A Friend From Hell

Whispers, the sound of the wind
Snowflakes fall on his hat
No need for GPS or Google Maps
All roads are easily found.

How is it possible Mom? Is it his nose? Does he smell where to be, are his eyes like those of the t million-dollar man?

She didn't answer and the person she talked about seemed to have only a face in my imagination. Not scary, not hot, just a skeleton with a hat similar to the one my dad had on his wedding day.

The sound of the carriage, was it real?
I rubbed my eyes, hesitant to get out of bed.

Saint Nick?

A long forgotten name whispered by thousand voices, children, angels.

The moonlight shone through the orange curtain.
A warm glow like the one in the fireplace during winter.
How bad could it be, is it bad to leave?
A silent night wasn't holy per se.

Ho, ho, ho roared a voice. Are you home my little friend? You grew old after all.
I smiled though just like me he had changed.
Jack, my friend from Hell didn't forget me.
How had the doctors called him? An imaginary friend.

I am tired, I said, it was a long journey, did you take the carriage with the black horses?
He grinned and wrapped his arms around me like he had done so many times.
Did it come to an end, you called me.

I nodded.
I am tired, I mumbled, can I sleep now?

So am I. How about him, will he manage?

I looked for the last time at the one I shared my life with.

Goodbye, honey, I will always keep you.

I placed my heart into his and kissed his neck. His image was engraved in my memory.

We'll meet again like promised, I love you, I whispered in his ear.

The carriage vanished and I closed my eyes. Safe and warm I felt as I held my friend and he held me.
I'm sorry Jack it took that long, thank you for waiting and picking me up.

That's what friends are for.

13.1.25

Picture: generated by me bing The title is the prompt provided by @daily.prompt<

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