A collection of peculiar short stories, not to be confused with our beloved Tales. Stories with intertwined photographs consisting of characters both old and new.
Please note: photograph credit as well as the story idea go to peculiarparacxsm (@/0_faceless.art_0 on Instagram) check them out, they're pretty cool:) ____________________
We always have visitors in Miss Avocets loop, we were considered a travelers loop meaning we are located in a major city so any traveling or lost peculiars could find our loop and stay the night. We always have visitors and today was no exception. Around five in the evening there was a pounding at the door. Miss Avocet answered and standing there was a tall fellow in a tidy uniform, not an officer's uniform, a military one. Clearly Miss A knew him or expected him at the least as she was not surprised one bit by his arrival. She invited him inside, taking him to the parlor. All of us watched from the stairs, the knocking had drawn everyone's attention and the strange man kept it. The two stayed in the parlor for nearly an hour before they returned.
"Children, come down here at once." She called, knowing full well we were all sitting nearby, trying to listen in. We all crowded downstairs after, not wanting to make her ask again or raise her voice.
"Everyone this is Mr. Portman, he is staying the night. Now, you all know what to do, so go on." She said, shooed us away once more. Her orders were met with 'yes Miss' and we were off.
Every time we had a new house guest each of us had a very specific job to do. Mine was make sure the spare bedroom was tidy and ready for a guest. After I did so, I went downstairs once more and helped prepare for supper.
Supper consisted mostly of Mr. Portman, Abe as he informed us to call him, assuring us that the few wights and hollows catching onto our loop location were gone. That was his job apparently, hunting these monsters and keeping loops safe. He blended into the present by traveling with the military, which gave him an excuse to also have a weapon at the ready. He was an interesting young man to say the least.
After supper we were sent up to our bedrooms while Miss A spoke with Abe. "No eavesdropping, mind your own business." She told us. Guest nights always resulted in staying up in our bedrooms either alone or with each other to play a card game or something of the such.
The next morning was an early breakfast before we bid Abe farewell. As he was heading out the door, I followed behind.
"Mr. Portman, I have an odd request." I said as I trailed behind him. He stopped and turned to me.
"And what would that be?"
"A photograph. Please, I've recently started photographing each visitor to our loop, I like looking back on all the peculiars we have had here." I said, holding up a camera. To my relief, he agreed. I didn't expect him to do much more then smile maybe but Abe set his bags down then ran back into the house, returning a few moments later with Miss A.
"I hope you don't mind, I think I'd like to take this photograph with Miss Avocet." He said, linking arms with her.
"Oh no no, I don't think I should." Miss Avocet argued but Ave insisted with a smile and soon he had Miss Avocet on board with the photograph. Abe dropped his arm back to his side but Miss A continued to hold onto his arm with one hand.
"Ok, smile." I said, holding the camera to my eye. Just as I was about to snap the photograph, another one of the children ran outside, calling for Miss A to come get one of her wards to quit saying other people's thoughts out loud. She hurried away but I did get the photo taken in time.
Miss Avocet called a final farewell to Mr. Portman before going inside. I said goodbye as well and once he was off I went inside and up to my bedroom, pulling out a black marker as the photograph developed. I flipped the photograph over and wrote: Abraham Portman- he can see the hollowgasts
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Once finished writing, I opened up a photo album, dated a new slot, and put the photograph in, next to other barely familiar faces of visitors. I closed the book and tucked it away with my camera. Now I could make sure he stayed safe during his travels as well as the others, checking in on him every so often like I do with all my other photographed peculiars. I just have to remember him and I will be able to know everything going on around him. That's why I need the photographs, because now I will never forget his face nor his name and that is all I need to catch a glimpse into this persons reality.
______________________ AN: a big thank you again to peculiarparacxsm for the photograph as well as the idea of Abe being in a different loop when his picture is taken. I think the lady in the photograph looks very much like Miss Avocet in the books (see the picture on the top, she's the woman in front of the moon in case you forgot:) I hope you enjoyed this story, these are so fun to write and I my best to make sure the stories are good. Please feel free to leave constructive criticism and always, stay peculiar!
