from you!

    If you like, stop by my party where there is some...summoning going on. ;)

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  22. wonderful story and images!! The top one is my fav.
    thx for stopping by my blog too

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  23. Oh how I wish I had a Elizabethan costumn to wear this Halloween. I really liked your story and come by and visit my party too.

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  24. What a charming story. I would like to meet death as old friends, just like that.

    Happy Halloween!

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  25. What a bittersweet story you have written, I agree with the comments of others, your writing is brilliant! Happy Halloween
    Linda

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  26. Brilliant story! loved it :)
    Happy Holloween and Enjoy the Party! TST

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  27. Wonderful story. You should submit that to a magazine or somewhere it could be published. It is just magical!

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  28. Ooooooooo!!! I loved your tale! Margie got to join them in the garden forevermore, lucky her ;)

    Wonderful images, and that last one is incredible!!

    Thank you so much for sharing with us!!

    ♥ Vanessa {A Fanciful Twist}

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  29. Yay...Mega-Fabulous post..loved it all..also loved the first photo ..totally my vibe..very mysterious and gorgeous!!
    V~

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  30. Delightful story! I loved it! You are quite the write :) Happy Halloween!

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  31. What a beautiful tale! If we could all wonder out in such a fashion! I will be looking forward to reading more of your compelling stories!
    Mister Bug and I want to thank you for visiting our party.
    A very Happy Halloween to you!
    Chrislyn

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  32. oooh. This was quite a scary tale, but it was also sweet in a way. Maybe I'm crazy...! Thanks for the good read!

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  33. Wonderful story. I read it twice. Hope you can stop by my enchanted oven for a halloween party visit.
    Lisa

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  34. That was a fabulous story! Thank you so very much! :) And I just loved the photos you used to punctuate the tale! Happy Halloween!

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  35. HAVE A SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN!

    Fab story & enchanting pics...

    Please fly by my party when you can...
    Hauntingly Yours, Lyndy >^..^<

    Princess Diana's Wedding Ring Giveaway & Haunted Halloween Party:
    http://todaysgold.blogspot.com/

    P.S. This ring can be used as a Magickal Dowser...

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  36. You sure pulled this one off! Holy Cow! I've got the chills. What a beautiful story. I hope I go that way.

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  37. thank you for a perfect spooky story!! loved it!
    Happy Halloween
    lisa by the bay

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Thank you for your comments - I always love to hear what you think :)

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