Growing up I would keep people at arms length because I hated getting too close.
When you grow to care for someone and catch feelings or whatever it gives you something to possibly lose.
I always said I'd rather be alone than to have someone and then lose them.
The radio is off. The only sounds are the engine, the tires on asphalt, the faint crackle of burning paper as Derian takes another drag.
“You really bringing that thing into the cabin?” Derian asks, nodding toward the straw doll.
“That's the idea.” replies Elias.
“What's it for?” asks Derian.
Elias finally looks at him. “Protection.”
“From what?” questions Derian, raising an eyebrow.
“Whatever is trapped in that cabin or lurking in the woods.” says Elias.
Derian snorts softly, smoke leaking from his nostrils. “You think a corn husk is gonna stop a ghost?”
“It's not corn. It's wheat straw. And it's not about stopping anything.” Elias turns the doll over in his hands, examining it from different angles. “It's about giving something a place to go. A vessel. You offer it an alternative.”
“To what?” asks Derian.
“To us, nigga.” says Elias.
Derian doesn't respond immediately. He takes another hit, then stubs the blunt out in the ashtray built into the center console. His jaw works like he's chewing on the thought. Finally, he says, “You know this is crazy, right?”
“You're the one who suggested it.” says Elias.
“I suggested getting drunk and fucking around with a Ouija board. You're the one who turned it into a whole production.”
Derian gestures vaguely toward the back seat, where a cardboard box sits wedged between two duffel bags.
Inside: candles, salt, sage bundles, a leather-bound notebook, a deck of tarot cards, and yes, the Ouija board itself, still in its original packaging.
“I didn't know you were gonna go full Hereditary on me.” says Derian.
Elias almost smiles. “You complaining, bitch?”
“Not yet.” replies Derian.
Support Black authors. 🖤📚
There are so many powerful, original, unforgettable stories being created by Black writers. If you’re looking for psychological horror, dark fantasy, supernatural stories, queer characters, trauma, identity, and magic, consider reading my work.
Black stories deserve to be read, shared, and remembered. 🖤
https://t.co/odT5CQugjc