Contest Entries

My Great Grandfather

The time has come when the dead will walk among the living. I eagerly set burning candles on the windowsills and set a plate of food on my back porch. It only happens once a year and I never know who I will meet. Then I knelt down and prayed. It was custom to pray for my ancestors. May they rest in peace. It was a time to learn and watch.

One thing that worried me was if a faerie came. They seek to disturb the dead and create chaos. I yawned and then looked at the time on my watch, and saw it was almost time. I finished my prayer and moved my hands over my face. Honoring the dead the best I could as I glanced at the backyard. All seemed calm and quiet, but I wasn't fooled. A faerie could be lurking just around the corner.

With a swish and a swirl, I thought I saw something. Then a glimmer here and there an ordinary fairy appeared. Upon closer examination I noticed her wings were tainted, the tell tale sign that it was a faerie. I held my breath and felt my heart beat wildly as the faerie drew near. I didn't know her name.

"Good evening, care if I join you? Why don't we start with your name first?" the faerie asked.

"Fishy. And yours?" I replied, not daring to give my real name.

"Do I really need to say? I am so hungry I could eat a horse. Say, that looks like a very good meal. May I have a taste?"

"No you may not. It is a very special meal. I just don't want you anywhere near it."

"Snickerdoodle. What is the occasion?" Blood Moon said. Now I recognized the faerie.

"Nothing, Blood Moon. Just enjoying some peace and quiet."

"Well then I'll be on my way."

I watched with a smile as Blood Moon looked disappointed. I knew not to trust faeries and wasn't sure if she was going to try another stunt. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a young Irish person following the light of my candles. My Great Grandfather my conscience told me as he neared. Then the faerie left for good.

"Over here," I whispered quietly and a breeze seemed to pick up my voice and carry it over to my great grandfather.

"What a delicious meal you made for me my great granddaughter. Thank you for letting me eat it. I got a story to tell.

"It begins with growing potatoes. It starts with a spud and grows into a good size plant. Deep down inside, the potato grows big, fat, and full.

"Start small. Work your way big. And you'll be as healthy as can be with just the right amount of right, healthy choices."

My Great Grandfather finished eating his meal and then turned and made a salute. I saluted back and smiled. Tears rolled down my cheeks as he turned and walked away, disappearing into the night. His words gave me a lasting impression. Big wisdom in just so few words.

Prompt: Write a story about being visited by a departed ancestor.
Word count: 519
Contest: "Holiday Short Story Contest - closed"