A rusty old halo, skinny white cloud
Second-hand wings full of patches.
Rusty old hal….’

That gentlest of sound encouraged her to let it all go and rested, even briefly, in its calming pulse. It was in this undisturbed stillness that tears and memories merged soaking those skinny white clouds.  Would it be enough to cleanse the dark and evil deeds she had done? Her mind wondered.  Even in dream she knew her star had long lost its shining gleam and every corner she treaded, darkness ensued.  Her feet borderline at the gate of hell as it waits for her arrival. 

Elizabeth…

Was the Grim Reaper calling out to her again?  She felt numb from all pain.  Death must be near but her work was not done.  She was still incomplete to let go.  Fight it Elizabeth.  Fight it Bette.  Her inner voice was echoing that of the Reaper. Fight it Elizabeth.  It was challenging her will.

Elizabeth…

“Noooooo” Her fighting scream roared in wakening.  Every part of her body enliven by the reality of physical pains.  She felt the tightening of her chest and the tinkling of dull pain at her side.

“Elizabeth…don’t strain yourself” Bette’s lids shot opened.  Her body instinctively bolted up but the pain was too severe at the mid section for it to hold up.  She dropped back down and let out a painful cry. 

“You’ve been hurt badly…I’m sorry.” She was still feeling a bit disoriented and not too clear on how she ended up here with this woman.  Bette lay still baffled by the sincerity of the woman’s words and how comforting her touches were.

She closed her eyes and focus hard to remember what had happened. Instantly, the landscape of the golden cornfield comes into view and the sweet smell of summer filled the air.  Her heart speed up in total recall as it race along the path toward the white picket fence.  Their happy laughter was ringing loudly in her ears and the last sight of daylight dimmed at the end of a dark barrel….

Screeeech…..

The flash of light swept across the window, brightened up the corner where the patron sat. The watchful eyes of Bette Porter glared back to reality, keenly mindful of the new arrival.  A small Jeep come screeching to a halt in front of the diner with its headlight on.  The driver kept the engine running and exited the vehicle.  His head turned to the left then right, making sure of things before returning to his truck.