literature

The Grey Lady

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Kaz-D's avatar
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Literature Text

When I first saw her, sitting in the middle of a vast armchair, staring out of the window - I was reminded of the Grey Lady. She was Grey. But she couldn't have been more than eight or nine years old. Her hair was long and perfectly straight but it looked dusty. As if she had been sitting there for years, forgotten. Her eyes were sunken, sallow. Her skin was a pallour of grey that I've never seen on a human being before. Dark, damp, but it looked as though if you touched her a cloud would form in front of you. Dusty.

I was one of the unfortunate parents roped into going on a residential school trip to the Lake District. It was my job to tick off the names as people left the reception of the school and clambered into the bus. I ticked my own son off as he stood beside me, nervously reaching to catch my free hand and continued through the list of his classmates one by one. The grey girl didn't move and I hesitated as I ran my finger down the register. I had ticked every name and it was a Saturday, she must be part of our group or else there would be no other reason for her to be there.

I looked around for a teacher and shivered as the clouds moved quickly overhead and large drops of rain began to fall.

"Come on Muuu-um" my son whined, tugging my hand to get me onto the bus. I shielded the register against my chest and pushed him gently up the steps.

"I just need to wait for her" I said, pointing at the girl as she turned her head to raise mournful eyes at us. My son narrowed his eyes and looked over at the school window.

"Who?"
I actually saw this girl today, and for a minute the whole scenario (or similar) played out in my head as above. Obviously I don't have a son, and the circumstances I was in are completely different - a day service. But I decided to ad lib and go with the inspiration. Thus! Critique appreciated :)
© 2012 - 2024 Kaz-D
Comments2
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alapip's avatar
they are among us. formed of spores.
sometimes they assume a human shape.

most folks never see them.
those that do, say nothing.

it's courageous of you to write of her.
...and risk invasion. :O

pip