Pele: The Harbinger

And so I rode along the cliffside

The winding highway parallel to the sea

I was growing tired

I had been driving so long the moon had risen

I had so much further to go, and felt the need for caffeine

Along the highway, I almost missed it

A gas station, its sign flickering red

And I quickly turned in, my needs fulfilled

As I got out, my car door being the only sound

I noticed the way a streetlight flickered and went out

I paid it no mind

The doorbell jingled, the sound echoing in silent space

It reeked of bleach

The humming of the AC unbearable

I found what I needed as quickly as I could

But there was no one

No one in the store

No one behind the counter

I tapped the bell, but no one came

I tried again, again, again

I saw no one

I left the can on the counter

As I left, I saw her

A woman beneath the extinguished streetlight

Her black hair tangled; her red nightgown stained

And her dog, sitting vigilant

She extended her hand to me

Her palm looking charred

But I had no change

So I left her standing there

And I started to drive once again

Sleep gnawing at me as I traveled further down the road

There seemed to be no other car in sight

Even as I veered off the highway towards my hotel

And with the sea behind me

Darkened fields on either side

I caught my eyes drifting shut

And in that space

When my eyes were not quite open

Not quite closed

I heard a howl

Saw a flash of red

And slammed on the breaks

Blaring my horn again, again, again

In the road

Illuminated alone

Was the woman in red

Her eyes like fire

Or was it just my headlights?

She extended her hand to me again

Pointing to the side of the road

To a billboard, looming overhead

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy,

 and blessed are those who hear

 and who keep what is written in it

for the time is near.