Dystopic June

/ Liz H-H
Fenced in area, partially wooded, gate with a sign: “Stop, Look, Listen. Beware of Trains.”

© Ayr/Gray

From Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr’s photo prompt, The Unicorn Challenge(09/29/23). No more than 250 words in length. Otherwise, let your creative flag fly!

The men waiting outside the gate varied in height and weight, age and attractiveness. They stomped and shivered, pulling at the unkempt grass beneath their feet, sometimes picking out a long, seeded stalk to place in between their trembling lips. Some gave the others the side-eye when high-pitched shrieks erupted from the nearby woods, others chuckled and rubbed their hands, while still others kept their eyes on the ground, having already cased the competition and found themselves lacking. They’d been here before, some several times.

The third group — the repeating cohort – found the creatures within the enclosure a little frightening and a bit too aggressive, even with their level of preparation. But they’d been told under no uncertain terms, that continuing in the manner they had been would no longer be tolerated. So here they were.

The metallic claxon sounded the alarm, urging them forward, toward the turnstile and toward the sign that gave them their final caution. The Chucklers pushed ahead of the others, ignoring the words of warning. The Side-Eyes had heard the stories, but nevertheless followed swiftly, confident.

The Repeats shuffled, wide-eyed, behind them into the open field, taking the words to heart: “Stop, Look, Listen. Beware of Trains.” They knew from witnessing; stepping on bridal trains in pursuit of a wife was sure death.

Another claxon call and the gate on the far side of the field squealed open. There was a tremendous thundering of high heels, chiffon and satin.

Here come the brides!

© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2023)

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