Diana accepted his proposal with tears and laughter, and joy filled Brennan's heart like water rushing down a dry stream bed. They married in the summer, a warm breeze shifting Diana's veil as she declared her love for him.
Their little boy was born in the summer and named Lucas. Lucas was a happy baby and Diana insisted that he would grow to be a genius. Brennan felt pride whenever he looked at his son, and joy when he thought of the life this little boy would lead.
Months later, Brennan raked leaves in his front yard while Diana baked bread in the house. Brennan scooped the leaves into piles and shoved them into black trash bags.
Shoes appeared in the leaves, skimmed by the skirt of a black dress.
Brennan looked up. The woman stood before him, two crows sat upon her shoulders and one perched on the top of her head. It was a strange sight, but Brennan smiled.
"You!" he cried.
"Are you satisfied with your wish?" the woman asked.
"Yes. Yes, a thousandfold. Thank you so much." He laughed. "You've done so much for me, and I don't even know your name."
"That is inconsequential," the woman said with a grin. "I am glad you are satisfied."
Before Brennan could say anything else, a gust of wind sent the leaves skittering back across the yard and the woman disappeared.
YOU ARE READING
The Grudge of the Crow
Short StoryA little boy encounters a woman in the trees, and their interaction sets off a series of events in his life that make him wonder if she is a friend or foe. *This is a short story* **also published in the 50th edition of Casper College's Expression...
