This story is in response to the regular call for shared
storytelling on the blog https://isawlightningfall.blogspot.com/in 100 words for advent from Loren Eaton.
The blog is described “as a place for
people who like stories in general and genre fiction in particular. It's a
place for folks who prefer to read and write fantasy and horror, science
fiction and crime fiction”.
So here is my 100 word story:
The
Poison Garden
Visiting the Poison Garden was her
idea.
Hundreds of species of poisonous plants from
rhubarb to hemlock were attractively
arranged, interspersed with culinary and medicinal herbs.
Hurrying my wife
past warnings on the information board, I actively encouraged rubbing leaves to
release the aroma of various plants lining our route. Surely she would encounter a poisonous one.
“Help! Quick. Look
at this rash!”
Pretending not to
hear and willing myself not to look back, I waited until she fell silent before
shouting for assistance.
The Coroner
reported her death wasn’t from the irritant, Ruta graveolens, but from a heart attack.
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Sinister!
ReplyDeleteMan, what a twist! Have you ever read Robin Hobb's "Assassin's Apprentice"? It has a scene in it that reminds me of this.
ReplyDeleteExcellent! Love the set up and the pay off.
ReplyDeleteYeah, she's gonna haunt him. Good story.
ReplyDeleteA pleasing distillation.
ReplyDeleteI love rhubarb, especially with custard.
ReplyDeleteBur seriously, very creepy, well done, Linda.