WEP - PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

DAY "17th thru the 20th" 

OF THE HAUNTING

Photo by Julie Bittner on Unsplash

PREMONITION

Gray clouds and, occasionally, a mysterious gust of wind would stir the frozen snowflakes into weird dances that haunted Sarah daily. No sun, no birdsong, just the occasional crack and shattering of an icicle falling from a great height and the unusual gurgle of air escaping from the lake were the only sounds that filled her days. 

Sarah did her best to chase the blues away. Singing her favorite songs, Sarah serenaded the ice-filled gorge for her peace of mind and the echoing accompaniment. Sitting atop the rock in her favorite fishing spot, she sang as she fished for the fresh dinner she'd planned for Chet's return. He said he'd be back in a week, if not sooner, either with the rescuers or just to return to her because the mountain was still socked in.

Sarah hadn't heard the sound of one plane or chopper the entire week, even though she'd spent hours listening. Meditating, praying, and visualizing, to no avail. She had not been able to manifest anything positive, but still, she held on to hope.

She stared over the lake, wondering about Chet's location when she heard his voice. 

"Sarah, you really need to be more careful. Pay attention. Be prepared, he's coming." 

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Chet approaching and turned to greet him, but a sudden yank on her fishing pole had her jerking her attention back to the lake. The rod went flying. She grabbed for it but lost her balance and slid off the rock straight down onto the ice. Chet's makeshift cast on her broken ankle gave way, but so did the ice. Sarah slipped through and into the cold wetness. The pain surging through her body was nothing compared to the intense shock of the water as it consumed her.

Photo by Greg Nerantzakis on Unsplash

She fought with all she had to get back to the surface. But murkiness, tangled reeds, heavy clothes, and a heavier parka weighed her down. Her lungs felt like they'd explode before she would recognize which way was up. But she let go of a lung full of air and watched the bubbles ascend. She kicked off the rocky bottom with her good leg, and with her parka half on and half off, she broke through to the surface. Grappling to find a handhold on the ice and laboring not to be pulled back into the icy water by the heavy parka. She took a deep breath and yelled for Chet. But he was nowhere to be seen. Maybe he'd gone for some rope. Calming herself, she removed the water-soaked coat and threw it toward the rocks sticking above the ice on shore that were out of her reach. After three throws, she managed to secure the hood of her parka over a large stone. Sarah pulled herself from the lake and across the rock-filled icy shore.

Breathless and unable to find her crutches, she crawled back to the cave. She knew how deadly hyperthermia was, and her only goal was to get to safety and warmth. But as she dragged her broken foot along the ground, the rest of the splint, mostly gauze, sluffed off. But a section became caught on a stone. She stopped to tear the rest of the makeshift cast off, which left her leg unprotected and made her movements even more painful. She took a moment to catch her breath, pray, and look around. Where the hell was Chet? She knew she'd seen him. She knew she heard his voice.

But a deep silence covered the area. No wind, not even a rustle. The pain in her leg was becoming worse. Even more than she remembered of the initial break. She laid her broken leg across her good leg. Just as a chill wind blew a swirl of snow like a dust devil at her. The clouds darkened, and lightning and thunder shook the gorge. Giant icicles by the dozens crashed to the ground, and blowing snow twirled and blew in all directions.

Darkness had fallen so quickly that it was as though someone had turned the lights out or closed the curtains. Sarah shivered and thought her bones would snap from the instant brittleness caused by the Arctic chill. Then her entire body began shaking uncontrollably. Her extremities burned as though they were on fire, and then they grew numb almost simultaneously. She gathered her strength and pulled herself backward with her hands and arms. She let her good leg protect and haul the broken one. Eventually, she made it to the entrance of the cavern.

Photo by Chris Ensminger on Unsplash

Sighing in relief, she suddenly froze in place. The howl of a wolf, something she'd heard several times since the crash, stopped her cold. The cry was close. This time, the wolf was closer.

She looked up. Atop the cliff was a gray-black wolf, his vicious fang-filled grin intimated at the terror he couldn't wait to inflict.

That's when she realized that Chet wasn't coming back.

He'd warned her.

It was Chet's last heroic deed.

***

842 words

Yolanda Renee © 2023

Tagline: Pay attention to your sixth sense.

This is another excerpt from the 7^th book of my Alaskan Series, Murder on Mount Fairweather, coming out December 2023.

READ THE OTHER ENTRIES HERE

Almost, Well It Is Getting Close

 

Photo by ActionVance on Unsplash

ALMOST HALLOWEEN

It's nearly time

For those tricks

or  treats

a chocolate

or blood feast

it's yours to choose

on my blog

you'll never lose

when you celebrate

the evil within

remember, it's all in fun

a hilarious pun

a poem to scare

the effort is there

but truly, dear heart

my goal is to amuse

make you think

inspire your muse

Halloween is about fun

a great celebration

to ease the stress

as life itself

is sometimes

a pure horror fest!

***

Yolanda Renee © 2023

JOIN US ON OCTOBER 18 – 20

FOR ALL YOUR

HALLOWEEN FUN

SEE YOU THERE!

IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY

 

for another 

WEP Challenge?

Wondering how to go about

preparing,

writing,

& submitting?

Photo by hannah grace on Unsplash

Then Go HERE!

For all the details!

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/p/challenges-2023.html 

PLEASE JOIN US IN OCTOBER

FOR

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Photo by Gwen King on Unsplash

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

The phantom is not a proper specter

but also not Hannibal Lector

a small deformity

he refuses conformity

and wears a mask

determined in his task

haunting like a ghost

the opera hosts

with horrific taunts

but love is his desire

a beautiful singer

he wants to acquire

but a debonair man

who isn't a fan

has other plans

and the phantom

is headed for a fall

his chosen paramour

is frightened but brave

eventually, she wins the day

the phantom though

he has to go!

***

MUAHAHAHAHA!

Yolanda Renée © 2023

***

IT'S AS EASY AS THAT!

JOIN US ON OCTOBER 18 – 20

FOR THE LATEST

WEP CHALLENGE

&

STAY TUNED RIGHT HERE

FOR NOTHING BUT

HALLOWEEN FUN!

And that's a promise!

WEP - Chocolat

Copyright

 

CHOCOLATE

         Sarah sighed heavily and drew an X across the small box showing March 31^st in her calendar. Twenty-four days since the plane crash. Twenty-four days of cold and bitter winds. Even with clean water and the fish caught in the lake, her appetite was lacking, and Chet's insistence that he had to return to the plane left her fearful and sleepless. Add erratic hormones, fear, dwindling supplies, and a woman searching for but failing to find hope, and you have an emotional catastrophe waiting to happen.

Recognizing the signs of a self-indulgent pity party, she closed the calendar. She said a prayer of thanksgiving for the miracle of survival and closed with her favorite chant. "Oh God, My God, thy Name is my healing." Trying to be grateful but anxious and scared, she did her best to meditate but couldn't find the peace she desired.

The sketchbook beside her caught her attention, and she gazed at the drawing she'd completed upon waking. The picture was of a hungry wolf pack. Angry, howling, salivating mouths dripping with the blood of their latest kill. Sarah shut the book and shivered. The nightmare had awakened her, and she'd drawn it, but now it was an hour till dawn, and Chet would rise soon. He slept peacefully a few feet away from her. Her dreams had been about him and his alarming plans. She cuddled in her sleeping bag and waited for him to awaken.

An hour later, he did.

Sarah pretended to be asleep as Chet rolled up his sleeping bag and moved about the cave getting things ready for his trip. Realizing she was being foolish, she greeted him. "Want breakfast?"

"Good morning Sarah, no. I'll wait for lunchtime," he said as he dressed for his trip. "Rescue will be any day now, you'll see," he said, doubling his socks and putting his boots on. "I just want to clear the snow off the main cabin so they can see the plane from the sky. Then I'll light a signal fire using the plane's tires. Black smoke is sure to get someone's attention. I'll use the metal and other debris to create an arrow to show them we're well and waiting. I promise the rescuers will be here before you even have time to miss me," he said without a break.

She watched him closely. Was he trying to convince her or himself?

Sarah tried to smile but was unsuccessful. "Just please, please be careful. I'm worried."

"I know, and I will. I promise. I have to do this. The weather is clearing, and they're looking for the plane. We've been socked in down here but heard them above us, so the top of the mountain must be clear. I have to go to make finding us an easier task." Chet assured her.

"I understand," Sarah said as she stood. "I just wish I were going with you." She wrapped her woolen scarf around his neck.

"Thanks." Chet buried his nose in it and breathed deeply. "It has your perfume on it. It'll be my inspiration," Chet said with a smile. "And I have a special surprise for you." He pulled a package from his pack. "I've been saving it for just this occasion." He handed a small parcel to her.

"Really," she said as she tore the brown paper bag wrapping. Inside was a dark chocolate Hershey bar. Sarah smiled in delight. "Chocolate! My word, how wonderful. Thank you," she said as she hugged him and kissed his cheek.

"I held it back just for that reaction," Chet said. His smile was just as bright as Sarah's. "Fish is getting monotonous, but this should add a bit of delight to your day."

"Oh, it will. Thank you. I'll save some for your return meal. We'll celebrate together."

Chet laughed. "Enjoy all of it. Besides, I'll have the rescuers with me. There won't be time for a meal. Enjoy it while you wait. Once off this blasted mountain, we'll celebrate with champagne and chocolate eclairs. How's that sound?"

"Wonderful," she said and hugged him again. Except she felt like crying instead of laughing. But for him, she held her tears in check. Despite all his assurances, she was beyond worried.

Unsure she was being ridiculous or an overly emotional pregnant lady, she kept her fear to herself. He'd heard the wolf's cry, just as she had, but since he had the shotgun, his mind was made up. Rescue depended on letting the rescuers know where they were, he said repeatedly, and she knew he was right. But fear is the thief of hope, and she had a bad case. Still, she shook it off. She didn't want him to leave with worry for her on his mind.

Chet grabbed his backpack and snowshoes. He surveyed the cavern. "I hate to take the tent," he said, hesitating as if rethinking his decision. The tent had been her private room. A space for her to be alone and feel safe.

"Don't. I'm fine in here without it. You'll need it more than I will. Did you take enough dried fish?" She asked, even though she'd packed it the night before.

Chet smiled. "I did. You just be careful outside, okay?"

Sarah nodded. "You too."

All words spoken. Chet turned to the cave entrance.

Sarah grabbed her crutch, which Chet had carved for her on their first night in the cave. She followed him to the mouth of the cavern and watched as he walked to the rope hanging from the rocks above. He hesitated, turned for one last look at the frozen waterfall, then he waved, and she returned the gesture. Chet deftly climbed the cliff to the path that led to the plane. In a flash, he was gone, and she was alone.

Shivering uncontrollably, she looked at the bar of dark chocolate in her hand and sobbed like a child.

~ ***~

988 words

Yolanda Renée © 2023

Tagline: Solace is found in the simplest gesture.

This is another excerpt from the 7^th book of my Alaskan Series, Murder on Mount Fairweather, coming out December 2023. 

I must credit the WEP prompts for inspiring my writing this year. I've failed most of my writing goals for 2023, but because of the WEP, I keep plugging away.

PLEASE JOIN US 

ADD YOUR CHOCOLAT STORY BELOW!

XXX

WEP - GONE WITH THE WIND

 

Photo by Kaleb Dortono on Unsplash

KUSHTAKA'S EMBRACE

 The winds howled and tore all the warmth from the cave, as though their only purpose was to press the deep, frigid Arctic air into even the smallest crevice. I huddled under three blankets in a sleeping bag built for extreme temperatures. Yet I still felt the chill. But the sound, the whistling and whooshing, the cracking of countless branches, and the crashing of the large icicles, ice on ice, from the frozen waterfall, haunted my waking dreams.

Even though I'd sought shelter in a cave surrounded by solid rock. I was convinced the winds were hunting me. The beast from Alaskan legends, Kushtaka, had found a way into my shelter. The shapeshifter had turned to deadly frigid air and was seeking his prey.

Was it Kushtaka's purpose to destroy the last shred of warmth in existence on this mountain of pure ice? Was I the interloper? A passenger on a downed plane in the Alaskan Triangle. Was I the unwanted trespasser on alien land? I tried to push such silly thoughts from my mind, but the way darkness had fallen and the storm had arisen was unnatural.

Was the disappearance of my fishing pole under the ice a playful otter? Or the sudden howling whistle and the change in temperature, the supernatural work of a mythological beast, or an imagination run wild with fear and grief?

Surreptitious squalls twisted and coiled around my rock abode to extinguish the fire. My only genuine warmth. I'd built it with the last of the wood Chet had cut for me before returning to the crash site. Two days past his time of return didn't offer me hope. Instead, I felt a profound sadness and the hollowness of loss. I knew with certainty that I would never see Chet again.

The wind gusts became more violent as though they recognized their victory. Kushtaka had found me. A woman alone, vulnerable, and afraid. The perfect plaything for the mythological creature intent on torture.

Weakened by loss, fear, and hunger. I was the ideal victim. Had I already given up?

The bright orange flame of the fire shrank with each gust. Is it possible for a fire to surrender? I swear I saw it bow to a stronger foe without a crackle or hiss of attempted bravado. The flames died or burrowed under the cold ashes until their bright colors faded to black, gray, then solid white. Testament to the hue of the Snow God.

Is that how Kushtaka saw his role? As an Ice God defending his territory from any hint of warmth?

I watched the flames die, knowing with certainty that Chet had also left this existence. My tears froze the instant they fell. Ice crystals stuck to my exposed skin like newborn babies seeking sustenance. I tried to brush them away, but more formed until I had no more tears to give. I held them in my hands until they were again part of me. Absorbed into flesh.

Safe.

Ice against ice.

Salvation abandoned me. A piercing chill deeper than any I'd ever felt encircled me. Moving from the outside in until I was completely absorbed. Shrouded in ice.

At first, it was stinging, almost burning, then so bone-chilling I wondered if my insides would shatter like the ice cycles. Profound shivers took control. I was sure I put out enough energy to run a small generator. But even that lasted only a short time.

Eventually, my body relaxed into the Ice God's embrace. Into a faux warmth, but just the sustenance I was seeking.

All along, it had been right here.

Deep inside, the glacial frostiness of this massive beast that held me so delicately in his arms. He wasn't fierce or unkind. He offered himself, and I sensed his concern. Felt the purest of love and surrendered wholly.

I closed my eyes.

The beast held me intimately. Naked. Free. No more restraints or fear. No more feelings of abandonment or loss. Everything was gone, just like the howling wind.

I embraced the Ice God. And let go of my last ember of warmth. My final exhalation danced, twisted, and swirled in a kaleidoscope of brilliant colors before crystalizing into ice crystals in a flash of brilliance.

Just as the Ice God enveloped me in the warmth of pure love...

~*~

721 Words

Yolanda Renée Stout © 2023

~~**~~**~~**~~

 TAGLINE: Surrender does not mean giving up.

This is an excerpt from the 7^th book of my Alaskan Series. Murder on Mount Fairweather. Where survivors of a plane crash are fighting to survive the elements, hungry wolves, and the mythology of the Alaskan triangle.

Kushtaka or Kooshdakhaa. Are from a Tlingit myth that claims the Kushtaka is a shapeshifting otter-like creature that lures people into the wilderness, sometimes tricking them to their deaths.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kushtaka

https://www.travelchannel.com/interests/haunted/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-alaska-triangle-discovery-plus

~*~

Announcing the WEPs 2023 Challenge Calendar

As it was the Movie Poster we found

most inspiring we'll be starting off

in February with

"GONE WITH THE WIND" 

Remember, it's all about what inspires you:

GWTW can be the springboard for a million ideas- civil war, love, the definition of beauty (‘Scarlett O’Hara was not beautiful but men seldom realized it..’), racism, slavery, strong women, gun violence, plantations, breaking conventions, the bond between fathers and daughters, mothers and daughters, the love for a piece of land, a lament for a vanishing society…alternatively, even an essay on the stars or the film director or the author Margaret Mitchell or some aspect of the making of the film...endless opportunities for creativity.

JOIN US IN FEBRUARY

THE WEP

WRITE...EDIT...PUBLISH

AND WIN A PRIZE OR TWO!

"Highway to Hell"

 

The 9th song for your

Halloween Party Playlist:

"Highway to Hell" by AC/DC

https://youtu.be/l482T0yNkeo

Photo by Jr Korpa on Unsplash

"Highway to Hell"

 

Soon you'll be on that frightful road to perdition. It's all planned as a new hellish exhibition.

A nasty surprise just for you. Are you ready to experience what's due?

Don't let me spoil the fun. Believe me, this fate you can't outrun.

If I share each shock, you'll look forward, and I want you to continually be checking behind. Each step is clearly defined.

Will our souls ever unite? Never! But I'll be there to witness my desires delight.

At midnight, on Halloween for eternity, you'll pay. A flesh-only demon buffet while I dance and celebrate your horrible fate!

                                                 The End of this tragic story...

100 Words

Yolanda Renee © 2022

***

Halloween Party PlayList

"Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival

"Black Magic Woman" by Santana

"Man-Eater" by Hall & Oates

"Hungry Like A Wolf" by Duran Duran

"Monster Mash" by Bobby Pickett

"Welcome to my Nightmare" by Alice Cooper

"Don't Fear the Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult

"I Put A Spell On You" by Annie Lennox

"Highway to Hell" by AC/DC

WEP October Challenge

THRILLER

Zombie's Hungry but She's a "Man-Eater"

And the next record to add to your Halloween PlayList

"Man-Eater" by Hall & Oates

Photo by Robert Zunikoff on Unsplash

"Man-eater" by Hall & Oates

https://youtu.be/yRYFKcMa_Ek

***

"MAN-EATER"

Isn't she pretty! The man-eater!

Thought you were safe, but the undead began to rise. You passed a cemetery, and now they're after your hide.

How can you beat the walking dead? Beheading? A bullet to the head. Or hiding under the bed.

There is nowhere safe? Not on Earth, not when evil has full reign, and the zombies want your brain.

Maybe you can dress the part? Entertain the man-eater, show her your heart.

I've the perfect tune. After all, it's a full moon.

Get your costume, prepare for fun, or fall victim to the craze. It's only your soul you have to save.

     Photo by Mahdi Bafande on Unsplash

100 Words

Yolanda Renée © 2022

*****

Halloween Party PlayList

"Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival

"Black Magic Woman" by Santana

"Man-Eater" by Hall & Oates

***

I know you're almost ready.

For October's Fun!

The WEP Challenge 

THRILLER

Remember, it's all about fun!

"Black Magic Woman"

And the next record to add to your Halloween PlayList

 "Black Magic Woman" by Santana

https://youtu.be/9wT1s96JIb0

Photo by Stefano Ciociola on Unsplash

BLACK MAGIC

The Devil doesn't need magic. Do you? Protection from this new Hell on Earth. You only have to survive until November 1st. Then evil returns to its unholy home.

But for thirty-one days, you're exposed. Better find some of that old black magic, but what's the cost? Your firstborn, or are you forever lost?

She'll ask for the harshest. Can you make the sacrifice? Will you pay or take your chances as evil roams? Or sell what's precious to save your unworthy soul?

Better act fast. For this, consuming evil will last until the toll of midnight on October 31st.

100 Words

Yolanda Renée © 2022

Photo by Nurlan Imash on Unsplash

*****

Are you getting ready for the fun?

The WEP October Challenge 

THRILLER

Your Halloween Party PlayList:

"Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival

"Black Magic Woman" by Santana

***

Here is the link to the Thriller lyrics if you want more inspiration:

THRILLER

Remember, it's all about fun!

Photo by Daniel Lincoln on Unsplash

mWUha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7fVfNCvwsA