I originally posted the flash fiction version of this story on my Instagram a little while ago but wanted to add a little more depth to the story so here we are. I also wanted to start collaborating with other creators and artists so this is my first collab in that regard. This time I worked with @nightmodethumbelina ; a talented artist, creator and photographer. The photos you see here are hers, curated and selected by her for the story. More on the collaboration and my thoughts about it at the end of the post so please do read it! For now the story: Twilight’s End
Part 1:
There was not a soul in sight around the wastelands. Abandoned long ago, nothing left behind but faded memories.
The perfect place to go to forget, or be forgotten.
Sam had been on Royce’s trail for days. She was close. A normal person would have given up by now, but Sam had vengeance on her mind and revenge in her heart. There was no turning back.
Just a little further. Her mind wandered for a moment as she thought about Royce. The better times…good times…
No. It was all a lie. At least that’s what she kept telling herself. Her heart and mind in constant turmoil ever since she found out the truth.
As Sam walked a little further she could see a clearing in the distance. She stepped into the clearing and looked up at the sky from the edge of the forest. The glow of the setting sun filled the sky. Maybe she should stop and rest for the night she thought, but just as she took another step she heard the soft sound of grass and twigs breaking. The sound of another persons footsteps, quiet at first, then faster, and louder.
She had finally caught up to him. Royce was finally in her sights.
Sam dropped her sack and started sprinting.
Part 2:
“I’m… done…” said Royce as he gasped for air. “I’m surprised it took you this long to catch up to me, thought I might actually get away for a second.”
Sam knew that if she ever got Royce in her sights it was all over. She had always been the faster of the two. They slowed to a walk as they made it out of the woods and down to the nearby river, exhausted from the chase.
“We met on a night just like this, ironic isn’t it?” Royce reminisced. “Such a beautiful night” replied Sam, beads of sweat dripping down her cheeks.
“You’ve always loved the twilight hey Sam.”
“It’s the beginning and the end. Darkness and light. Hope and despair, all at the same time.” Sam replied.
“Hah” Royce laughed. “Guess that’s why things ended up like this.”
The two walked in silence, soaking in the colors and beauty of the dimly lit sky.
Part 3:
“Here’s good” Royce said as he dropped down to his knees.
“It wasn’t all a charade, it was real, what we had…I really did lo…”,
“Don’t you dare say that now!” snapped Sam. “Not now…”
Sam slid her gun out of its holster, the sweat dripping down her face now mixed with tears.
“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry, for everything” said Royce.
He killed too many, betrayed them all, vengeance was the only answer. Or at least that’s what Sam kept trying to convince herself.
“I loved you…” Sam whispered.
As the last embers of light faded slowly into darkness, Sam knew what she had to do.
She steadied her hands, and firmed her aim to the back of Royce’s head.
~End~
COLLABORATION NOTES
As mentioned earlier this was my first attempt to do a little creative collaboration with one of my stories. I asked @Nightmodethumbelina to read the story and see if she had anything she thought would fit the story and she came back to me with 3 photos from her collection that she thought would work well.
I thought she nailed the feel and mood of the story right on the button. The photos are all film photography (a rarity these days) and I think it helped add a nice retro, vintage touch which really fit with some of the themes in the story. I edited the photos slightly in Photoshop to give it an old vintage film look like a photograph you’d find in old shoe box.
I’ll be looking to do more collaborations in the future so if you think there’s something you might want to do be sure to let me know and let’s try and create. I think that it’s a good way to challenge yourself as a creative and find more ways to express your medium or expand it. Also a great way to meet and feature people whose creative work you enjoy.
~ LET’S CHAT ~
What did you think of the story? Did Sam really pull the trigger or did she have a last minute change of heart and let Royce go?
~ LET’S CONNECT ~
Don’t forget to say hello on Twitter @HeyPSbarbosa or if you’re more visually oriented come follow me on Instagram @psbdaily I’ll be sure to do the same.
If you like what you’ve read and want to stay current be sure to subscribe to the blog so you’ll never miss a post. I always love hearing from people so don’t be shy to leave a comment or just say hello, happy pursuits!
Paolo
13 Comments
Thanks for submitting your story to my monthly contest.
Very cool story! Congrats on your collaboration! I have little to no imagination but it seems to me that she didn’t pull the trigger in the end.
Thank you Maria! It was a fun collab. Haha I’m sure you have more imagination than you give yourself credit for and I think I’m leaning to your feeling as to pulling the trigger too 🙂
Awesome one 👏I liked it 💙
Much appreciated, thank you!
Pingback: Share Your Short Story – Winner and Runner Up for November 2018 | Stevie Turner
What did I think of the story? I think it’s a cliff hanger! Is there going to be a part 2? I hope Sam didn’t really pull the trigger. The photos do work really well with the text! Nice collaboration!
I hope Sam didn’t either. No part 2 yet but we’ll see maybe in the future! Glad you enjoyed it Cynthia! It was a fun collab 😄
A nice story. I wish I knew more about the past and what really happened. Who did Royce kill? Were they working on a task force of sorts?
And where have you been this past year???
Floatinggold recently posted…HW: #FridayFeeling: How To Celebrate All Saints’ Day And Still Enjoy Your Friday.
Thanks glad you liked it! I might develop it further. Haha I know right? I’m focusing on writing comics right now actually. It’s been a longgg year. Should get a blog post or two up soon though!
I think she did it, she pulled the trigger. She convinced herself it was the only way. Good one! Did you post a link to this on twitter? Must have missed it.
Thanks for reading and glad you liked it!
Hellо, i beⅼieve that i saw yoᥙ visited my web site so
і came to return the desire?.I am attempting to to find things to enhance my
web sіte!I assume its good enouɡh tⲟ use some of your concepts!!
https://nganhangthuongmai.com/ recently posted…https://nganhangthuongmai.com/