"The Woman" By Alysha S

 

The year was 2017, the month of August.  The month of heat, pool parties, and long nights under the stars. The day started off as usual, the smell of fresh coffee lingering through the morning air, while the radio talk shows gave relationship advice to desperate adults. Monet had a few errands to run, so she hopped in her little black car and drove to the neighborhood shopping market. Everything was going fine, until she saw something in the corner of her eye. She wasn’t sure exactly what she had just seen, but it was definitely a human figure. Monet continued to fulfill her shopping list, but she couldn’t help but be distracted by the thought of the mysterious figure. She wondered if anyone else had seen it. Instead of overthinking, she decided not to worry and just kept shopping instead. The day carried on peacefully, free from distractions, until she caught a glimpse of the same figure in her rearview mirror as she drove home. This time she managed to pay close attention. The figure was undoubtedly a woman. A tall woman with sleek black hair and long legs that carried her body about so swiftly. The woman didn’t look lost. She seemed to have a purpose, but what was it? Monet became more confused as ever. Was she being followed? Who is this woman? Obviously a bit more worried now, Monet pulled into her driveway. Once she got inside she began to write in her little black diary, painting the pages with every detail she saw today about this woman, piecing together all of her thoughts and ideas until she finally gave up. Monet was in the need for inspiration, so she grabbed her little black jacket and drove to the top of the hill at the end of the road. She parked and just sat back, being mesmerized by the beautiful view. Every night of August, around 5:45 pm, the sun starts to set along the horizon of the busy city. The enormous ball of fire begins to change to hues of red, and then almost pink. The colors merge with the sky, like cotton candy and everything sweet. Monet was happy and at ease, as she blushed at the warmth of the setting sun. She watched in amazement, but snapped back into reality. Monet knew there was something off. She turned around and standing in the middle of the street behind her car was the same woman, but this time Monet could clearly see her face. The woman was beautiful, exotic, and looked so wonderfully happy. She had a glow to her that shined brighter than any star in the August night sky. Monet stared into the woman’s little black eyes and warm, salty tears instantly flooded Monet’s face. She couldn’t help but let out a small giggle and a cheesy smirk. She had always prayed about this moment. She had been awaiting the day she would be given her guardian angel. This day in August was the one year anniversary of her mother’s death...