SHORT STORY
Count on the Fog
For chance meetings in the midst of a pandemic
It was a perfect evening for this sort of encounter. After all, Halloween is always at its best when the weather cooperates with an ominous presence. A sudden temperature rise had enveloped the night sky with a blanket of thick, rare autumn fog.
I decided to take an evening walk on my own, just to clear my head and stretch my legs. The dog seemed completely disinterested, nestled on the couch beside my lovely wife. So while they watched a spooky movie together, I ambled off in the direction of the community park.
As I entered the expanse using the paved path, I could see a lone figure sitting on a bench up ahead. The illumination from the single coach light nearby gave the occupant a sort of glow against the hazy backdrop. He was bent forward, elbows on knees, and head in his hands.
It would have been odd at any other time of year other than tonight, to see a figure seated on a park bench, dressed as this one was. Clad in a starched white shirt and turned-up collar, a jet black tuxedo suit, with a cape to match, I knew this character well.
The skin on his neck and hands was pasty gray, his hair was straight and oily, slicked-back smoothly leaving the inevitable widow’s peak. “Great job!” I thought, but why did he look so forlorn? I stopped to chat and see if I could be of some help.
“Good evening”, I said quietly so as not to startle him. “Is there anything wrong there mate? You look rather glum.”
When he looked up at me I could see that his face was just as pale and ghostly. The ever-present fangs protruded from his mouth, but there was no obligatory blood dripping down his pointed chin.
His coal-black eyes burned into mine as he replied, “Anything wrong?”, he blurted. “Are you kidding? Look around man. There’s nobody out tonight, and it's only 8 o’clock.”
“Yeah, you’re right”, I said, keeping a respectful two metre distance, “This thing is putting a damper on everything. So much for All Hallows Eve.”
I continued to voice my dismay about the state of affairs. “The pandemic is not doing any of us any favours, that’s for sure”, I said as he turned to face me. “The poor kids are sure missing out this year.”
My companion glared up at me suddenly and replied, “That’s all well and good, but this pandemic, thing, is affecting my livelihood. How am I going to survive?”
I looked at him curiously, trying to comprehend what he meant by that remark. Deciding to entertain the fantasy a little further, I tried to lighten the moment by saying, “You’re not going to bite me, are you?”
He brushed my joke aside with a huff, “No you’re good. I could smell the garlic on you before you entered the park.”
“Well, thank goodness for my wife’s cooking”, I said, laughing. His dour gaze confirmed his mood would not be swayed.
“Listen”, he said as he stood to look me in the eye, “I could care less about the kiddies right now. A vampire’s gotta eat, you know.”
“Okay”, I thought, “this guy’s getting a little too lost in the role.” I let him simmer a bit. I started feeling the need to move on, so I said, “Well, we all hope this will end soon. Good luck with the…job.”
He let out an audible sigh and pulled his collar tight. Then, without another word he flicked his cape with one hand, and just like that, he turned into a bat and flew away.
At first, I was a little insulted, and then a little chill went up my spine. I figured though after listening to his unique plight, some guys do have it rougher than others right now.
But then, as I started walking away it hit me. Didn’t this virus get started from a single bat? That’s when I realized; some beings are just their own worst enemies. And still ours on the wrong foggy night.
Happy Halloween everyone!
This story was inspired by a late October fog rolling off Lake Ontario, and a short story from Liam Ireland.
As always, thanks for taking the time. Thanks also to Tree Langdon, Britni Pepper Myriam Ben Salem Agnes Laurens Dr. Mehmet Yildiz
