by

Sign #writephoto

Image: Sue Vincent

Belladonna Shadowbend climbed the creaky stairs of her dead aunt’s ancient Victorian home. Gossamer cobwebs draped the corners like grayed wedding veils. The eyeballs in the portraits tracked her progress, and a transparent child hissed from the next landing. Belladonna rolled her eyes and blew out a sigh. Honestly, so cliched.

Witchcraft had become so trendy among modern teenagers that Belladonna considered it passé. Gone were the glorious days when witches drowned tied to chairs or sizzled at the stake.

Was she feeling sorry for herself? Probably. Her dreams of building an online clearinghouse for magical accessories had shattered. She’d believed people wanted quality over crap and would pay for it, but Amazon was a start-up’s nightmare. Cheap magic wands, love potions, and cursed amulets were as popular as iphones. Everyone owned at least one, and the local bodegas sold them beside the tabloids and gum.

Her options were limited. No one was making any money in fortune telling, casting hexes, or selling souls. The white witches complained about global warming and saving the bees, but few listened to them. They needed a little help from the devil if they wanted someone to pay serious attention. She chuckled at the thought. An unexpected visit to hell would do wonders in Washington.

No, selling the old place with it’s slamming doors and undulating curtains would buy her some time while she figured out her next venture.

Another staircase led to the attic, a rat’s nest of iron-strapped trunks, twig brooms, and garment bags stuffed with black capes. Shelves along one wall held dozens of peaked hats. She picked one up, brushed off the brim, and coughed in the cloud of dust. The stuff appeared authentic, but what the heck? How many hats did one old witch need? She half expected a stash of pointy shoes and blurted a laugh when she flipped the lid on a trunk and found them. Cleaning the place out would take a year. Generations of witches in her family and her legacy amounted to a house full of vintage… oh… oh my…

Belladonna smiled. All she needed was a sign.

**

Written for Sue Vincent’s magical #writephoto prompt.

 

109 thoughts on “Sign #writephoto”

  1. Anneberly says:
    March 21, 2019 at 5:05 am

    What a great story. The last line was so clever. I also smiled when I read this line. “Belladonna smiled. All she needed was a sign.”

    Liked by 1 person

  2. roughwighting says:
    March 21, 2019 at 4:36 am

    Clever witch – perfect spot to hang her sign and sell ‘vintage.’ I love Belladonna’s voice. If she lived nearby, I’d stop by and sip some brewed witch’s tea….maybe even buy a broom. xo

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Photo prompt round-up: Sign #writephoto | Sue Vincent's Daily Echo says:
    March 21, 2019 at 3:03 am

    […] Diana Wallace Peach at Myths of the Mirror […]

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Sue Vincent says:
    March 20, 2019 at 3:45 pm

    I was hoping the story would go on… Mind, I’m inclined to agree about Washinton and Amazon both 😉 Brilliant, Diana.

    Liked by 2 people

  5. Michele Jones says:
    March 19, 2019 at 9:07 am

    This was a good laugh. I can only imagine her trying an online witches store on Amazon. Thanks.

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      March 19, 2019 at 10:57 am

      I did some research, Michele, and Amazon has pages and pages of witchcraft accessories! Lol. Belladonna didn’t stand a chance. I think her “authentic” paraphernalia is going to do just fine, though. Thank so much for stopping by to read. ❤

      Like

  6. Teri Polen says:
    March 19, 2019 at 7:45 am

    Oh, I enjoyed this one, Diana – thanks for the laughs!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Annika Perry says:
    March 19, 2019 at 2:07 am

    Diana, you leave us wanting so much more … what sign will Belladonna find? 😀 I love how this started with the traditional mode of witch stories including the poetic ‘Gossamer cobwebs draped the corners like grayed wedding veils’ but switched neatly to the modern world and humour of Amazon even ruining the sale of witchcraft items.

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      March 19, 2019 at 6:41 am

      Thanks, Annika. Would you believe that Amazon has a large assortment of witchcraft accessories? I looked it up! Ha ha. Poor witches. It was fun stuffing this full of cliches too. Happy Writing, my friend. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  8. rijanjks says:
    March 18, 2019 at 8:34 am

    Oh my goodness, Diana, I wanted this to keep going! What was Belladonna going to find next? Love it!!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Staci Troilo says:
    March 18, 2019 at 6:20 am

    Amazon is ruining everyone’s livelihoods. Poor Belladonna.

    Loved this, Diana.

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      March 18, 2019 at 6:28 am

      I’m an Amazon fan, Staci, but they are tough for the competition. Belladonna will be just fine, I think. She’s ambitious. 🙂 Plus she has some magical resources. Thanks for the visit and have a wonderful week!

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Julie Holmes, author says:
    March 18, 2019 at 6:13 am

    Great flash, Diana! Great idea Belladonna has; might have to revisit her in a year to see how well her venture is going 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Scherezade Ozwulo says:
    March 18, 2019 at 4:01 am

    Great story🍎I’m with Belladonna😉 When things are too easily accessible where’s the fun, the mystery?

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Jessica Bakkers says:
    March 18, 2019 at 2:42 am

    Ah I love this, kind of gave me a Harry Potter vibe 🤗

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Molly Stevens - Shallow Reflections says:
    March 18, 2019 at 2:37 am

    I was feeling breathless as Belladonna Shadowbend explored the house, and then cracked up when I read, ‘Belladonna rolled her eyes and blew out a sigh. Honestly, so cliched.’ I should have known this would not be a cookie cutter story written by the likes of you! Oh, how Amazon has impacted so many businesses but not aware of the effect on the small witchcraft store trying to survive. Belladonna is a great example of what can happen with ‘The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up.’ Haha!

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Iris@poetsmith says:
    March 18, 2019 at 1:35 am

    Ahh…let’s get our imagination going! Great piece, Diana!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. memadtwo says:
    March 17, 2019 at 7:09 pm

    The last sentence is perfect.
    A nice smile for the end of my day. (K)

    Liked by 1 person

  16. mylilplace says:
    March 17, 2019 at 7:04 pm

    How I have missed reading your writing, Diana and I am so glad I popped in tonight before I call it a night. A real gift was waiting indeed – a modern story of a witch’s dilemma…I could imagine all the details you shared. I truly love the warm undertone that is always so uniquely yours. How clever of you to include Amazon in the story. More more more…I am always greedy to read your work. Thanks for sharing this, my friend. Have a great start to the week.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. areilly88 says:
    March 17, 2019 at 5:36 pm

    So clever. I could really imagine this! Thank you, Diana 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  18. H.R.R. Gorman says:
    March 17, 2019 at 4:28 pm

    Wonderful story – I love how you incorporated all the elements of sign, the witch hat, and everything!

    Liked by 1 person

  19. trentpmcd says:
    March 17, 2019 at 4:18 pm

    Ah, a story that isn’t a wizard’s tavern! (Truthfully, most of the wizard’s tavern stories were good, but…) I was just beginning to feel sorry for her, “what’s a witch to do?”, when I hit the end and had a little chuckle. And I hope she keeps all of those cliches in the shop – the kids will love them 😉

    Liked by 1 person

  20. dgkaye says:
    March 17, 2019 at 3:52 pm

    Oh, now I want to know what happens! Great little tale Diana. And me thinks the devil is already in Washington lol ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Writing to Freedom says:
    March 17, 2019 at 3:44 pm

    A bewitching tale Diana! Although, I was hoping for more magic. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  22. jenanita01 says:
    March 17, 2019 at 12:48 pm

    Interesting story, Diana… Left me wanting so much more and beautifully told!

    Liked by 1 person

  23. jenanita01 says:
    March 17, 2019 at 12:43 pm

    Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Steven Baird says:
    March 17, 2019 at 11:42 am

    Wonderful writing, Diana, and yes, with a very authentic feel.

    Liked by 2 people

  25. Solitaire says:
    March 17, 2019 at 11:33 am

    Excellent!😊

    Liked by 2 people

  26. Priscilla Bettis says:
    March 17, 2019 at 11:32 am

    Beautiful prose and I couldn’t stop reading!

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      March 17, 2019 at 3:24 pm

      Thanks for the kind comment, Priscilla. I loved the prompt and once the idea came to me, it was fun to write. Happy St. Pat’s Day and have a wonderfully creative week!

      Like

  27. lensdailydiary says:
    March 17, 2019 at 11:25 am

    Everything passes. What’s a witch to do in a modern world? She has to reinvent herself.

    Liked by 2 people

  28. joylennick says:
    March 17, 2019 at 11:15 am

    Authentic? I had to shake the dust off my shoulders…And I’m sure I can smell warm, moldy paper and rags…..and is that the scamper of mice I hear? Always a delight, Diana.

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      March 17, 2019 at 3:20 pm

      Thank you for the lovely comment, Joy. Mice in the walls! That would have been a great detail. 🙂 I had fun gathering haunted house cliches. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. Happy Writing!

      Like

  29. boundlessblessingsblog says:
    March 17, 2019 at 10:50 am

    Wow an awesome piece of imaginative writing, Diana and what an apt picture. Great post on a witch.

    Liked by 2 people

  30. anotetohuguette says:
    March 17, 2019 at 10:46 am

    I wanted to read more, too…I felt like I was up in that attic exploring through the family heirlooms, wondering how I fit in a world that has gone sideways! Belladonna is a lovely character and yes, I could hear her wry comments clear as a witch’s bell!

    Liked by 2 people

  31. Jill Weatherholt says:
    March 17, 2019 at 10:40 am

    Such an intriguing piece, Diana. Excellent job!

    Liked by 2 people

  32. EDC Writing/Believing Sight Unseen says:
    March 17, 2019 at 10:33 am

    I wanted to read so much more – will there be, Diana?

    Liked by 3 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      March 17, 2019 at 2:33 pm

      Ha! No more of this story, Eric. Belladonna is going to make a bundle selling off her aunt’s authentic collection. 🙂 Then, who knows what’s next. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. 🙂

      Like

  33. balroop2013 says:
    March 17, 2019 at 10:05 am

    I like this modern approach to witchcraft yet Belladonna settles for an old priceless sign…fantastic Diana! First paragraph is more of poetry, with some amazing images. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

  34. robertawrites235681907 says:
    March 17, 2019 at 10:04 am

    I thought this piece was brilliant, Diana. I love how you integrate the modern concepts into your writing.

    Liked by 3 people

  35. pensitivity101 says:
    March 17, 2019 at 9:39 am

    Love it! So descriptive!

    Liked by 2 people

  36. Alexander De says:
    March 17, 2019 at 9:14 am

    The voice is perfect! A blending of reality and fantasy, all filled with teen-aged angst and sarcasm.

    Liked by 3 people

  37. wideeyedwanderingspoonie says:
    March 17, 2019 at 8:58 am

    *insert clapping hands* YES!!!! Sometimes a witch’s gotta do what a witch’s gotta do. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

  38. Hélène - Willow Poetry says:
    March 17, 2019 at 8:40 am

    Beautifully written Diana. Intriguing story. I loved reading about all the vintage discoveries of this house.

    Liked by 3 people

  39. Ramyani Bhattacharya says:
    March 17, 2019 at 8:36 am

    Amazing story and very interesting 😊

    Liked by 1 person

  40. House of Heart says:
    March 17, 2019 at 8:22 am

    Diana, you always amaze me with your writing, always beautiful, always, intriguing and truly lovely. Sue’s prompt is excellent! ❤

    Liked by 3 people

  41. short-prose-fiction says:
    March 17, 2019 at 8:13 am

    I love this piece. So charming, so witty, so beautifully written!

    Liked by 2 people

  42. Sadje says:
    March 17, 2019 at 8:11 am

    Very interesting and authentic feel to the story.

    Liked by 3 people

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