A Dark Horizon

A cat is a strange creature. It doesn’t want to show affection. It seeks solitude and independence. Of course, some cats love their masters. A soft, velvety feline that likes to curl up and sleep next to their owner is a rare but fine treasure. Especially while reading, a cat can be great company…


Once a day wasn't enough for Tessa. She actually felt the need, not want, to see her true love, Galen, every day. He was the perfect partner for her. If there was ever a doubt as to the existence of soul mates, Tessa was no longer unsure. And he was just as deeply in love with her. Tessa's glorious smile, her gentle way, her gracious heart. He was smitten and it was unlike any relationship he ever experienced before. The two were made for each other.
They didn't live together, but were in a committed relationship that was going on 2 years. Still after all this time, there was such passion and fire. They laughed at the same exact things, looked at the whole in the same exact way. Their bond was strong and solid. No secrets were held between the two, and to the outside world, no one else realty existed. Tessa and Galen were in their own love obsessed world. The two literally could not and would not live without the other.
Marriage was something that would be in their near future. They wanted to respect their love and relationship in the right way. The wedding was planned down to the menu and flowers. The two looked forward to that day and the honeymoon afterwards. Their relationship had stood the test of time and after they were husband and wife, the plan was to start searching for a home. To follow that was, naturally, children. The only way to take things was one step at a time at this point and Tessa and Galen were both equally excited about their future.
Every once in while, the two would venture out to the city and take in a show and dinner. There was love in the air when the two of them walked hand in hand, caring smiles plastered on their faces. The whole world was at their feet. And they knew it.
"Being close to the wedding date has me excited," said Tessa after stopping for a cup of coffee with a splash of vanilla flavoring in it.
"I cannot wait to call you my wife" said Galen, sipping his espresso. "There will no better feeling in the world".
"Aww. You're right, dear. It feels surreal to even SAY it, so I can't imagine what it will really BE like, ya know?"
"I almost have the music list complete, but there's still the one dance..."
And suddenly, the two stopped. A big, dark towering figure appeared in the distance. Far enough but also close enough to definitely see. It was not their imagination.
"What IS that!" exclaimed Tessa.
There was a swift movement, and the tower pivoted, almost making it seem like the city was turning. The crowds of people on the street screamed and fled. Tessa gripped Galen's hand and her eyes widened. What was going on?
"Tessa!" he shouted, "Run now!" and before she knew it a wave of darkness was racing towards her quicker than her mind would allow her to think.
There was blackness and high pitched voices mixed with far away howls. Galen fell, and Tessa clenched her eyes shut.
Darkness abound.

The three of them had been friends since childhood. They all lived on the same circle block of closely spaced homes. Dan, Kevin and Todd were like a smarter version of The 3 Stooges. They always had fun together, even at each other's expense. They never really experienced a dull moment. Life, to them, was a comedy and they enjoyed the laughs.
Growing up, college didn't separate them, since none of them went. They all stayed home after graduating and made their way in the world working sun up to sun down. Dan always loved cars and took over his Dad's auto mechanic shop once he was old enough. Manager Dan, to some, but still Danny Boy to the older grease monkeys that would work there until their old age. Kevin loved to make and serve (and eat), and so he made his way as line cook at the local family restaurant. Todd was a fisherman, and he enjoyed his time outdoors. He became a Boy Scout Leader and worked long days at his family's farm, tending several acres. Todd had 5 kids and his wife was expecting their sixth. The lumber yard was always fully stocked thanks to Todd and his employees. In general, all three good friends remained true to what they liked to do, and always made time for each other.
One Saturday evening, Dan and Kevin dragged Todd to bowling and beers. They were not going to Todd's favorite hangout, but nonetheless, he obliged. Once they were done with their games, they relaxed and ordered another round. Dan slapped Todd on the back, "See? You had fun! Right? Wasn't it fun kicking Kevin's ass in each frame?"
"Hmm, yeah actually, it was" said Todd. It's nice to get out with you guys. We used to do this once a week, and now we are down to once a month."
"Yeah, not enough time in the day to get in the laughs" replied Kevin, belching loudly. "And I need it, my old lady's riding me about buying new stuff for the house every day. We just got a new couch set, and she is already talking about exchanging it for a new one! Picky and indecisive."
"Women!" they all mumbled at the same time, raising a glass. Dan said, "Here's to boys’ night out. Friendship. And bowling victories!"
The three of them had a great night, ordering more beer and playing a fun game of pool. As the night dragged on, Todd was the first to mention leaving. His land needed tending very early, and the animals didn't wait for anyone. He was looking at 4 hours of sleep when he pulled out his car keys.
"Well, it's WAY too late. I'm going to head out. Take it easy guys." Kevin and Dan said their goodbyes and each of them headed out separate ways in the parking lot.
The sky was unusually bright blue, and Dan noticed it right away. Kevin shouted to Todd across from their pickup trucks. "Wow! What a moon, huh?"
Then, all of the sudden, the three of them heard a loud sweeping sound. In the middle of pointing and looking up, Dan saw it first as Todd shouted "Look out!" and the three of them bolted to their car doors. In a sudden sense of urgency, a large, dark shadow engulfed the parking lot. The men ducked just in time and then it was dark silence as their world spun and stopped...

Ash Kepnorvonsky was a famous figure in the small town of Sheldon. She was a widow, a lonely tealeaf reading soul, who delighted in helping others with her palm reading and ghost talk. She was able to hear the dead, and she was able to make loose predictions about the future. People flocked from all over to visit her, and she kept her rates down. All that was required was that they promised to use the information she gave them for good. She hoped that it wouldn't ever be used against her. Once, long ago, it was, and she never wanted to face someone's wrath over details that they had pressed HER for.
So Ash was always very clear in her directions to all that came to see her. She hoped that what they were seeking was coming from a true place in their heart. If people wanted to talk to the dead, then they needed to have loved those that passed away. The only other request was that any who visited her would also be willing to give up their palm to see what might be in store for them. Lastly, if anyone were to have any information or insight on her, as in a fellow psychic, she would want to know what they knew. Although, it was very infrequent that that happened, if ever. Most visitors were content to pay the humble fee and listen to what Ash had to say. If people weren't willing to play by her rules, she politely refused to see them. It really was that simple.
One day, a young woman walked into the parlor, shaking rain water off her shoulders and shuddering slightly at the icy air. It was an exceptionally cold spring day, and the rain was close to becoming hail in the wind. The visitor stomped her black leather boots and sighed, removing her coat.
'What a night, huh?" she said, raising clear blue eyes to meet Ash's curious gaze. The stranger had long auburn hair and pale skin. Delicate features made up her face and she was petite but stood tall. She smiled slightly, collapsing her umbrella.
"Good evening. I know I don't have an appointment, but I was wondering if you could squeeze me into your evening. Just for a few moments?” the young woman gingerly asked.
Ash rolled her eyes. “Hmm” she muttered. “I suppose” was all she answered.
The woman clapped her umbrella shut and shifted in her raincoat. She extended her hand and smiled warmly. “I’m Nadine. Nadine Smith. I am happy to finally meet you.”
Ash nodded, her thin, clammy grip taking Nadine’s palm gingerly. “Just a small amount of time” she said hoarsely. “It is late, and I’m tired. Please. Sit.”
Nadine glanced around the room, surveying the table in front of her. Some candles, a stack of old tarot cards and a small, wilted plant off the side. It looked old as Ash, and just as tired. Nadine cleared her throat.
“I hope you don’t mind. It’s just, this is something I’ve been meaning to do for so long. To come and sit and talk with a spiritual being. You should know,” she paused, “I don’t believe in fortune telling.”
Nadine smiled weakly, then folded her hands. Ash raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, I got that impression” she said softly. “And that is not a bad thing. I am always happy when people are honest and do not dance around their true thoughts. What I do, is not read the future. Rather, I see the present very clearly, and tell people as much. Some really appreciate the explanation, and others are rather turned off by it and decide to take their money and time elsewhere. It is always up to you,” she said gently, “and what you know you can or cannot handle.”
Nadine sighed, and briefly closed her eyes “Yes, I want to know.”
She pulled out her purse and placed a $50 dollar bill on the colored table. Ash swiped it cleanly, and adjusted her silk scarf. She reached out in front of her, and whispered: “Give me your hands. Please.”
Nadine did so, keeping her eyes on the psychic’s face. She blinked several times. Maybe it was her imagination, but the room all of the sudden, seemed a little darker and colder. Ash looked directly at her, curling her lips. She spoke in a low, odd voice.
“I see a young woman, full of promise. You are hardworking and driven. You are intuitive and smart. Often times, you trust your instinct, and have little bad judgment. I believe others see this, and think highly of you.” She paused and took a deep breath. “Many admire you, and many want to BE you. You are successful at your career and take pride in all your work.”
Nadine smiled to herself, relaxing in her chair. Ash continued. “If you have any doubts about the future, do not. Quiet them. Be at peace. You have nothing to worry about, and love is also in your near future.”
Nadine listened intently, then spoke the main question on her mind.
“What is the dark shadow I always see in my dreams? What is the danger? I can’t shake the feeling. It’s just like a dark, scary wind, and it’s heavy and brings a very swift cold with it.” She closed her eyes, searching for the words. “I can’t sleep at night. It’s terrifying. I wake up out of a deep sleep, panting and scared. I can’t really describe it, and I…” she paused, the moment pregnant with fright, “I don’t want to. I’m always afraid I’ll have the dream again, and it makes me very stressed.”
Ash studied her face, not knowing what to say. There was an awkward silence. Weren’t the psychics supposed to know what to say? What would she come up with? With such a vague amount of feedback, Ash didn’t know how to shirt her way around this. She simply smiled. Ah, a good, general description would put Nadine’s mind at ease. The old woman straightened in her chair.
“My dear, there is always fear in life. Most of it, we imagine in our own minds. Do not be scared and worried. You have a rich and happy future ahead…”
As Ash spoke the last word, a loud sound enveloped them. It almost reminded Nadine of an amplified YAWN, and lasted a few moments at that! Both women looked at each other, their eyes wide with fear. Suddenly, a cold wind could be felt, and by the second, it picked up speed, sending shivers down their spines. What in the world was going on? Then, without warning, a dark shadow appeared, and it came out of nowhere, immediately making its dominant presence known. Nadine screamed as she pointed at it. Ash couldn’t scream, as she was numb with fear. All she could do was stand and try to run, and Nadine quickly surpassed her. This large, rectangular shadow was roaring with a swoosh towards them, impossible to escape. Both women tried anyways, screaming as they plunged forward. Nadine became aware that no noise, no sound was escaping her mouth as she yelled. She was completely silent. The ground began to turn upside down, and the wind slowly died. A large white wall closed in on her, and the last image Nadine saw was of Ash, horrified and looking to her for help. The last thought Nadine had was that she had wasted her time on a fraud. What was happening? Darker and darker, the world around her slipped away.
Nadine slipped away. She was away. She was gone.


“That’s enough. For now…” the woman whispered to her fluffy beige cat, “I’m just too tired to keep going.”
The woman closed her book, an anthology of short stories about different relationships and tribulations. She was really enjoying this miniseries, but she was so sleepy from work and running her half marathon earlier in the day. She was very interested in all the characters and the common theme that would be played out in the end. But for now, she needed sleep, and she stroked her soft kitten while reaching for the light. Her bookmark was looking old and worn, she thought as she adjusted to the darkness. It would be time for a new one soon.