PHOTO PROMPT © Sandra Crook
Hollowed Out
When I woke the first time, I lay on a cold stone slab, incense and smoke thick in the air. Robed figures stood in a circle chanting.
Then, nothingness.
Then, a room with sun-colored walls, a single person in a robe, her hood thrown back to reveal pale green eyes, fiery red hair.
“I don’t even believe in….” I look down at my hands, wrinkled and old. I’m 29. Was 29.
“You’re going to be okay. The exorcism was successful.”
But that’s not true, is it? I don’t know if I will ever be okay again.
….
This is my entry for Friday Fictioneers, hosted brilliantly as ever by our fearless leader Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. For more fun stories, click the blue frog!
Anne Higa 
A complete and satisfying story
Thanks Neil
Eek, scary stuff. Something of the devil still lurking inside!
Thanks Iain
Wow, that was so unexpected. Loved this fresh and different take on the photo prompt.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thank you Susan.
Woah! Creepy story! You managed an effective surprise with the prematurely aged hands.
Thanks Penny.
Oh man! Wonder what it was about her that they felt she needed an exorcism!
Yeah, I wasn’t sure either writing it. Very mysterious. Thanks for visiting and commenting!
Intriguing. Lots of potential for a longer story here.
Thanks Sandra!
You keep us in suspense, Anne. I’d really like to know what happens next.
Dear Anne,
I, too, think this a good beginning for a longer story. Leaves me full of questions. Good one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle!
Oh dear! Those wrinkled hands. I’m wondering how long she has been lying there, or exactly what manner of demon has been removed from her to leave her in that state. Perhaps she only “thought” she was 29 because the demon inside her had been lying to her about her age. Or perhaps, when it was excorcised from her, it flew off to another host, taking her youth with it.
All those possibilities … you must definitely use it as a basis for a longer story, Anne..
Wow, thanks Sarah! Yeah, I don’t know. I wasn’t thinking of a longer story but it could be fun.
Yeek! That sent shivers down my spine, especially considering my health challenges. Great story!
Thanks Lexa. Nice to hear from you.