“What had happened to him at that moment was what happens to people when they are unexpectedly caught in something very shameful.” – Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.
The Tale of Thomas is still told around campfires in these parts.
St. Horatio’s Seminary shut down every spring so the students could go help the needy. Only one groundskeeper stayed on campus over spring break.
Thomas had been working as a groundskeeper there for three years. It paid a stipend, but it came with a small one-room cabin behind the groundskeeping garage.
Thomas had a deep wish to love and be loved, but his “creep aura” made females avoid him. Over years of rejection he turned to a waking fantasy life rich with females who adored him.
If only Thomas’ dreams were as pleasant as his fantasies. In sleep those same women transformed into bloodthirsty harpies who swooped at him and tore at his flesh. With no sleep, his thoughts made a poison soup zone.
Thomas formed a plan that his new, darker self demanded he follow through with. His stomach churned. What had happened to him at that moment was what happens to people when they are unexpectedly caught in something very shameful. His better self curled up in a ball and went to sleep.
As groundskeeper, Thomas knew every square inch of the campus, including a large room at the top of the tower, with a dumbwaiter that could hold something as big as a human body.
It was a chilly afternoon at the end of April when Thomas walked towards the tower with a dark purpose. He would make them love him – or else.
The End.
Fandango’s FOWC is written, the Word of the Day Challenge is zone, and Paula’s 3 Things Challenge words are creep, wish, soup
Kristian is this Thursday’s host of 50 Word Thursday. Kristian says:
The Rules:
- Find the muse within the photo or line provided and follow where it leads. It can be a story, anecdote, poem. Anything!
- The Story must be between 50 and 250 words, in 50 word increments. (so 50, 100, 150, 200 or 250 words)
- Link back to this post with the tag 50WordThurs so that everyone can find it, or post your response in the comments below.
- HAVE FUN!
Tao Talk 
Sort of reminds me of the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Great tale, Li.
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You know you’re right it is similar. Glad you liked it.
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It’s a dark tale!
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Yes, it is Sadje. Thanks for reading.
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You’re welcome Li
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Nicely woven together with a lot of creep factor thrown in. Great tale. 🙂
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Thanks Kristian 🙂
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I think that the campus killer is about to strike again.
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Run from Thomas…very quickly.
What is scary is…how many Thomas’s are walking about?
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What’s that group of celibate men that have organized online? I think they took responsibility for some killings in Canada? Can’t remember the name, but those folks are very scary.
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Incel? Crazy &*^% men. It makes you not want to go outside.
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Yes! and yes 😦
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Too close to reality…(K)
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Absolutely chilling. Nicely done!
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Thank you, Cie. Yes, the idea this could be real is chilling.
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Just the right bit of dark if you ask me. I think Thomas has outlived his usefulness as groundskeeper…..
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Thanks for reading and commenting, Violet.
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