Jots and Tittles and other Random Things

Music in the Night - written for "Screams"

It was a quiet night. No sounds were heard, not a hoot of an owl or even the scamper of wildlife. Penny was disturbed by the quiet. She had grown accustomed to nature's voice. She bought the charming old house at the edge of the woods some time ago. It was an isolated spot, but she liked not being bothered by people. She didn't dislike them, necessarily, but she often felt irritated by the presence of people. Her home was a haven away from them.

Penny sat on her porch, in her comfortable rocking chair, with a cup of tea in her hands. Looking out into the night, the quiet disturbed her tranquility. It was unnatural not to hear the wildlife she had grown accustomed to. Disgruntled, Penny set her cup on the end table by her chair. It was then that she heard it - the faintest plucking of what may have been a violin. Furrowing her brow, she mused: How is that possible?

The sound startled Penny, and pulling her robe sash tightly, she walked down the steps of her porch to try to hear better. She came to the edge of her property, and looked into the woods. She knew hearing music in the woods at night was a bad sign, but it was such a pretty tune. Penny then recognized the music she was hearing. It brought memories of her childhood to mind - of happier times when her family was together. Without thinking, she followed the music into the woods. Penny was swallowed up, never to be seen again.

WC - 245

Prompt ▼

She knew hearing music in the woods at night was a bad sign, but it was such a pretty tune. (This sentence must be used in the story.)

Written for Screams contest 8/21/2023