Short Stories

Poppy

She ran as fast as she could, jumping over logs and ducking under branches. The forest was overgrown and the brush thick, making it difficult for her to find her way through the woods. Bursting through the tree line, she did not hesitate to keep running. The Flower Fields may be neutral ground, but that would not stop her pursuer from chasing her. She hoped that the universe might have mercy as she dove into the tall grass, crouching as the pounding of feet passed by.

Holding her breath until she knew the danger had passed, she sighed in relief, looking down at the stolen item in her hand. The vibrant, plum poppy was unharmed, despite the chase that had just gone down. Though stealing a flower from the forest was forbidden by law, that didn't stop her from doing it. Plus, she wanted to have something to give to her special someone for his birthday.

Standing up slowly, she peeked above the grass that bowed to the breeze. Seeing as the pursuer was gone, she made her way back to her house in the middle of the Petunia Prairie. It was an ideal spot since it stood facing the Flower Fields and was North of Lily Lake.

"Where have you been?" Her mother asked. "Don't tell me you went to Poppy Forest."

"No," she said innocently, "I haven't. I just went to hang out by the lake."

"Oh. Never mind, then. I believe Oliver is out on the back deck."

The seventeen-year-old girl nodded, grinning as she poked her head out and saw her boyfriend.

"I was wondering when you would get back, Erin," Oliver smiled.

"Got something for your birthday, Oliver." She held out her closed fist, opening it up slowly to show the delicate, plum poppy from the forest.

Her boyfriend's expression was a mixture of happiness and disapproval. "Thank you, but you know that it's-"

"Illegal, yes. Don't worry, though. No one will know that it was me. I was careful to make sure that no one followed me home or saw my face." Though overconfident, she was not as stupid as some thought her to be.

Her boyfriend hesitantly took the small flower from her hand, tucking it into his front pocket. "I'll cherish it for as long as I live. Thank you."

She nodded, hugging him close. Though she had lied, it was worth committing one more crime just to make him happy.

~~~~~~~~

Erin knelt in front of the wooden block, knowing the endless abyss was near. Neither her mother or boyfriend knew about today, and it would stay that way until night had already fallen.

"Erin Hemnire, you are guilty of assassinating the King of Kalanchoe, stealing plum poppies from the Poppy Forest every week for the past two years, and evading the Royal Guard. Today, you will be executed."

She was pushed forward so that her face lay against the rough, cold wood. Though she could not see the axe come down, Erin did not feel a thing when the light left her eyes and her soul entered the eternal abyss.