copyright – Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
The Family Tree
The tree’s ancient limbs branch out like roads to several different worlds.
It is, in a way, a birthright… the way to the promised place.
“You found them yet?” I’d ask Mutt every day.
My brother would shake his head, gangrenous tongue hanging from his mangled jaw.
Then he’d crawl back up, trying a new route… disappearing within the tree’s barbaric upside-down beard.
“I found it.” Mutt’s perpetually decomposing head sprouts from the tangles. “Ma and Pa were there.”
My turn.
I grab the rope—same one that Ma, Pa and Mutt used– and slip my head into the noose.
HAVE A GREAT 2014 everyone 🙂 I’ve gotten so used to the holidays and I’m having a hard time letting go. lol 🙂
PPS. with the picture, i know how easy it is to mistake Mutt for a dog so i made a couple of edits since posting this story xo 🙂
The Eclectic Eccentric 
Dear KZ,
Now there’s a unique take. A Zombie dog. Poor little decomposing beast. A twisted, yet well written story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
thank you. and happy new year 🙂
Oh you can do horror stories of the sweetest little picture… what a great idea, and the title is great.
What magic you have in here, and desperation, too… the line “a place free from pain” made me wonder about what these characters have had to endure (and the gangrenous tongue and decomposing head drop sad clues on our heads). A riveting story — and I was relieved there’s hope at the end.
You continue your unfathomably bizarre ways into the new year. Oh, my throbbing head!
Sometimes I worry about you kz 🙂
(joking)
Brilliantly clever as usual.
haha im in the horror zone right now. i can’t seem to step out of it 🙂 i hope you have a wonderful 2014 filled with more adventures 🙂
Happy New Year to you too!
you’ve done it again. truly, an eclectic eccentric story.
I remember you like to share the marcabe. Well written. Happy New Year.
Ah, a story after my own heart. What that you were a bit older, or me younger, or maybe both! 🙂
Scott
Mine: http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2014/01/02/friday-fictioneers-blasted-from-the-past-carolyns-adventures-r-1314/
You’re certainly treading on the dark side right now! Full marks for a very out-of-the-ordinary story.
Amazing as always. Such an different way of looking at that picture. Loved it.
That’s what happens when hangs out together. A very cleverly written little tale.
Wishing you the best for 2014.
that should have read “when a family hangs out together”
I need to start proofreading before clicking submit. 😦
Ooh, dark and clever, as ever!
Always good when a family hangs together.
janet
Your stories always rock me, KZ. Amazing how your mind works. I think I’d love to share a coffee with you, and see where your head takes us. 😉 Happy New Year, indeed.
You never disappoint. Great stuff.
wow.
thank you 🙂 have a great 2014
Horrible! (I think that’s what you were going for, though).