A SHORT STORY: Countess of the dark forest

“Cloak please,” ordered Countess Antoinette when it was time to go. Marie, her maid servant, carefully draped the heavy cloak over the Countess. Her cloak matched Phillips’ exactly – it’s one they both wore, five years earlier on the eve of his trip to Paris. She made her way to the outbuilding on the edge of their property situated in the dark forest. Upon her arrival at the cottage she kissed Philip on the cheek and remarked, “It’s quite chilly outside. Would you like some tea?” She proceeded to boil water and prepare a brew of tea for two. She placed the tea on the table before them and broken the silence again. “The rumours of war in Europe is startling...It’s a good thing you're travelling to Paris personally, to see if you can influence the outcome of the negotiations,” she continued for about an hour. Then there was a knock at the door. It was Marie, “Madam Countess, It’s time, I’ve come to accompany you to the main building, the Count needs plenty of rest for his travels in the morning.” She kissed Philip on the cheek once more and said, “Good night my love, have a safe journey. I will see you upon your return.” This is a scene that has played out each night for the last five years. Philip left for his trip five earlier but met with a fatal accident. The countess refused to accept his fate. She went into a state of deep denial. Each day reliving her last moments with Philip...in the cottage that had become his crypt.

Image Credit - Vermillionfox

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