Original Story (The Barn)

THE BARN

“Mom,” Glenda gave out sobs that could tear anyone’s heart from their strings. “Mom, don’t leave me.” She wept unrelentingly.

Her mother, Denny, lay on a bed of straw in an aging barn, her red curls strewn across it. She lay still and quiet.

Other than the little girl’s cries and the neighing of two horses, the farm was hushed. Glenda wailed as she took her mother’s right hand and placed it on Denny’s chest, where there lay a pendant. Glenda laid her head upon it, wishing that her mother would wake up.

Her cries turned into piteous whimpers as the seconds rolled by, signifying the time her mother had become lifeless. The wind seemed to swirl through the barn windows, bringing in dry leaves that fell on the straw-covered floor.

A voice echoed through the walls.

“Glenda…”

Glenda gasped and looked around, expecting a ghost to appear before her. There was nothing. Fear gripped her and adrenaline rushed through her veins.

The voice came again, calling her name.

“Mom?” she cried, wiping her tears, hoping against hope it was her mother who will take her and keep her safe.

“I’m here, baby.” The voice said, in a tone that’s light as air.

“Mom, where are you?” asked the desperate girl. She stood up and walked towards the entrance to the barn. She peeked. There was nobody outside. A rice field stretched before her, and a few goats chewed on the grass beside a wide-branched tree.

Glenda went back inside, her heart pounding fiercely. She could sense a dark presence in the barn.

Glenda turned around to see a light burning brightly in the gloom. Glenda was bathed in its glow. She took a strong step forward, her eyes fixed on the light. Another step and she could see the outline of a body, an adult body. Glenda was now just a meter away. She saw a very beautiful woman dressed in her mother’s clothes.

“Hi, honey,” the woman offered. Glenda said not a word. “Don’t be afraid. I am your mother.” She smiled and opened her arms wide to welcome the little girl.

“Mommy?” she said. “Mommy!”

Glenda ran into the light and hugged her mother tight. Glenda felt a warmth course through her. The embrace gave her comfort. Sleep overtook Glenda in the arms of her mother. Dreams flowed in her mind, awakening her spirit and bringing her to worlds unknown.

She woke up. Glenda was still in the barn, her forehead on her mother’s hand, which was placed on her chest.