Skull

Written for https://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2024/06/11/photo-challenge-519/

Sheila wished to do something unconventional for Valentine’s Day. She combined her passion for Halloween with the goal of proposing to her boyfriend. February 29th didn’t happen often, and she would wait years for him to pop the question.

The last thing he would see, was a pink skull with a veil tied to her fence post. He always used the back garden to enter the kitchen. She cooked him his favourite spaghetti bolognaise, with an apple pie for pudding.

The resplendent ring, hidden amongst the white roses, shone in the sunshine. She hoped he wouldn’t ignore her message.

‘Lush,’ he said. ‘What’s the occasion?’

‘I wanted to treat you, and besides, you alwas cook for me. I tell you what, I really fancy going to the pub, there’s a karaoke rock and roll selection.’

‘Alright, been a while since we had a night out.’

She took hold of her jacket and opened the door wide. The sun sparkled on the rose hues.

‘Wrong month?’

She discovered her gift amid the jade leaves.

‘The ideal one and the right time to propose. We’ve shared a life for a decade, and before we become too old. Robert, will you marry me?’ She hovered in the grass for what seemed like ages. Would he say no? Maybe this idea wasn’t such a brilliant option. A shadow fell across the gold in her shaking palms.

With a stretch, he twisted on his finger, admiring the silver skulls. ‘On one condition.’

‘I’m not doing the washing up,’ she laughed.

‘Well, we sing a duo of a perfect song for tonight. I got you, babe!’

‘Wonderful,’ she said, thinking of her next surprise.