FEMME FATALE
Teresa had buried three husbands and exhausted several
lovers, but one night during an al-fresco tryst she caught a chill that segued
into pneumonia.
When a thin hand adjusted her hospital pillows she wheezed,
“Just let me die,” and a sepulchral voice replied, “As you wish.”
Teresa’s eyes snapped open to see the Gates beckoning, but
when she peered through she saw all three husbands. By the smirks on their
faces they had obviously compared notes.
As she backed away, Death said, “You can’t change your
mind,” but Teresa fixed him with a glare her men knew well: “On your bike!”
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PS. It has been pointed out to me that some of my readers need "On your bike" translated! It is an English idion that means "Go away now!" or a similar phrase of your choice.
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Friday Fictioneers is an online group of writers who produce 100 words each week prompted by a hphootograph on this blog:
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Friday Fictioneers is an online group of writers who produce 100 words each week prompted by a hphootograph on this blog:
http://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/
Do please follow the link on Rochelle's blog to read more FF flash fiction.
Be careful how you treat people in this life, because they might not be so forgiving in the next - love it!
ReplyDeleteI glanced the first line briefly and though it said 'Teresa had buried three husbands in one night' LOL!
Oh Annalisa! If only we had that much stamina! You made me chuckle.
DeleteAh! The woman's prerogative. But does Death ride a bike? Nice one, Lizy.
ReplyDeleteDeath can ride any steed he likes, I assume - even a bike.
DeleteTerrible luck for Teresa.... she got what she wished for....
ReplyDeletenice post... Anu....
Ah - but I think she recovered to wear out a few more lovers!
DeleteThis made me chuckle ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks, MJ - I usually write something darker but ....
DeleteAnd just what did those notes have to say...?
ReplyDeleteThis is where you write your own script, Baggy!
DeleteDeath rides a Bike...great title for a movie or maybe an alternative rock song. And good for Teresa. Surely the three husband's died happy. Great doorway - inspired post.
ReplyDeleteI had to get the bikes in somehow!
DeleteGreat fun. A woman who enjoyed life and is now taking death by the throat and giving it a good shake. Have flowers.
ReplyDeleteFlowers picked from the Garden, perhaps?
DeleteI like her zest for life... and death. :)
ReplyDeleteSo do I, Sandra.
DeleteFantastic - this was perfectly written and the punchline perfectly delivered.
ReplyDeleteWow - thank you! I shall have to print and frame your words to cheer me up on blue days. :)
DeleteDear Lizy,
ReplyDeleteThat stare of her must be something to behold. The bike statement at the end threw me somewhat. Then in the comments I got it. Death riding a bike? Why not.
Good story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
"On your bkie" is an English idiom which translates as "Go away now!" or words to that effect. And as there are bikes in the photo it seemed appropriate!
DeleteAh. Thank you for clarifying. We are two cultures separated by a common language, aren't we? I'm always happy and willing to learn.
DeletePerhaps I should add a rider to some of my posts!
DeleteLizy, Good and humorous story. I could see Death riding a bike. It reminded me of an old Bill and Ted movie where they play a game of Battleship to defeat Death and he says surprised, "You sunk my battleship." Well done. Thanks for telling us from the U.S. what "On your bike." means. Well written. : ) ---Susan
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting once again, Susan - I just wish I could edit the typos in my replies to comments! Have you read and Terry Pratchett books? He writes about Death as a real person - often very humourously.
DeleteLizy, I haven't read the Terry Pratchett books. I'm here in India and miss the great U.S. libraries. The libraries here are few and far between. I've run out of shelf space for buying additional books and intend to buy a Kindle one day soon. : ) ---Susan
DeleteSusann - I live in Tenerife and miss the libraries and bookshops of England! I have a Tablet onto which I have downloaded a Kindle app, which means I can buy Amazon books at least, though only the ones that have reached Amaxon Spain. Better than nothing!
DeleteWhat a woman. I love : on your bike. I really like this story. Very well done. Lucy
ReplyDeleteThanks anthrode - are you another American who will be using that phrase from now on?
DeleteAh.. much more effective than trying to play chess with death..
ReplyDeleteYes indeed, Bjorn - just send him packing.
DeleteOn yer bike indeed and for this formidable lady I think Death might just comply.
ReplyDeleteDeath shouldn't have been so quick off the mark, should he?
DeleteAnd did he listen?! You've got to wonder how heaven works out now that people are able to move on and remarry. I hope God's got it all sorted.
ReplyDeleteMaybe when Teresa IS ready her husbands will welcome her with open arms - all three of them!
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