The Dark Sire Issue 8 (Summer 2021) - PREVIEW | Page 13

The purser , who told me his name was Carlyle , watched me with growing concern . “ Are you feeling well ?” he finally asked . He had trouble looking away from my eyes . I think this was because my pupils are two different colors . He seemed to push himself deep into the seat cushions to make more space between us . I obliged him by moving back my own chair .
I understood . I hated to look at myself up close in the mirror . My skin was mottled and peeling . The coconut oil was very poor sunscreen . And the odor was overpowering . Maybe such unpleasantness would force him to come to the point , and I could go back on deck . Instead , his discomfort and , dare I say , his fear made him stammer and lose his thoughts . His eyes were large and watery in the darkness . His mouth moved but only sputtering noises issued from his lips .
“ I believe I know what you want ,” I offered , to speed things up . “ Other travelers are bothered by my constant reeling about deck . Is that right ?”
He nodded his head . A little drool appeared and ran to his chin .
“ I so apologize . I shall keep to one spot , out of everyone ’ s way so that I do not disturb them . Will that be satisfactory ?”
He shook his head very emphatically . I bent forward and touched his shoulder as I told him it would be done . I thought his eyes would spring from their sockets as he turned them to stare at my hand . I left him gibbering .
John Kiste is a Massillon Museum board member who was previously the president of the Stark County Convention & Visitors ’ Bureau . He is an organ donation ambassador , a McKinley Museum planetarian , and an Edgar Allan Poe impersonator . Previous publications include A Shadow of Autumn , Modern Grimoire , and Dark Fire Fiction ( among others ).
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