Swing
Horror Flash Fiction
The rusted-out chain creaked rhythmically as Laura swung back and forth, holding a fluffy, pale green blanket. It was just after dawn and the playground was still quiet. Wood chips clung to her bare feet as she pushed off for another swing of the pendulum.
The last piles of snow were melting, and the warm air heralded an early spring.
“Hi Laura.”
The words landed among blades of grass where Laura couldn’t hear them, so she kept swinging.
“Let me see her.”
With a tear-stained and swollen face pounded with despair, Laura pulled aside a portion of the blanket. Her baby lay motionless in her arms. Her skin was a mottled bright pink and pale gray with deep red, crusted lips.
“She’s beautiful, Laura,” Anna said nodding, as she draped a thick sweater on Laura’s shoulders. Anna sat on the swing next to her and they were silent for some time.
“I wanted to name her Layla,” Laura finally said.
“I love that name.”
“It’s the one from that song, you know…” Laura pressed pale fingers to her forehead, struggling to remember.
“Yes. I know the one.”
Laura smiled and began rocking the baby. She pulled back the blanket to graze her finger…
