*These stories are under my “Town of Richardson” folder. Gacha Club character designs are under this forum: https://www.youngwriterssociety.com/topic/117842-my-character-designs-lt-33-3?start=210. Enjoy!*
1.Hidden away
Over the years, as Annabelle-Lee grew, her skin became paler.
She touched her cheek as she stood in front of the bathroom mirror. Her face was white as bone, a deathly elegance.
Was it from a lack of going outside? Was it from the sorrow of the world?
Annabelle-Lee did not know or care. At least she didn’t have to deal with another person.
2.A father’s funeral
Just like last time, people avoided Annabelle-Lee at the funeral. It was her father’s funeral, something she could hardly believe to be true.
Why did they stay away from her? Did they not like the color black? Were they scared of her? Did they feel bad for her and didn’t know what to say?
Either way, Annabelle-Lee was grateful for being left alone. She could watch her Dad being laid to rest without interruptions.
He’s with Mom now. Annabelle-Lee thought, trying her best to bring a light to the darkness.
3.As the black cloaks
Annabelle-Lee walked out the door, all in black. She found that people avoided her when she wore the color. She found out in the funeral of her father that many left her alone.
All of her clothes were in black. She made sure of that ever since she was young.
No one bothered Annabelle-Lee ever again.
4.“I’m sorry for your loss”
It was the day after the funeral of her father. Annabelle-Lee tried her best to ignore the stares of the other kids. Some whispered their sorrows, some backed away.
Some were bold enough to even say: “I’m sorry for your loss, is there anything I can do?”
Why couldn’t they leave her alone? Why couldn’t they let her think in peace?
“I’m sorry for your lo-“
“It’s okay.” Annabelle-Lee said to a passing student.
She didn’t need their pity.
5.Forgive them?
Gabriel watched from the circus tent curtain as William spoke freely to Madeleine and Avita. He had let the past go, he was free to exist.
Gabriel closed the curtain flap. He would never forgive Lucas or Denise. Especially Denise.
But the children? Samuel, Leona, and Amelia? They were children. He should forgive them, right?
There words hurt all the same. They still mocked him. They still threw popcorn at him. They still pointed and laugh, like crazed hyenas. They didn’t know, but they should have known. They weren’t stupid. They weren’t babies.
Gabriel accepted their apologies. He listened. That was good enough, right?
Every time he tried to forgive them, he could only think of the joy in their eyes to see him struggle, to see him weak.
Horrible, nasty, wretched children. Terrible children in need of being told no. Bad children that need to be taught their MANNERS!
Tears welled in Gabriel’s eyes. He didn’t try to wipe them away. He was all alone, safe from them all.
How could I have been so STUPID? Why did I ever think that anyone would actually love me? ME? It’s like I was asking to be hurt…like…like…
“Can I come in?” A woman’s sweet voice asked.
It’s Isabella. Isabella is outside.
“S-sure.” Gabriel stuttered.
“I know that it’s hard. One never forgets how they died. I still think of my death. I was betrayed by own husband. The man I loved, the man I thought I understood, for so many years.” Isabella said.
“But it’s important to move on. To rid yourself of past troubles. The great thing about death is that it’s over. You don’t have the responsibilities that you would have in life. No more expectations. You’re safe.”
“I-it doesn’t feel that way.”
“I know it doesn’t. But it will one day.”
“Have you moved on yet?”
“Yes, I have. But I still visit Earth.”
He didn’t want to let go of his past life completely. It was part of him, no matter how painful it was.
“Hm. Maybe visit Earth less. Time away from this plane of existence might do you good.”
He believed it and yet still, he didn’t want to leave all of the circus behind.
“Can I hug you?” Isabella asked.
“Of course.” Gabriel said.
As Isabella wrapped her arms around him, Gabriel felt warmth and affection.
He turned around and hugged her back, returning the favor.
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140,065 Literary Works • 672,978 Reviews
Hi Creeper!
This was a nice short collection of tales. Most were about Annabelle, and it might have been nice to compile all the Annabelle stories into one, then do Gabriel, and then fit in another character? Since Annabelle's is broken up into shorter chapters, but Gabriel's is not, it might help widen the world a bit. That said, they were effective as they were, and built up the creepy town and scenarios.
As Annabelle-Lee grew over the years, her skin became paler. might be a less clunky way to phrase this. But nice opening!
Do you mean she stood in front of the bathroom mirror? Or outside the bathroom? Also another very nice description here: deathly elegance is a beautiful phrase!
Oo I like these questions. I would explore this further!
Honestly, I get it, Annabelle-Lee. I don't want to deal with people either.
I like the use of questions again, but I think to make it stronger, you could pair it with a very short scene of the actual funeral itself happening to show how the people react/annabell reacts
Should be a comma, not a period, after okay
I absolutely love these inner thoughts; it's the strongest part of this piece for sure! I would definitely lean more into this.
I would put one or two more dialogue tags here! I think I know who's speaking, but it could help describe how they're saying it and what they look like and show us a bit more about them as they interact!
Okay, thx for reading/advice!