Save Us

[troof_therry]

To:                                                                                 From:

Augusta Fiennes                                                      Tabitha Fiennes

1539 April Street                                                      Namirus

Coburntown

Dear Mother,

My daughter was born dead. I wanted to let you know this before you met her.

You know as well as I do the kinds of things that can happen to a person if they die in this world. I was still so little when you grabbed me by the shoulders and told me to never die. You looked so afraid after I scraped my head on the table. You swear I can't remember that, but I promise that I can.

Cathy is alive, and she remembers everything. She has dark skin like her father, but grey eyes like me, only brighter and deeper, as if I could fall into them. Her hair gets so curly that we often lose things in it! She's five now.

I'm sorry! I know I should have written you sooner. I was so preoccupied being worried about her, watching for any possible changes.

So far, so strange. My little girl is not obsessed with death the way her father was just before he disappeared, but she certainly is not like other children her age. She speaks and learns like someone much older. She cautiously asks questions to confirm her own ideas of the world. She asked me, very calmly the other day, where her father went. I don't know, I said, without thinking twice. She understood, I think. I believe that she is already smarter than me, but I worry that it is because of her birth.

Do you remember when the king was poisoned? I know, I was just a child then, but I still remember the poisoner in his cage hung over the center of Coburntown. He was saying all kinds of things about the king, crazy lies. He had pale skin and livid eyes. I had nightmares about him for a week. Do you remember that he had died before? Cathy is nothing like him, but I sometimes wonder, looking at her gray eyes, what she knows.

Cathy knows if someone has died. She knows how many times someone has died, possibly better than that person knows. It's as if she's seeing a number over their heads when she looks at them. It's a very disturbing habit, but she will walk down the street and shout numbers at people.

Cathy is my entire world, mother, but I truly feel like I am no longer suited to protect her. My beautiful, smart girl needs to get out of this jungle.

The time has come for the two of you to meet. I need you to meet her. I need you to save us. Namirus is such a dangerous place now without Thomsen. Our neighbors do not like us very much because Cathy screamed the number five at the old woman in the hut next to us. The woman went wild, spitting curses from her window even though she hadn't spoken a word in half a month.

And the pests are getting worse. Roaches and rats are often in our bed sheets with us at night. They are becoming larger, over time, and we've heard that they carry diseases. They eat our food as well. On top of that, we've started to hear something clicking along the perimeter of our village. Something large and hidden is stalking our entire town.

Mother, I have no way to leave Namirus. The jungle is too dangerous and my daughter is too young. I know I left on bad terms. My intention was never to elope, for what it's worth. I loved Thomsen, and I wanted you to love him too. It's too late now. It might be too late for me, as well.

After I had gone to bed, Cathy came to my side last night and said "one," and she started to cry. Did I die at some point? Was I sick? I don't know, but I am horrified that I might leave my beautiful daughter alone here soon. I need help! Help me, please.

Forever your daughter,

Tabitha

Comments

[penpusher.livejournal.com]

The heartbreak and frustration is so intense and real here.

[fodschwazzle.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Glad to have a chance to be upsetting.

[karmasoup.livejournal.com]

I haven't seen enough of the rest of this world to know why things are this way, but I find it such an intriguing concept, and am curious enough to explore more of this place... this draws me in... well done, here.

[fodschwazzle.livejournal.com]

It's the start of a small set. As to the "why"... we haven't gotten there yet. But I appreciate you stopping by and getting intrigued.

[kickthehobbit.livejournal.com]

This is perfect.

[fodschwazzle.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much for the recommendation and the comment.

[ryl.livejournal.com]

I can't imagine what it would be like to live in a world like this. As a story it's delightfully creepy but as a reality...I think I'd probably just give up on sanity.

[fodschwazzle.livejournal.com]

You're making a good point. I'll try to focus more on the human in the future. Thanks for reading!

LJ Idol Week 16: Recommendations

[livejournal.livejournal.com]

User kickthehobbit referenced to your post from LJ Idol Week 16: Recommendations (http://kickthehobbit.livejournal.com/678244.html) saying: [...] it knocked my socks off, and I linked it at EVERYONE when it went up on my flist. It's that good [...]

[jem0000000.livejournal.com]

Oh, poor Tabitha. The emotion in this is palpable.

[fodschwazzle.livejournal.com]

Tabitha is in a bit of a rough place right now. Maybe she'll get some help soon.

Thanks for reading!

[jem0000000.livejournal.com]

You're welcome.

[i-17bingo.livejournal.com]

Is there anything that exists in this world that isn't icky and scary? Yeesh!

[fodschwazzle.livejournal.com]

I read this as a challenge. Challenge accepted.

I just love monsters so much.

[suesniffsglue.livejournal.com]

Riveting!

[fodschwazzle.livejournal.com]

Thanks for commenting! Glad you liked it!

[bleodswean.livejournal.com]

I just love your writing so much. This is complete and really works on several levels. Dread and suspense being the two most obvious, but then the thought-provoking subtext about multiple lives in one body.

[fodschwazzle.livejournal.com]

I am so flattered by your kind comments. It's really an honor to hear that someone can get more than one interpretation out of this. Thanks so much for reading and commenting!

[lrig-rorrim.livejournal.com]

Deliciously creepy while still being intensely emotional. Well done!

[fodschwazzle.livejournal.com]

Thanks for giving it a look! I am honored that you liked it.

[kajel.livejournal.com]

This was so creepy. Nicely done.

[fodschwazzle.livejournal.com]

I am only too eager to creep you out. Thanks for giving me that privilege.

[tonithegreat.livejournal.com]

Whoa, such a world this evokes! I'm not sure who to feel sorriest for.

[fodschwazzle.livejournal.com]

Tabitha looks to be having the hardest time right now, but she's trying to share the load. This is the first of a few. Thanks for giving it a look!

[halfshellvenus.livejournal.com]

I love the background to this universe-- so intriguing! And I feel for both Tabitha and her daughter. Giving your child away to save it is one of the hardest things a parent can do.

[fodschwazzle.livejournal.com]

Fortunately, dead people don't care overmuch about those they abandon. Or do they?

Thanks for your lovely comment and insights!

[labelleizzy.livejournal.com]

super atmospheric! wow!

(omnomnom I want more)

[fodschwazzle.livejournal.com]

I don't know if the level will be consistent, but the next few entries will round out this very mini-series. I'm enthused that you enjoyed it!