Things have been different around the house lately, and it's hard to explain exactly what I mean.
Curious, perhaps. Out of the ordinary.
Maybe it's nerves, but I keep getting the funniest feeling someone's watching me...
Oh, listen to me go on like a superstitious old crone (cue glittering, coloratura laughter laced with hysteria)...but lately I've been almost certain I'm not alone!
The oddest characters have been emerging out of the woodwork. We smile and exchange pleasantries, but I'm not at all convinced they're being sincere.
And most troubling of all...she's back!
Evilyn's back.
Just the other day I was tidying the kitchen when I heard the sound of someone clearing her throat. I turned to see a girl standing in the doorway. She could have been no more than eight years old, but her face was curiously pinched, like that of an old lady. She was pale, the tendrils of her hair clung to her forehead, and she stared at me with dark, glittering eyes.
Hello, she said, in a whispering voice like that of a baby doll, I'm Evilyn.
Why, little girl, I exclaimed, However did you get inside this house?!
My name's Evilyn, she repeated, taking a step toward me, And I want us to be the best of friends.
I gripped the edge of the counter, suddenly feeling dizzy.
I need to sit down, I said.
Oh, dear, cooed Evilyn, are we having one of our spells again?
Nonsense, I protested, I don't have spells. Just a little tired, that's all.
Dizzy, perhaps?, she enquired, following me to the chaise where I sat down.
How on earth did she know?!
There now, close your eyes, she said, stroking my feverish brow. She smelled of currant bushes, of brambles, hedges, and thorns.
But why was I suddenly so flushed?
And why did Evilyn's hand feel like ice against my skin?
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Happy October, dear reader! I hope there's a little bit of creepiness in your life these days. Delicious creepy, not call 911 creepy. I hope there are pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and spicy hot chocolate, harvest moons and walks with friends.
Did you remember I had a little giveaway going...Lucy Sparrow, if I'm not mistaken? Well, I'm thrilled to announce we have a winner and it's Amy A.!
Amy, darling, I'm so happy your number was called. I'm sure you and little Lucy will become fast friends. Let's get in touch soon to exchange mailing information.
To everyone else...thank you for your kind comments and for playing along. I don't express often enough how I enjoy the company of your words.
I must say I wish I could offer you all an actual prize rather than something in lieu of the prize. I had the crazy notion perhaps I could make an offer to give a piece of artwork to anyone who wished to send me a mailing address, but I already know how terribly short I fall of such good intentions. Your enthusiasm for my artwork really tugs at my heart, though (especially those who have been playing along for ages)...if only there was more time!
I suppose I'm wishing, in lieu of the prize, something lovely comes into your life for which you've also been waiting a very long time.
Now what could that possibly be?