That Night

Chipped and peeling paint covered the walls of and old building. Inside the drafty place a group of men in white clothing was huddled around a cross. It was almost time.

The year was 1954 and it was just a normal gathering for the members, except there was something more, something special about this. This time they were going to lynch a dummy.

At the stroke of 10 the procession started. The smallest member lit the cross and fanned the flames until it was burning all over. In single file the men proceeded out of the building, the first man carrying the cross.

Sally watched them, curious yet deathly afraid. It was these men and the organization they belonged to that persecuted her people, her race. She had snuck out of her house to watch them, it’s not everyday that they hang someone, even if they’re just a scarecrow.

The men continued on their way, remaining silent until two of its members started fighting. It was well known that they didn’t get along.

“You two better stop or one of you has to leave!” called a voice from the front.

“I will!” cried the shorter man. He abruptly left the group and stormed off. Right off to where Sally was hiding.

That night, more than one thing was hanged. The shorter man was praised for his finding of the eavesdropping black girl and found that his standing in the KKK was vastly improved. Everyone declared him a hero, an outstanding member. And anytime he got into a fight with the other member….well let’s just say the outcome was never in the taller’s favor.