K L Kent ~ Author

Beneath ~ February 21st, 2021

February 21, 2021 K L Kent ~ Author

It was one of those nights. A dark damp night when anyone, even those who love to spend time alone, would be in need of company. Maybe not the full social interaction that two people might have, but at least the presence to enjoy the sounds of conversations being had around them. That was how it was this night for one particular old man. He had spent so many years by himself that he liked to venture into the local bar and listen to the clamor of people enjoying the company of each other. He would find a spot out of the way at the bar and pull certain objects from his wallet to reminisce about times when he might have been there enjoying the company of a partner. He lovingly laid out a picture of a young couple sitting in a row boat on the lake. The man in the photo, under close inspection, could be seen to resemble the now older gentleman fondly looking at the woman sitting across from his younger self. The next object he so tenderly laid before himself was a ring. It was obviously too small and delicate to fit his finger, but he liked to admire it and think about what might have been. This outing had become a bit of a regular event for him. Any night after a good rainstorm he would venture to this particular spot and enjoy his memories among the crowd enjoying their lives in the now.

Most nights he remained unnoticed, sitting in his dark corner where he could observe while not being observed. Tonight was different. New faces were among the crowd. Some looked nice enough but then there were others with a harder edge to them. Based on how they were greeted you could tell these louder characters had become something of a regular among the people crowded into the establishment. The old man shrunk further into the shadows where he sat but it was too late, the unobserved observer had been seen. Two of the brutes, for that is how he thought of them, sidled up to the bar on either side. One would hope they were there only to get a refill, but they had other intentions in mind. Over the last month or so their gang had been building a reputation and no one was to be left out of learning who they were.

While inside they were cordial enough, enquiring about the man’s evening, and even admiring the ring and the lady in the photo. While always polite, there was enough of an undertone to let the old man know that he had had his fill of social interactions. He paid his tab, and wished the gentleman a pleasant evening before making his exit. Outside he breathed in the deep scent of the rain soaked earth before turning towards the lake at the outskirts of town. He always finished these evenings at the lake, the resting place of his memories and his joy.

The thing about small towns is that they are quiet. So on an evening like this you can tell when you are not walking alone. Whether welcome or not the old man now had company. The two men from the bar had caught up and were once again making small talk. Not really to him, but around him, as though he was a part of the conversation or at least the subject of it. The old man tried to walk quicker, but they were younger with more agility, so his way was quickly blocked by one man who placed his fingertips against the old man’s chest while the other took a position at his rear. The man was large, with a t-shirt missing the sleeves and a leather vest. His dark, hard, eyes rested in a face that was half covered in a beard so long it was braided down his chest. He removed his hand from the old man’s chest and ran it down the length of that beard as though it helped him think.

“Old man, we didn’t get a chance to finish introducing ourselves back there.” “Oh? I am so sorry about that but it is time for me to be getting home.” He tried to move past but the man chuckled and once again stopped him by using his fingertips to create pressure against the old man’s chest. “You don’t understand. Everyone needs to know who we are and what is expected when you meet us.” The man behind chuckled under his breath. “You see, we are trying to build a business here and everyone is our customer. We just need a small token of your understanding and then we’ll let you go on your way.” The old man looked up into the other’s eyes trying to bolster his nerve and present an air of resistance. “I have nothing for you, maybe tomorrow I can provide you with the token you need.” Another chuckle. “Good sir, you have already shown us what we desire. So you can either give it willingly, and we part as friends, or we take it and look forward to trying this meeting again another day.” The old man grunted as old men are want to do in times of frustration. He again tried to push past but now was grabbed around the arms by the man behind. “I am sorry it has come to this,” and the old man was relieved of his wallet.

It didn’t take much force to knock him to the ground and he watched in disgust as the two men standing above him tore through his wallet. They took what cash he had and then held up to the light his most prized possession. The ring looked even smaller pinched between the rough fingers of the brute. “Looks to be a nice diamond here. “Thank you sir for your token, we appreciate your cooperation.” Before throwing his wallet back to the ground the second man took from it the picture of the young couple. As though trying to make a point of abject bullying he ripped it into pieces before sprinkling it like confetti on the ground. Now the men laughed as they turned and walked away toward the lake. In tears the old man picked up the pieces of his memories and carefully place them back in his wallet. He would reassemble it the best he could when he got home, but for now he still had a date with his past.

The lake was usually quiet this time of night, the water finally at rest after the onslaught of what came with the storm, but this night was different. Tonight the silence was disturbed by the sounds of drunk fools celebrating their good fortune of the treasure they stole from a small old man. They sat in a row boat in the middle of the lake enjoying a bottle of whiskey they had bought with the cash and talked about how they might spend the money they would get from pawning the ring. Now we all know the affect that alcohol can have and for these two it led to the inevitable. A fight broke out over who would carry the ring and who would take care of pawning it. A few blows were delivered and then the worst thing that could happen did. The bottle of whiskey was lost over the side of the boat. Both men quickly tried to grab for it but could only watch as it disappeared below the surface into the darkness of the water.

They tried to see into the black depths. Maybe if they could just catch sight of the bottle they might yet rescue it. As they strained their eyes both began to experience the sensation of seeing dancing lights. They sat back, blinking and rubbing their eyes in hopes of being able to focus. A glance back over the edge found that the lights had intensified and were nearing the surface. In the middle a shadow took form and they watched in fear and curiosity as it got closer before breaking the surface. Breaking the surface appeared a beautiful young woman. Her brown eyes were deep and inviting and below the surface the roundness of her bosom ignited feelings of excitement in both men. She swam closer to the boat and again the men began fighting to be the first to encounter her. One good punch from the bearded brute sent the other to the bottom of the boat. With a cocky grin he turned back and leaned out, straight into her outstretched arms. At first it was a gentle embrace, but then greed and heat took over and the man tried to pull her into the boat. She was quick to slip from his grasp, back into the water and then popping up on the other side. She reached out for the other man and he was quick to enter her embrace. Again the kiss was at first gentle. The man looked back at his companion and winked before turning back to continue the dalliance.

He smiled at the girl and again puller her close. As his eyes shut he was unaware as her mouth changed and where once there were supple lips to embrace with his own there was now what appeared to be a jawless opening with circular rows of teeth. It was an image out of nightmares as the bearded man watched her suction like mouth close over his friends face. The man struggled for freedom, kicking the bottom of the boat and hitting out at the figure who had him. It took only moments before his form fell still and was then dragged over the side of the boat and into the depths of the water. The bearded man was shook and terrified. He quickly moved to the center of the boat, scared to even put the oars in the water until he knew he could do so safely. There was a knock on the side of the boat causing him to jump and then a hand grabbed the side. He fell backwards against the gunwale across from the appearance. He shivered and hugged himself as the hand slid back out of sight. Slowly he began to move back to the middle of the boat but never made it. A quick splash was his only warning before arms wrapped around his neck and pulled him over to disappear beneath the dark water.

Ripples radiated out violently from the boat as it rocked back and forth after the assault. Eventually the boat and water settled back to a still and silent state. The water was pristine in the calm air and the only sounds that could be heard were the gentle slaps of oars on the water. Under the dim glow of the moon peeking through the cloud covered sky another boat glided up to the first. The old man looked about slowly and then inspected the bottom of the boat in hopes he might find his missing treasure. A sudden knock on the side brought his attention to the most beautiful face staring up at him with big brown eyes. He reached out and gently caressed her cheek. She leaned into his hand before bringing her own from the water to reach out. He watched as she opened her palm to him and revealed the diamond ring. It was so beautiful against her skin. He didn’t want to take it from her but this was how he kept her close. As he picked up the ring he leaned in to kiss the inside of her wrist. She smiled and then lifted herself higher over the edge to plant a gentle kiss on his mouth before diving back beneath the water. Quietly he returned to land. He still had years of his life yet to live before he could join her, so for now he would treasure these precious and rare moments. He tucked the ring back into his wallet next to the picture that he would repair and left the lake for home.

Tiny Dancer ~ February 7th, 2021

February 7, 2021 K L Kent ~ Author

She felt a surge of excitement as she heard the taxi door shut outside. Suzie’s grandma had arrived to celebrate her tenth birthday. She always had a special surprise planned and Suzie couldn’t wait. She jumped up from the floor, leaving her crayons and coloring books strewn about, and raced down the stairs straight into the arms of the old woman who had just come through the door. “Oh, you’re getting so big. You’re bound to knock an old woman off her feet.” They both laughed as Suzie was crushed into a hug against her grandmother’s chest. “Suzie,” her mother called as she walked in from the kitchen. “Suzie, let Grandma Pat at least get all the way inside. Hello mother.” The two women embraced. “Dinner is almost ready, if you would both like to wash up we’ll be ready to eat momentarily.”

Grandma Pat turned to Suzie. “Well Button, would you like to help me with my stuff? We might just find something special inside.” Suzie couldn’t hide her excitement. She grabbed the suitcase handle with one hand and her grandmother with the other to lead them both down the hall to the guestroom. Unpacking was quick. A few outfits, some toiletries, and a beautifully wrapped box at the bottom. Now, Suzie was sure her grandmother was a magical creature of some sort. Whether a witch or fairy godmother, there was something special about the woman. Suzie knew, just knew, that this gift would confirm her belief. Suzie fingered the wrapping, wanting to open it right here, but she was interrupted by her mother’s voice coming down the hall. “Super’s ready, come and get it.” Hugging the gift Suzie followed her grandmother into the dining room.

Their meal consisted of all Suzie’s favorite foods; chicken nuggets, egg rolls, jello, pudding, tater tots, and of course cake. Normally, on a day like today, they would let Suzie dominate the conversation, but Grandma Pat had just returned from overseas and all Suzie wanted to hear about was her adventures. Grandma Pat spent her life working as an archaeologist and even after retiring she continued to explore distant places looking for wonder and excitement. To Suzie, this made her grandma greater than Indiana Jones, Lara Croft, and Merlin combined. During the meal they all sat enraptured, listening to Grandma Pat tell her stories of her recent exploits. “I started in Egypt where I had to test my wits against the curse of a mummy deep beneath a pyramid. Then I explored the catacombs of Transylvania while you know who was out of town. From there I took a perilous cruise on the Atlantic and barely survived an encounter with the Kraken. I then finished in Paris, where I performed with a street circus as their fire eating woman.” “How about a brief display?” Suzie clapped in anticipation, but a clearing of the throat from her father ended the notion. “That sounds amazing Grandma Pat, but maybe another time, and outside. They all laughed at that. “Well, I think now it’s time for the most important part of our meal.” Suzie’s mother stood from the table and walked into the kitchen. When she returned it was with a cake shaped like a dragon. “Did I ever tell you about the time I battled dragon’s in South America?” Grandma Pat asked. Suzie shook her head no, prompting the story to be told while they ate.

Finally, the moment arrived and Suzie tore the paper from her gift. Inside was an ornate box and when she opened it a small ballerina turned in place to the tinkling sound of music. “Wow, it’s a jewelry box, thank you.” Suzie smiled trying to hide her disappointment. Her Grandmother chuckled and crouched down next to her. “this is a very special jewelry box. Tonight, open it by your window and allow her to dance in the spot light provided by the moon. I promise, it will be magical.”

That night after tidying up her room and preparing for bed Suzie took the jewelry box to the window and opened it in the moonlight. Just as before the ballerina twirled in a circle. Suzie sighed, maybe she was getting too old to believe in her grandma’s magic. She reached out to close the lid just as the remaining clouds broke. The light pouring in got brighter and the tiny figure in the box began to dance. She spun into a pirouette and then lifted her leg into an arabesque. She was up on her toes waving her arms and then down into a plie’. The routine was beautiful and the tiny figure moved around the box as though she had a full stage. She ended with a pirouette and another plie’ that flowed into a curtsy. Suzie was surprised and thrilled. She applauded with vigor and then stopped when she realized she wasn’t the only one clapping for the performance. She looked around her room to find all of her dolls were also applauding the tiny dancer. She looked back in time to see the ballerina retake her pose as clouds once again drifted over the moon. A light rap on the door announced the entrance of Grandma Pat. “I’ve come to tuck you in.” Suzie put the jewelry box on her book shelf and climbed into bed and under the covers. “Grandma?” “Hmmm?” “You really are magic aren’t you?” Grandma Pat chuckled as she pulled the covers up tight. Leaning down she said “for you Button? Always,” and then she planted a kiss on the girl’s forehead. Grandma Pat walked to the door. She turned back and smiled back at Suzie “sweet dreams Button.” Then she pulled the door closed behind her. Suzie rolled over and looked back at the jewelry box on her shelf. That night she drifted off dreaming about the tiny ballerina, the magic of her grandma, and the adventures she would have herself someday.

Sounds of Morning ~ January 24th, 2021

January 24, 2021 K L Kent ~ Author

It was an incessant ringing, a clamoring that woke everyone in the village before dawn had even broke. They stumbled out of their houses, masks tight across their faces, and hands covering their ears. They tried to speak to each other but, even when yelling directly into another’s ear, their questions could not be heard. Dogs barked and babies wailed but no one could find the source of the noise to shut it off. The sun had yet to make its appearance, but the horizon was already showing the early kiss of dawn.

People got angry and began to gather, trying to devise a plan while only speaking in hand gestures. This proved difficult because their hands were necessary to protect their fragile ears. Suddenly the ground began to quake. Everyone feared that this was the moment the sound caused the ground to cave in beneath their feet. They hunkered down lower, ready to brace themselves, but it never happened. The ground stayed solid. Then they looked to the south where a large mountain stood. They could see the dust starting to kick up and the land starting to move. Lord help them, they were in for a land slide. Yet that too did not happen.

The dust rolling down the leeward side of the mountain quickly shifted to rocks and boulders. Yet instead of creating a massive landslide the mountain seemed to grow taller, and lift upwards reaching for the sky. The general shape was changing and suddenly a piece, that ran the length of the range, broke free. It swung forth above the heads of the terrified citizens. They watched it swing outwards into the distance of the North. Then suddenly there was silence. The silence was deafening. Though really it was just that their ears needed a few moments to recover from the onslaught of sound they had just suffered. The arm, for that is what it was, then retracted through the sky and came to rest at the side of a massive figure who now sat where the mountain had stood.

He yawned and stretched, moving side to side as though trying to get the kinks out of his back. Then he looked around and his gaze came to rest on the tiny creatures who looked up at him in complete shock and awe. He smiled and spoke in a deep, booming voice, that rattled like thunder moving across the sky. “Good morning! May I…” he was interrupted as he watched the small creatures hunker down covering their ears. It dawned on him that their fragile forms couldn’t take him at full volume so he leaned down and whispered. “Good morning! May I ask what year it is?”

One small form moved forward from the crowed. The giant could tell that the thing was trying to say something but he couldn’t hear it. “I’m sorry, but you are too small, your words do not reach me.” Another creature came jogging up to the first. He handed off a small object and suddenly a tiny voice rose upwards and the giant could hear. “It is 2021.” He nodded, as though impressed with himself. “My, then I have taken a good nap. Is there anything special happening? Anything I should be excited for in 2021?” He watched as the small people spoke among themselves before the main person once again spoke through the device. “This past year there was a great pandemic that affected the whole world. We now have a vaccine but we are still in the process of getting it delivered to everyone.”

The giant frowned. “That doesn’t sound like too much fun. I think I will snooze for a couple hundred more years. Thank you for your time.” With that the giant reached out once more into the distance. When he pulled his arm back he again settled into a sleeping position. He blinked a few times and smiled at the villagers before closing his eyes for good. His breathing kicked up a gentle wind that rolled across the land and through the village. As the sun began to crest the horizon the giants form slowly blurred. Where once the people saw the massive body of a man they once again saw the rock face of the mountains they had known all their lives. The sun continued to rise and as the rays kissed the lips and cheeks and nose of the giant, those features also blended back into the form of a mountain and the wind died down. The people stood around outside for quite some time following the short spectacle of the morning. Many were already beginning to forget those few moments of magic, but the children who saw it would remember it much longer. They would build stories about the mountain and the giant who slept there and those stories would be passed down for generations to come. Celebrations would be created to honor the sleeping man who would one day rise again to greet those lucky enough to hear the call of his alarm and bid him good morning.

Through Darkness – January 10, 2021

January 10, 2021 K L Kent ~ Author

Tonight I came to this restaurant because it is familiar, and I convinced myself that I could step away on my own for the simple purpose of using the restroom.

A few months back my life had hit a plateau. The monotonous routine of my day to day existence found me going through life in a numb fashion. It was a normal day as I walked down the hall towards my apartment door when a decision appeared before me. At the end of the hall there was a door that I had never seen before. It stood solid like many of the others – door handle and mail slot against a red face in the cream wall. It had never been there before, I am pretty sure of that, but it stood there now begging to be opened. In the moment I didn’t realize I had a choice. Do I ignore this anomaly and enter my apartment or open this mysterious door? I opened the door.

As it swung inward I was greeted with a darkness so black that even the light around me was lost in the void beyond. My brain was screaming at me to shut the door and return to the safety of familiarity, the comfort of the known; but my body was compelled to move forward. It was like an unseen force was pulling me away from everything I know and into the unseen. Putting the light of the hall behind me I stepped over the threshold and moved a few feet in, maybe there was a light I could switch on, but with outstretched hands I couldn’t find a solid surface. So I turned to leave and watched in fear as the light from the hall disappeared and only darkness surrounded me.

I could see nothing, hear nothing, and yet I was aware of a presence. I tried to focus my senses, but nothing. My eyes began to hurt from the strain of trying to see in the darkness, clouds of colors began reflecting through my retinas until a single pinpoint of light appeared before me. I couldn’t tell if it was in the distance or just a few feet away but I began to move towards it. Not sure of what surface lay beneath my feet I walked slowly, but the feeling of a presence began to grow stronger. I could sense someone or something reaching out towards me. My feet picked up speed and my slow pace sped up until I was sprinting towards the ever increasing light ahead of me, and then I was blinded as I broke through.

My senses exploded, the light was blinding and the sounds overwhelming. I fell to my knees, my body lurching in a need to be sick yet nothing came up. I tried to breathe but my chest burned with every attempted breath. A firm pressure on my shoulder ripped me back to reality and I looked up into the concerned face of my building’s doorman. I was outside, the radiant sun reflecting off windows in the buildings across the streets and the sounds of the street washed over me in a cacophony of sound. I was on the sidewalk outside. The doorman helped me to my feet and provided support as I reeled from a wave of dizziness. I clung to him as he walked me back inside, finding safety in his company, but I was haunted. The unseen presence was still there, lingering outside my vision, but there none the less.

Over the next few days and weeks the experience slowly drifted into the recesses of my memories, like a dream fading from existence. I tried to remember, because it still had me on edge. I had a new fear of dark spaces and closed doors but the rationale for the fear was leaving me. Yet the presence remained, always out of sight like a figure in my peripheral taking form but never being there when I looked for it. There were moments, usually when I was on the verge of sleep when I thought I was having a moment of recognition but eventually even the sensation of being haunted began to fade. This shadowy figure just out of sight was just that, a shadow, my shadow.

As weeks became months my mental and emotional feelings became a new normal. The presence that haunted me became known to me. I had convinced myself that it was my shadow and that I had nothing to fear. The lingering tightness in my core released a little and I began to embrace life again and work to find enjoyment.

So now I stand here, frozen, once again faced with the door. Do I open it or can I will my body to choose the bathroom stall next door? I close my eyes and breath slowly. Tears begin to gather in my eyelashes and my chest tightens around my heart as it picks up pace. The presence that has stood as my shadow for so long feels like a wall behind my back. I open my eyes, defiant and ready to choose another stall door, but an arm reaches forward and turns the knob. I stop breathing all together when I realize the arm is not my own and my skin crawls as I feel fingertips against my back.

With a solid push I am thrust over the threshold and stumbling in the darkness as I try to gain my footing. I spin with the desire to run back into the safety of the light but freeze as I come face to face with my shadow. She cocks her head slight to the side while looking back at me with eyes that are as familiar as my own skin for they are my eyes. Slowly her mouth, my mouth curves upwards into a smile and she raises her hand to wave at me before swinging the door shut. As the darkness closes around me the last thing I see is my face disappearing with the light.

The Short of It

January 9, 2021January 9, 2021 K L Kent ~ Author

Daydreams, nightmares, and what if statements have fed my imagination for years. Each one creating a new story, a new adventure in my head, that only reaches its conclusion once I’ve put it down on paper. I’ve filled notebooks with every little thought of whimsy that has driven me to distraction.

With this blog I will share the smallest of those falling at 2500 words or less. As you read these I hope you are able find enjoyment and adventure whisking you away from your daily grind. After reading please share with your feedback, positive critiques will only help me grow as a writer. I would also love to hear your thoughts and questions. Let’s have a dialogue if you are so moved.

I will post bi-weekly a new story and you can stay up to date on all my work by following me on Facebook and Instagram.