I wrote this little short story last week. It was inspired by a “PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE PIGEONS” sign which I see when I am walking home. I don’t know any horror magazines to submit this too, and I’m not sure if I could develop it into something longer.
SIGNS
I wish the nurse had left that other blanket over me. It’s freezing cold in here; I can hear the rain hitting the window panes.
I’m sitting here in my own hospital room; in the dark.
I think I scare the other patients. That’s why they gave me my own room.
Only last week it was bright and sunny.
Last Sunday.
It must be Sunday today.
The nurse asked if I wanted the Sunday Papers read to me; like I’m interested in all that political bullshit right now.
Only last week I was a normal twenty year old enjoying the warmth of the sun in my local park.
The freshly cut grass tickling my feet between the straps of my brand new gladiator style sandals.
And now I’m stuck in the dark.
That sign always disturbed me.
“Do Not Feed The Pigeons”
It always seemed stupid. Why not feed animals? Would it really be that dangerous?
I guess so. That is why I’m here in this freezing cold hospital room.
Why didn’t that nurse leave that blanket behind? Doesn’t she realise how cold it is?
Only last week I was walking through the park. I had a bag of stale bread with me.
I remember the cooling wind blowing my new blue and purple maxi dress around my ankles as I swung the bag at my side.
My face is covered with bandages now.
Only seven short days ago, I was breaking the rules in my local park.
Feeding the pigeons old scraps of bread. What could be so wrong?
I was only feeding some little animals.
And I got my eyes plucked out of my head.
In a park packed full of other people enjoying the sun; no one came to my rescue.
No one.
Those fucking pigeons just ripped my eyeballs out of my sockets, and snipped them off the cords.
Smart bastards!
The left one, then the right one.
I couldn’t do anything. I was so shocked that something like this could happen to me. In a park full of strangers no one helped.
And now I am stuck in this cold and dark hospital room with bandages covering my eyeless sockets.
Maybe I should have paid attention to the fucking signs.
Please let me know if you like/love/hate it.
Any critism is very welcome.
Gia
