Word of the Day: Bubble

“Bubble gum, bubble gum. . .”

The threesome was trying to decide who would enter first. It was only big enough for one at a time, and frankly, not one of them really wanted to be first. But after the fist rhyme was complete, it was George who won.

Everyone loves trick or treat, at least that’s what everyone thinks. George was one of the kids who walked with his mom, squeezing her hand tightly as they passed monsters on the sidewalk. George’s mom didn’t think much of it and shared all of his treats after they returned home. The consumed treats combined with the Halloween sights made for nightmares in his sleep.

This afternoon was All Hallows’ eve and Mike, Joe and George had all just turned ten, the age of putting away baby toys and showing bravado. After George was chosen, the three traveled into the nearby woods. The object to be explored was a large rotted log, big enough for a single boy to crawl in. Approaching the old log, the sun flew behind a cloud, sending a chill up their backs. Hesitating for a minute, George turned to his buddies and gave them a fake smile and a thumbs up. He then hunkered down into the moss.

Mike and Joe were very glad it was George who won. Neither would admit they too were frightened of the mysteries of the fallen tree. Broken branches took on eerie shapes in the darkened afternoon, and as George crawled in, they seemed to be moving a bit. George inched his way inside the cavernous trunk, feeling all manner of creepy, crawling beings with his hands. He stifled tears, thinking he had to keep going, no matter how scared he was.

When George’s feet disappeared into the hole, Mike and Joe saw the tree branches move around the trunk, hugging it. Forgetting trying to be brave, they grabbed each other and screamed. George’s hearing was muffled by the cavern but he thought he heard the boys outside. At the same time, he felt the space surrounding him grow smaller and breathless. He no longer saw the other open end of the log, his destination. He wanted to cry, but thought of his mom and how sad she would be if he didn’t come home.

Suddenly his legs were freed up and the space gave way so he could move easily. He clawed his way forward and then saw some glimmer of light shining through the sticks. He then knew he could get through to the other side.

Mike and Joe were still hugging each other when George appeared covered in dirt and moss and undesirable small creatures. “Hey guys! Didn’t think I’d make it, didya?” The other two brave souls decided it was getting late and surely their moms would be looking for them.

George felt like a conqueror. No nightmares on this night!

https://cyranny.com/2019/10/21/bubble-word-of-the-day-challenge/#like-50207