The wind was howling, sending a shiver down my spine, I pulled my chair closer to the fireplace, wrapping my blanket tighter around my feet, I had been sitting here for hours, thinking about nothing in particular, picking up my lovely red rose cup to take a sip of tea, I heard scratching at the door, I got up to peek out the window, I did not see anything, then I heard it again, against my better judgment, I opened the door, A big man pushed his way in the door before I could shut it, he was mumbling that I was going get what I deserved, what do you want from me, I asked? I want you to go upstairs, get dressed in your favorite red dress, I will be right up, don't try anything funny, he said. What do you want, You will find out, soon enough, he replied, now do as I say. I slowly made my way upstairs, wishing I had a phone, up stairs, looking in my closet, I found my red dress, and started putting it on, I could hear him coming up the stairs. He held a tray with champagne and two glasses. Sit on the chair over in the corner, he said, now start drinking, I was afraid not to obey, he started changing my bed, putting on my white silk sheets, after he finished he told me to get on the bed, he tied my hands together, I was terrified, He began to read a poem, saying it was for me, now listen carefully, Traces of red, on the rim of a glass, true red your lips, kisses so pure, red tinted champagne, fiery and sweet, a flurry of red, embraced by you, red is your hair, and the clothes you wear, red shoes on your feet, tonight my dear, you look so lovely, laying there on pure white sheets, as red silently seeps from your skin so pure red roses to scatter across your bed, my lady divine, red is your color, an angel you are, dressed in deep red, as death awaits you. Then we both begin to laugh, for we were rehearsing a play, we would be performing tomorrow night. I think you were liking this a little too much, I said.

Copyright © 2004 lois thurman