Short Story Sunday: Crow Beach

At first she thought it was a seal, or even a large fish, or perhaps a dolphin washed up on the beach. Upon a closer look she discovered it was a man. He was a well dressed man, at that, in evening clothes.

There had been no parties, weddings, or other fancy events that she knew of going on around the beach the night before. On the other hand, who knew what others had been doing in their own private time.

“Hello,” she called out, standing about eight feet from him.

He opened his eyes. “Oh god, where…”

She stepped closer. He wasn’t dead at least.

“Do you need help?”

He propped himself upon one elbow, his wet hair falling into his eyes. Shaking his head, the wet locks fell back showing brown eyes, and the face of a man of about thirty five years old, more or less. It was hard to tell because of the sand stuck on the left side of his face.

“Where am I?”

“You’re on Crow Beach. Are you alright?”

“I’m not sure. Crow Beach?” He stood up and brushed the sand off of the front of his jacket, then brushed his hair out of his face again. “What year is it.”

That was an odd question. “2022. November.”

“Right year, wrong place.”

“Are you meeting someone? Who are you?”

“Raven Winslow.”

“The time traveler?”

“You know about that?”

“I’m a Vampire. I’ve heard about you.”

“Oh shit.”

“Don’t worry Raven. I’ve already had breakfast.”

She looked at the cold wet man standing in front of her. Oh there were so many questions she had for this one. So many.

She took his hand. “You’re freezing. I live right up there, in the green cottage overlooking the beach. I have blankets and I’ll make some coffee.”

“Can I trust you?” Raven asked.

“Not really, but you don’t have a choice now, do you?”

“I guess not.”

“Come on before someone else comes along and steals your soul, or eats you, or tries to kill you.”

“Are you serious?”

“Do I sound like I’m joking?”

Raven Winslow, time traveler and fashion plate followed the Vampire to her cottage by the beach. Gulls gave way to crows who circled in the sky, singing their odd harsh songs.

Fear gripped Raven, but he had no other choice. No other choice at all.

~ end

~ Juliette aka Vampire Maman