Tattoo Den

Daniel entered the dim tattoo parlor with a wad of crumpled $20s. He heard this artist was the best in a 100 mile radius and he had saved for six months for this appointment.

"Be on time, or I'll cancel the appointment," came the gravelly voice over the mobile phone.

---

He was 1/2 hour early as the roar on the odd door bell announced his arrival. Behind him, the door clicked, he turned back surprised. Was he locked in?? Curtains pulled silently shut on a humming electronic rod. The parlor was dark but for a few glowing candles. Each shaped like statues or trees. The sound of water falling interspersed with a melodic ringing and gentle drum piece.

When his appointment time arrived, a small woman with greecian sandals and a brown wrap dress entered from the back. She smiled a brilliant smile of perfect white teeth. Her eyes were large and a deep green.

"Come with me."

Daniel followed the exquisite woman. They came to a chamber where a tall man sat. His hair was black as a ravens wing and his eyes almost matched.

---

"Please, take a seat. You will pay in advance. The fee is non-refundable. You will be satisfied. $1000, cash."

Daniel handed the huge pile of $20s, as he was instructed prior to bring.

"Have you chosen well?"

Daniel looked the dude up and down slowly, observing the dark rings on his fingers and a diamond in his right ear lobe.

"Yes, I have chosen well."

He pulled a photo from his pocket and passed it to the artist.

The artist studied the photo for a long moment.
He nodded and pointed to the chair.

---

Daniel sat. The room swirled as soon as the first needle pricked his skin. His head felt weightless and his mood lifted. Was he sleeping? Was the needle drugged? He smiled inwardly, he hadn't a care on this earth.

The strange melody was playing in his mind and he was walking along a beautiful gorge. Trees lush and green, birds soaring overhead and water continued to sound in his ears. He stopped when it got louder and walked in the direction of the sound.

When he arrived, he looked up at the most beautiful waterfall he'd ever seen. The water rushing down fell into a pool beneath. He wanted to stay here, so he sat. He must have drifted off to sleep because the gravelly voice of the tattoo artist broke through his mind.

---

"It's complete."

Daniel's eyes flew open. He shook his head to clear it and stared into the almost black eyes.

"I'm Raif," he said, "I hope you like the tattoo.

Daniel inspected his forearm. The tattoo was an exact replica of the photo. A pair of lavender eyes looked out from the tattoo. A cloud of auburn hair framed her face. She wore a white dress that hugged her curves and a pair of red heels. She was smiling a half smile, lips slightly parted.

Daniel looked at Raif and smiled broadly.

"Thank you!"

Raif nodded and the lovely assistant appeared to show him to the door.

---

Daniel stepped outside into the warmth and took a deep breath.

He opened the door to his Ford pickup truck. As he went to turn the key a sound of rushing water filled his ears and a thick mist entered the cab. He could see nothing and alarm rose in his heart.

"What the hell is this!"

"Hello, Daniel," a soft voice said.

He looked to the voice and looking into his face were those amazing lavender eyes. He looked at his tattoo and it was just an outline of tingling skin.

This took more than the 5 minute time! I just couldn't stop writing! I hope you don't mind.

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