Flash fiction contest entry |
“The thing is, Doc…” Marion began, twisting uncomfortably on the red leather chair in her psychiatrist’s office, “the dream is the same every night. Every night for a week!” “Why don’t you tell me about it.” Dr. Richards said in his practiced and rehearsed way. “I’m in a forest and I’m running from something. I don’t know what it is exactly. But, I just keep running and running and then suddenly,” she cleared her throat, “an arrow comes out of nowhere and hits me smack in my forehead!” Dr. Richards tried hard to keep the curve of a smile off his thin, pretentious lips. “Are you planning a trip anywhere?” Marion shrugged her shoulders. “No.” “Gone hiking lately?” “What does that have to do with anything?” Dr. Richards erased the last few leaves of a tree he’d doodled on his note pad. “You generally hike in wooded areas.” Marion raised an un-tweezed eyebrow at him. “So.” “Well, has anything or anyone new come into your life recently?” Marion stretched her lily-white arms over her head and yawned. “Well, I did meet this kind of cool guy a few weekends ago.” Dr. Richards tapped his pencil on his desk and sat up a little straighter in his chair. “Where did you meet him?” “At that new club on Sherwood Lane. You know, they say the place is haunted!” Marion flashed the doc a cheesy grin. “Yeah, I’m supposed to go out with him tomorrow night. I’m setting up my best friend with his buddy, John.” “What’s his name?” “Robin.” “Robin?” The doctor tilted his head to one side. “Well, my dear. I think your dream may be a warning for you to stay away from this fellow.” “Really? Why?” The doctor grinned, “I just get the feeling he might be trouble.” |