Dusk Merritt McCaleb

Merritt McCaleb

Final traces of daylight tinged with gold glisten upon thick, overgrown flora. A grim forest teems with hostile pests— moths flit about, dodging the light’s final breath.

Shadows silently skulk from the highest branch to the damp ground beneath my chocolate boots, a foreboding spot where daylight has decided to depart.

But look! Delicate flowers lie just off the edges of this path, their blue petals wistfully seizing last glimmers of light. Sapphire seeds seductively beckon me from the trail’s security.

Yet someone has given themselves away— Colossal paw prints upon this untrodden path announce steps, and thin gray strands pepper damp ground, revealing traces of a prowler.

Shall I stray from my path?

Chocolate boots suddenly meet untrodden ground. A shaking hand pulls the heavy red cloak tighter around myself, and my basket flies next to the indigo blossoms.

I suppose a small delay.