copyright J.S. Brand
“It takes patience,” the lunatic had said. “A sledgehammer won’t work. Only beauty overcomes death.”
By the light of a bone-white moon, I felt my way to my mother’s grave, carrying a purloined hammer and chisel. I started carving swirls into the marble, then starbursts and graceful figures until I transformed that baleful guardian into revivifying craftsmanship. I prayed I would see her again—not some ghastly reanimation, but really her.
“There was a grave robbery,” my dad said at breakfast. “Someone destroyed a headstone. The body is missing.”
My soul leapt.
“It’s the one right next to your mother’s.”
The Green-Walled Tower 
November 7th, 2018 at 10:23 pm
And the apocalypse begins…
November 7th, 2018 at 11:06 pm
Yikes –
And I like the “bone-white moon”
November 8th, 2018 at 2:01 am
Oops
November 8th, 2018 at 2:21 am
Oh no, what has begun here? I really liked your “baleful guardian” and your foreshadowing phrase “some ghastly reanimation”. Excellent writing.
November 8th, 2018 at 3:00 am
Oh dear. Someone needs a torch. This was an enjoyable read, with some lovely words. “Revivifying” is impossible to read without pulling a sinister face.
November 8th, 2018 at 3:07 am
I wonder who was buried next door – someone nice I hope!
November 8th, 2018 at 6:01 am
I guess the ‘bone white’ moon (loved that description) just wasn’t bright enough. Nice twist at the end there. Well done.
November 8th, 2018 at 6:24 am
This had a Poe feeling to it, giving me quite a chill. Love the words purloined, and ghastly reanimation. The photo itself reminded me of a totem pole with secret symbols.
November 9th, 2018 at 12:32 am
Yeah, it felt Poe-ish to me too. 🙂
November 11th, 2018 at 4:27 am
Not a bad thing, said Poe.
November 8th, 2018 at 10:01 am
Oops! Wonder if he’ll go out again tonight?
November 11th, 2018 at 9:15 pm
Yeah, really. He’ll get it right eventually. 🙂
November 8th, 2018 at 10:16 am
I do always like it when the lunatic’s recommendation for a magic spell actually works. But jeesh, bring a flashlight next time!
November 11th, 2018 at 9:15 pm
He must have been pretty confident not to have checked first. Young people, eh? 🙂
November 11th, 2018 at 10:06 pm
If only he’d been older and wiser… Or maybe, had more Scout training.
November 8th, 2018 at 11:45 am
Good one, David. I had to chuckle at the end.
November 11th, 2018 at 9:14 pm
Thanks, Russell. 🙂
November 9th, 2018 at 5:03 am
Haven’t read any FF in a long time and I had forgotten just how good some of you guys are! Great piece . 🙂
November 11th, 2018 at 9:14 pm
Thanks! I more or less took a break for a couple years but am trying to post regularly again. It’s a fun writing exercise and it’s nice to be part of the group again. Thanks for reading. 🙂
November 9th, 2018 at 7:15 am
I thinking mother’s exhumed neighbour will not be best pleased!
Click to read my FriFic tale!
November 11th, 2018 at 9:13 pm
Yeah, maybe. The next story can be from their perspective.
November 9th, 2018 at 10:09 am
Wasted all his efforts on the wrong grave. Alas! his dreams of seeing his mother again is unlikely to be fulfilled.
November 11th, 2018 at 9:06 pm
True, although I guess if it worked once, it might work again? I’ll let you decide.
November 9th, 2018 at 12:34 pm
Dear David,
I nearly choked at that last line. Guess the bone white moon didn’t shed enough light. Applause, my friend. You’ve still got it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
November 11th, 2018 at 9:05 pm
Thanks, Rochelle. That means a lot, not that I want you to choke or anything. It seemed like a good twist at the end. 🙂
November 9th, 2018 at 5:35 pm
This is packed with mystery and symbolism topped with a sprinkle of humor. Loved your take on the prompt.
November 11th, 2018 at 9:04 pm
Thanks, Alicia! It was fun to write.
November 10th, 2018 at 10:59 am
This was wonderfully done… So many fabulous phrases and desciptions… and… so much for not shining the light enough, eh?
November 11th, 2018 at 9:04 pm
Thanks, Dale. Relive and learn, I guess. 🙂
November 10th, 2018 at 12:38 pm
Oh dear. One wonders what he did with the body? And who was the real lunatic?
November 11th, 2018 at 2:55 am
Doh! Mistaken revivication! As we say over here (and maybe over there?) should’ve gone to Specsavers 🙂
November 11th, 2018 at 9:00 pm
Haha, nice. Yeah, probably.
November 11th, 2018 at 12:40 pm
Engaging story, well described, and a nice twist at the end. My favorite kind!
November 11th, 2018 at 9:00 pm
Thanks, Brenda! 🙂
November 11th, 2018 at 1:38 pm
Ouch… small mistake with grave consequences.. wonder who the neighbor was?
November 13th, 2018 at 4:04 pm
Oh dear, still they can go to again tonight and free the right one
November 13th, 2018 at 5:37 pm
Oh snap!
November 20th, 2018 at 7:32 pm
Oh no!