The Death Farmer
By Theresa C. Newbill
Part two of nine
Alan Parker stands over the foundations of Saint Michael Bridge staring at the flowing water beneath his feet until he feels light-headed and dizzy. He thinks about the wealth he and his family have accumulated over many decades and how it too is floating away like the surface ripples of the mighty, muddy waters. He has just come from the church across the way where he donated a sizeable amount to the alms box, lit three candles and had Father Armando Oliviere listen to his confession. From the riverbank Mitchell age nine, and Kevin age twelve, watch their father go through his weekly ritual from the seats of their mountain bikes before riding to the local swimming hole. Alan Parker is unaware of his children's presence as he exposes a white cloth from beneath his windbreaker. After holding the rag to his mouth and forehead, muttering a few prayers, eyes shut in deep concentration; he tosses the object into the river and walks away.
Mitchell and Kevin race their bikes in the woods avoiding trees, shrubs, and small animals. They are pumped full of energy and competition. The wind blows cold as they speed through a tunnel of thick foliage.
"Slow down you dork. I can't keep up, " Mitchell says.
" It's those pee wee legs of yours, pump harder, fool, " Kevin responds.
Mitchell is always conscious of his small size and skinny legs. He longs to be like his big brother who has a strong, massive build for his age.
Mitchell pedals faster and faster in an attempt to catch up to his brother.
Kevin finds the chase funny until a ghastly fear suffocates him to the point where he feels his spirit leaving his body, as everything before his eyes begins to turn, like a film playing.
Faster and faster they travel down the path they had taken thousands of times before. Mitchell and Kevin know every step, every turn, and they can smell their way through every low hanging moss. But today is different, like a claustrophobic dream that keeps rising with anxiety higher and higher. Just then, the front wheel of Mitchell's bike hits a protruding rock. Mitchell is thrown from the front bumper and strikes the ground hard. Kevin counterbalances his own body as he clears his head to look back. Mitchell is lying on wet earth, blood dripping out of his mouth and nose where small air bubbles of breath are slightly gurgling as he moves.
"Hang on Mitch, I'll get help. Please, hang on."
- - -
Theresa C. Newbill is a is a self described free spirit and former elementary school teacher turned writer. Her work has been widely published in various print and online magazines and she has received numerous awards for her writing.
By Theresa C. Newbill
Part two of nine
Alan Parker stands over the foundations of Saint Michael Bridge staring at the flowing water beneath his feet until he feels light-headed and dizzy. He thinks about the wealth he and his family have accumulated over many decades and how it too is floating away like the surface ripples of the mighty, muddy waters. He has just come from the church across the way where he donated a sizeable amount to the alms box, lit three candles and had Father Armando Oliviere listen to his confession. From the riverbank Mitchell age nine, and Kevin age twelve, watch their father go through his weekly ritual from the seats of their mountain bikes before riding to the local swimming hole. Alan Parker is unaware of his children's presence as he exposes a white cloth from beneath his windbreaker. After holding the rag to his mouth and forehead, muttering a few prayers, eyes shut in deep concentration; he tosses the object into the river and walks away.
Mitchell and Kevin race their bikes in the woods avoiding trees, shrubs, and small animals. They are pumped full of energy and competition. The wind blows cold as they speed through a tunnel of thick foliage.
"Slow down you dork. I can't keep up, " Mitchell says.
" It's those pee wee legs of yours, pump harder, fool, " Kevin responds.
Mitchell is always conscious of his small size and skinny legs. He longs to be like his big brother who has a strong, massive build for his age.
Mitchell pedals faster and faster in an attempt to catch up to his brother.
Kevin finds the chase funny until a ghastly fear suffocates him to the point where he feels his spirit leaving his body, as everything before his eyes begins to turn, like a film playing.
Faster and faster they travel down the path they had taken thousands of times before. Mitchell and Kevin know every step, every turn, and they can smell their way through every low hanging moss. But today is different, like a claustrophobic dream that keeps rising with anxiety higher and higher. Just then, the front wheel of Mitchell's bike hits a protruding rock. Mitchell is thrown from the front bumper and strikes the ground hard. Kevin counterbalances his own body as he clears his head to look back. Mitchell is lying on wet earth, blood dripping out of his mouth and nose where small air bubbles of breath are slightly gurgling as he moves.
"Hang on Mitch, I'll get help. Please, hang on."
- - -
Theresa C. Newbill is a is a self described free spirit and former elementary school teacher turned writer. Her work has been widely published in various print and online magazines and she has received numerous awards for her writing.
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