Enchanted Short Stories

Frozen World

Mama tugs my hand. I try to run after her, but my feet are a tangled mess. Like old toys or tangled string. Mama picks me up, and we move faster. Mama's going to save us. I know it. She always knows what to do.

All around us, the grass has frozen crisp. The air is below freezing. I stuff my hands in my pockets but I can't feel my fingers. Everyone says we're all going to die. I don't believe them. Mama can't die. She's invincible. She's my Mama. It's just cold.

Mama puts her mittened hand over my face as we pass an alleyway. She's keeps doing that. I blow a gust of white around her hand. I laugh as it curls up around her fingers. She shushes me. She's been doing that a lot lately. I can't see what I'm doing wrong. All of this is very strange. What happened to the sun? Why is it so cold? Nobody seems to be able say anything straight forward.

Mama's taking us somewhere with power. There, we'll be warm she says. I can't wait; I want to feel my hands again.

I fall to the ground. It's hard and cold and Mama's yelling. Her face switches between me and the bag the man has run off with. All of our stuff is in that bag. Tears roll down my face and freeze before they fall to the ground. My bear was in that bag and I'm sore and cold and confused.

Mama runs off, after the man. I stop crying. I don't yell after her. What is she doing? She can't leave me here. She'll come back, I tell myself. She won't leave me here. That's not something that happens.

I sit and wait. The place where Mama's arms were feels so cold. I look around. Nothing. Nothing but other's lying on the ground, leaning against frosty buildings. I have the urge to join them in their slumber. I'm sure Mama would be back by the time I woke.

No one moves through the street anymore. My heart gives a start when I see a woman round the corner, but it isn't Mama. Where has Mama gone?

The woman lopes over. Bundled up to her chin with blankets. She stops in front of me. Looks around, then picks me up and carries on. I want Mama, not this lady. But the warmth of her blankets is so inviting. So cozy. I want to kick, but my eyelids droop. How had I stayed awake for so long? A series of images, then nothing.

Words: 442

For the Aim to Engage competition. Day #6 - Rage Against the Dying of the Light/Dark Star.