Ficlets

Rain and Raven

Lifting his face to the broken heavens, Murray closed his eyes and let the warm rain drench him. After tonight, he didn’t think he’d ever feel clean again.

He resumed his search. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a flicker of black movement in the downpour.

He pushed a shaking key toward the lock. “Hello?â€?

He shook his head, scattering water. All in his mind, what was left of it.

Another lightning bolt split the sky like an axe, illuminating the parking lot and puddles with electric light. No one there. The thunderclap followed almost immediately, like a voice of judgment.

Murray managed to get the car door open, climbed in and slammed it. The air was stale, blood warm, and smelled of decay. A raven landed on his hood and peered through the sheets of water.

“Sheesh, that’s what I’m seeing. OK, breathe again.â€? He put the key in the ignition, turned it. Nothing. “Dammit to hell!â€?

He screamed as I leaned forward and tapped him on the shoulder. “I can help with that hell bit, if you’d like.â€?

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