Happy New Year everyone!

I heard that you can wish everyone a happy new year until the end of January, so here I have!!

Here is a new story to start year with - hope you all like it...

After

Her wings expand fully, stretching out to brush the clouds as she glides effortlessly, hardly making a sound. She can sense the wind racing through her hair, brushing her face and cooling her skin, but she knows the feeling is just a memory of how it was. Her thoughts drift back to what brought her here; a world where she is free and content and not capable of grief.

The day began as she had hoped; beautiful warm sunshine and just the hint of a breeze. Wispy clouds dot the sky without threat. Birds dart here and there as if celebrating the freedom flight gives them. Joyful laughter echoes from down the hall and a small smile spreads across her lips. Today is the first day of her new life.

The horse drawn cart rides slowly over the cobbled street and the hooves of the horses echo up to the passengers. Giggles and excited voices surround her in the carriage, grabbing her hands and hugging her. Her veil drifts behind her, flowing in the wind. Her smile has grown and now it seems permanent.

The cathedral draws near, its tall stone spires suggesting intimidation but the soft rays of sunlight soften its sharp edges. The wooden doorway stands open, inviting the bridal party in. Carriages and the occasional motor car line up outside. Her nerves build as she gets closer to entering the church, and she grabs hold of her roses.

The ceremony concludes and cheers and applause follow them out. She smiles into him and they please the crowd with a kiss. She picks up her dress and starts a small run out into the lane, laughing back at him. She stops, still holding the hem of her gown and turns to look at the love of her life. She feels light, and unexplainably happy. She imagines their lives unfolding before her.

 A screeching sound to her right catches her attention. Before she can run back to her husband the vehicle hits her and the world goes black.

She remembers when she first opened her eyes to her new world. She was confused but incapable of feeling fear. Her body felt weightless and her wings seemed to have always been a part of her. She didn’t know death had claimed her straight away; she thought it was all a peaceful dream. As she stood up in her new form, she noticed a woman in a white gown lying in the lane surrounded by a crying and screaming crowd. As she slowly joined them, the way parted for her, but no one seemed aware of her presence. She reached the woman and suddenly it all became clear. The woman was her and the world became black again.

The next time her eyes opened she found herself in an entirely different landscape. It was the most picturesque surrounding she had ever experienced. Fields of soft grasses swayed in rhythm to an unfelt wind and enormous willows scattered the scenery. Wild flowers of all imaginable and unimaginable colours emphasised the beauty of it all. A deep feeling of contentment and calm filled her from within.

And now as she glides through the clouds of this perfect paradise, she remembers the love and happiness of her human life, but never has to long for it. She knows another chance will come, but for now she expands her wings and imagines the sensation of the wind racing through her hair, brushing her face and cooling her skin.

By Ariane Dalton