It was her favorite holiday. One for destroying things. Watching them crinkle and crack and turn into cinder. Erin, still in her party best, was collecting items from her room. Drawers opened and closed as quietly as she could, not wanting to wake Lydia. She knew another late night disappearance would startle her. Clue her in to Erin's insomnia, doubt... Shaky hands took up letters, pictures, a piece of clothing or two.. papers and other knickknacks. she lifted her teddy bear, looking at it lovingly, before placing it in the backpack as well. She swung the pack around, shouldering it. One more look around the room and she lifted her skirt, slipping out.
The walk to the river was a long one. She knew she shouldn't be out after dark. Especially after what had happened earlier.. but this was a tradition, and this year more necessary than ever. Slippered feet moved quickly through the gathering fog. It was going to rain. The mist clung to her bare shoulders, and dampened the hem of her dress, but did not slow her. When she made it to the river side she stopped to look over it. Twinkles of light dancing on water. There was nothing Erin loved more than the river Themes. This was a cheap imitation, but would do. At least it was there.
She cleared an area, looking right and left for intruders or watchmen. No one. From the pack she took some simple newspaper and twigs she had gathered. Stacking them in a small tent she then shredded the paper, making a bed of kindling. It didn't need to be a long lasting fire, just burn... She drops a match into the paper, and it begins its slow curling--turning the bright red before an eruption of flame.
From the backpack she took out her photo album. Picture after picture was dropped into the little bonfire. Friends, relatives, school teachers and class photos. A quiet goodbye whispered to each one as it turned to soot along with the rest. It wasn't long before the tears started. Slow lobbing things that followed her memories into the flames. Mascara smearing, leaving what seemed like permanent marks down the side of her face. Next she took some letters from her bag. Greetings from friends now scattered throughout Europe, happy birthday wishes, wedding cards.. anything she had previously thought worth saving--bringing with her.
The last items out of her bag were going to be harder to burn. More newspaper, more twigs were piled on her now dying fire and she squeezed some lighter fluid. The flame peaked, surging bright with a blue center. the teddy bear was given one more hug and dropped. Next came wedding photos. A long deep intake of breath and her marriage license was dropped onto the flames. Erin took a moment. Watching it all disappear. Little sobs, long breaths. She wasn't sure this was what she wanted. Hands itched to reach into the flames and grab at what was left. Claw at ashes and embers. But it was too late.
Another breath.. in and out and her final thing was dropped. The wedding ring, beautifully sculpted, perfect white gold fell from her hands. Sure, the fire wasn't hot enough to consume it, but this was symbolic. Ashes to ashes. She stood there, waiting for the fire to go out. Mist and dampness helping it along. A silent moment and she began to whisper, as if in prayer.
"Remember, remember the fifth of november. Gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder, treason should ever be forgot..."
The walk to the river was a long one. She knew she shouldn't be out after dark. Especially after what had happened earlier.. but this was a tradition, and this year more necessary than ever. Slippered feet moved quickly through the gathering fog. It was going to rain. The mist clung to her bare shoulders, and dampened the hem of her dress, but did not slow her. When she made it to the river side she stopped to look over it. Twinkles of light dancing on water. There was nothing Erin loved more than the river Themes. This was a cheap imitation, but would do. At least it was there.
She cleared an area, looking right and left for intruders or watchmen. No one. From the pack she took some simple newspaper and twigs she had gathered. Stacking them in a small tent she then shredded the paper, making a bed of kindling. It didn't need to be a long lasting fire, just burn... She drops a match into the paper, and it begins its slow curling--turning the bright red before an eruption of flame.
From the backpack she took out her photo album. Picture after picture was dropped into the little bonfire. Friends, relatives, school teachers and class photos. A quiet goodbye whispered to each one as it turned to soot along with the rest. It wasn't long before the tears started. Slow lobbing things that followed her memories into the flames. Mascara smearing, leaving what seemed like permanent marks down the side of her face. Next she took some letters from her bag. Greetings from friends now scattered throughout Europe, happy birthday wishes, wedding cards.. anything she had previously thought worth saving--bringing with her.
The last items out of her bag were going to be harder to burn. More newspaper, more twigs were piled on her now dying fire and she squeezed some lighter fluid. The flame peaked, surging bright with a blue center. the teddy bear was given one more hug and dropped. Next came wedding photos. A long deep intake of breath and her marriage license was dropped onto the flames. Erin took a moment. Watching it all disappear. Little sobs, long breaths. She wasn't sure this was what she wanted. Hands itched to reach into the flames and grab at what was left. Claw at ashes and embers. But it was too late.
Another breath.. in and out and her final thing was dropped. The wedding ring, beautifully sculpted, perfect white gold fell from her hands. Sure, the fire wasn't hot enough to consume it, but this was symbolic. Ashes to ashes. She stood there, waiting for the fire to go out. Mist and dampness helping it along. A silent moment and she began to whisper, as if in prayer.
"Remember, remember the fifth of november. Gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder, treason should ever be forgot..."