The old barn let out a wheeze, barely audible above a ribbon of icy wind whipping between bare tree branches, and with that first breath of winter, the roof sagged lower. The paired dormer windows blinked then shut tight, braced against far worse than today’s chill breeze, which only tickled my nose and lifted a few strands of my hair without any success at stealing heat from underneath my scarf.
From where I walked along the road, I heard the sleeping tractor sputter and rattle with loud snores while dreaming about a soft blanket of snow, yet despite the machine’s peaceful slumber, gray air hung heavy around the farmyard thick with suffering, dread, and sadness. The barn shuddered and coughed frosty fog from its gaping mouth, now so distorted its doors could not offer protection.
I stepped around clumps of tall grass to the barn’s front wall. Unable to resist touching the wood, weathered silvery and smooth with immeasurable wisdom, I trailed my fingers along the grain, but the board flinched away. Had the farmer not told his barn what he shared with me last week at the market?
I shook my head in disbelief that I was among the few who respected the earth and the things which were made from her. I flattened a palm against a board stippled with richly hued patina, leaned close, and whispered, “There is nothing to fear because after the coming winter, your lovely planks and beams will be reclaimed by a young couple eager to honor you in the home they are building to raise their family.”
A long, sweet sigh billowed from the barn’s mouth, and with a nod and a smile, I continued on my walk, satisfied that the journey had been more than worthwhile.
Tea Leaf Tales is a series of original ten-sentence short stories by Marsha A. Moore, relating to photos/scenes that resonate with her.
For years I've written somewhat regular installments in a collection of fantasy flash fiction, my Tea Leaf Tales, which have been posted here on my blog. These enormously popular, original ten-sentence short stories relate to photos/scenes that resonate with me.
For years I've written somewhat regular installments in a collection of fantasy flash fiction, my Tea Leaf Tales, which have been posted here on my blog. These enormously popular, original ten-sentence short stories relate to photos/scenes that resonate with me.
As a special perk to those who are part of my mailing list, I've decided to share new Tea Leaf Tales with them before posting them on my blog. These are short, fun, and give some insight into the creativity and imagination found in my books. Sign up to receive them first!
And as a thank you for signing up, you'll also receive a free copy of my paranormal romance story, Ruler of the Night.
JOIN MARSHA'S MAILING LIST and receive a free copy of her paranormal romance story RULER OF THE NIGHT.
Read Marsha's COON HOLLOW TALES of paranormal romance and her ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS for adventurous epic fantasy romance. For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.
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