2 of 37

Write now Article Tools

Always

The Story of Jack and Jill

Jack awoke to the very slight scent of vinegar in the air. With his eyes still closed, he roused himself to full consciousness. On the edge of memory, he thought he could recall somethingno. It was gone.

His sharp ears picked up the sound of someone moving about the room, and a clatter of what was probably pots and pans. There was a sizzle, and the smell of trying bacon drove out all traces of the vague vinegar smell that tantalized his nostrils and plucked vaguely at his memory.

Jack had slight headache, but this was nothing new. As far back as he could remember, he had woken up with headaches, which usually dissipated by mid morning. He opened his eyes, and slowly sat up in bed.

It was Jill, of course, already awake, who was fixing breakfast for the pair of them in their one-room cabin. She was standing at the stove, dressed in a long skirt and blouse both the colour of mud. Her hair was cut short and was the gold of wheat in spring. She heard him moving in the bed, and turned to look at him, her face expressionless.

As he looked at her, for a moment Jack thought he saw something else a flash of crimson, a glance of dull white, a terrible look but it was gone within a moment, and the Jack shook himself. Something wasn't quite right, but he couldn't place it.

"Good morning, beloved." Jill said, in a flat tone. "Breakfast will be ready soon."

"Thank you." Jack managed, still trying to shake off the feeling of dread he held inside. "How did you sleep?"

"It was funny, I had the strangest dreams." Jill replied, turning back to the bacon.

"Dreams of what?" Jack asked, pulling himself from the bed and pulled on some clothing that, like Jill's, were dark brown.

"Did you want an egg with your bacon?" his wife asked, ignoring the question. "The chicken laid three during the night."

"No, please." Jack said, stretching and popping a few joints. "I'm not really hungry."

"You must eat something. We have a big day ahead of us."

"We do?" Jack raised an eyebrow. "I suppose so, but no bigger than any other. Chicken coop to clean, lunch and dinner to catch, a cow to milk"

"Right." Jill said, with a little smile. Jack wasn't the most observant of people, but he did notice that her smile seemedthin.

"Are you ok, Jill?"

"Perfectly fine." Jill said, deftly moving the bacon from the frying pan to a plate. She carried it over to Jack, who sat on a small chair and took the breakfast from his wife.

"We should also go up to the well today. We need fresh

• 1
• 2
• 3
• ...
• 7
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Short stories: A children's story for grown-ups?
We want to hear your view. Write now!