Random Short Stories/Prolouges

"Roses"

((342 words.))

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Faran had a small, white, "rose" garden along his front porch. Often people would admire and gaze at these flowers from the sidewalk, praising the man for how good of a job he did at taking care of them. And well... yes, he did indeed take care of these "roses".

But they weren't roses.

Mountain Laurel, also known as kalmia latifolia. So gorgeous, these blossoms were naturally producing poison throughout their petals. Just one flower alone can cause severe burning on the lips, mouth, and throat. Two can even be provided fatal. Faran knew this, of course. From the day he planted the small seed to the day he carefully plucked them out from the dirt, he knew. It was part of his plan, you see.

Faran was a quiet, but friendly, man. His days usually included relaxing on his porch whilst consuming the praise from his flowers like breakfast. And it was because of his astonishing handiwork at gardening that did he obtain his first victim.

•••

Sofia Wyne entered the man's house on a dreary, Tuesday afternoon. She had just finished her afternoon shift at a local gift shop and was looking for a place to rest and rebound.

Lucky for her, she thought, Faran was welcoming her with open arms... and a cup of tea. After hanging her coat on the stand and placing her shoes on the carpet, Sofia made herself at home. She had known Faran since the day she moved into the neighborhood and was friendly with him ever since.

The woman sat down at the dining room table. Faran was in the kitchen, preparing something extra special for his guest.

Snip, snip, snip, plop!

Faran added honey in hopes that the petals would dissolve faster. He was right- they vanished. With a warm smile, the man brought Sofia her tea, carefully studying each sip she took.

And it wasn't until her eyes widened with alarm and until she started screaming in pain did he quickly bounce out of his seat to lock the front door.

--(End)--