Atonement

Pulling aside the curtain, Mabel gazed into the backyard.  She imagined ghosts of the past filling the chairs around her outdoor table.  Their laughter lost in the breeze.

Plans were set into motion at that table.  But there was a cost.  Because of what they did, atonement was required.  Every year they gathered to draw sticks, taken from the tree that stood watch nearby.  The wilderness chose the one who would walk away from the table, never to return.

The stakes were high with only two of them left.  Mabel dropped the curtain when the doorbell rang.  It was time.

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“Friday Fictioneers” is a weekly challenge hosted by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff Fields.  The challenge is to write a story, using only 100 words, in response to a photo prompt.  It has been a lot of fun to join in with this fantastic and encouraging group of writers!  This week’s photo prompt was provided by Fatima Fakier Deria.  If you would like to read other Friday Fictioneers’ stories, visit HERE.

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For those of you who celebrate Easter, I wish you a very blessed one; filled with lots of love and laughter with family and friends!