new story

So here is something that I am working on let me know your thoughts...

I am writing a series of books using the characters of Trinidadian mythology, namely Doeuns, La Diablesse, Soucouyant, Papa Bois, Mama D'Leau and Lagahoo. The first title in the series will focus on the doeun. For those of you not familiar, the doeun is a child that died before bing christened (baptised). This child becomes a spirit that leads young children into the woods/forest where they are lost to their families. The main characteristic of the doeun is a broad brimmed hat that covers the face and feet turned backwards meant to mislead adult followers and trick their sense of direction.

Anyway, more will be revealed shortly...

Back to the first title in the series...Here are some snippets...
* * *
The rain pelted down on the multi-coloured umbrellas as they congregated outside the temple. The fat drops mirrored the silent tears falling down the woman’s cheeks. The men carried the small body dressed in white towards the cremation site. Krishna held onto his grandmother’s hand and watched. At three years old, he did not understand what was happening and his mother’s tears could not provide any ready answers.
“Say Good bye to Ravi, you will see him again in another life.” Nani whispered to the young boy.
“Goodbye Ravi.” Krishna followed her instructions.
As the flames enveloped the body, Krishna’s mother lost her legs and fell screaming to the floor. Nani swept Krishna towards the car as the other mourners circled his mother. Looking back at her, Krishna’s confusion deepened.
“Why is Mami crying? Ravi will come back, right Nani?”
“Don’t look back Krishna. Don’t look back.”
* * *

Her father’s Toyota pulled up to the curb outside of the modest house. Aysia could not believe they had moved to Santa Domenica. She wondered if the internet got this far inland. As she got out of the car, the slight breeze carried the scent of mango and bougainvillea from the surrounding yards. The street itself was busy enough with women and children walking in the sunshine of mid morning. Everyone looked openly at the new residents to the town, assessing them at first glance. Aysia felt the judging although it was shielded behind good mornings and polite smiles.
“It will be great living here, you know, fresh air and fruit, small neighbourhood,” Her father began as he placed his arms around her shoulders.
“Glad you think so, you did not have to leave your friends behind.” Aysia sulked as she moved out of her father’s embrace.
“What you talking about? You ain’t have no friends, just weirdo Sofia.” Alex, Aysia’s twin brother laughed as he came up beside her on the street.
“Enough you two,” their mother sighed. “What do you think of your new house Maya?”
The youngest of the clan looked up at house painted green and white with its small verandah in front and smiled.
“Is that mango tree ours?” her small voice asked.
“Yes sweetie and I believe there are some other fruit trees around the back”, their father responded, glad for the encouragement.
Eyes dancing, “can we go in?” she asked moving to hold the hands of her older brother and sister.
Aysia looked down at Maya and could not help but smile. Maya was so little and full of hope. Aysia tucked one of Maya’s braids behind her ears and nodded. The family pushed open the metal gate and walked up the steps to their new home. None of them noticed the small brown face looking at them from behind their mango tree.

* * *

In the living room, Malcolm and Alex Graves spoke softly.
“Let’s try and make a good start please Alex. No more trouble ok. I don’t think your mother nor I can stand anymore. This is a new start and we won’t put up with anymore of your behaviour.”
“Sure Dad. From now on, I’ll be just like Aysia, identical.” Alex smirked.
“Cut the sarcasm Alex, I mean it. This is your last chance. So buck up.”
“Okay dad. I’ll head to bed, early morning and all. Night mom.” Alex sauntered to bed as Camille walked in to the living room.
“Good Night Alex, we love you, you know.”
“I know Mom.”
Hugging Malcolm, Camille wondered if they made the right decision. She could feel the unhappiness coming from Alex and Aysia and the worry from Maya. But the decision was made and it was for the best, for all of them.
As the lights slowly turned out through the Graves home, the scurry of little feet rushed through the yard to the dense cluster of trees to the back of the house leading to the forest. One pair of feet stopped at Maya’s bedroom window to look at the sleeping girl. When called from the edge of the yard, the small brown face frowned before following his siblings.

There they are....please share....
Trinimummy