Week of 4/24/23 Story

Week of 4/24/2023

Nevermore

Winifred Lace has Been Replaced

“Who has a birthday party at Cursed Cobweb’s?” Fran asked.

“If anyone would do it, it would be Clarice.” Peter pointed out. Winnie said nothing, just staring at the tall, rickety black building that was the Nevermore Antique Shop and Emporium of Horrors.

“What’s Cursed Cobweb?” Melissa Lou asked. She was new to the group, and to the town of Fristoll.

“She’s a witch!” Little Batey declared through a mouthful of chocolate.

“Oh be quiet Bates. She’s not a witch. She just lives in an emporium full of creepy old stuff because she hates everyone.” Fran scolded, giving her little brother a little slap on the back.

“Sure sounds like a witch to me!” Little Batey mumbled.

“Well Little Batey’s right. She has a personal vendetta against everyone in the town, but especially Winnie.” Peter said.

“Why is that?” Melissa Lou asked, a little frightened.

“Some 20 years ago, she got framed for Clarice’s older brother’s murder, but really it was some psychopath. The whole town was on the stepmother’s side, and Winnie’s mom Miss Lace was the judge. She was really upset with everyone when she got out, even though most people did apologize. It was even worse when they figured out that Miss Lace was in league with the psychopath guy. Cursed Cobweb always said ‘I wouldn’t mind 20 years in jail, but I did nothing to deserve it’” Peter explained.

“Really? Well, I must say, things like that never happened in my old town.” Melissa Lou said disapprovingly.

“Must have been awfully boring there.” Little Batey said, showing off his snaggletoothed smile. Melissa Lou scoffed.

“Why is she called Cursed Cobweb if she never even killed anyone?” she asked, tossing her hair.

“That’s because of the Emporium of Horrors. They say everything in there is cursed. Cursed food, cursed chairs, cursed vases, mirrors, everything. I’m glad the party will just be in the antique shop area.” Fran said. Melissa Lou gave Fran an odd look.

“You don’t think she’ll try to curse us, do you? After all… we’re coming in with Winnie.” Melissa Lou said, glancing at Winnie, who had remained silent throughout the conversation. She edged away from her, and corners of her mouth edged down disdainfully.

“Of course not. Only a fool would believe in curses.” Peter said firmly. “Now let’s go”

They entered the shop, and a bell jingled faintly as they swung open the door. Bright yellow balloons covered every surface of the eerie antique shop. The banner and cake looked out of place amongst the dusty collections of knick-knacks and old records. A phonograph played an off-key version of Happy Birthday. Clarice was in the center of it all, smiling happily, and chattering with other guests. When they came in, she smiled extra bright, and her cobalt eyes almost seemed to glitter. Her light blue satin dress hung just above her ankles, and her hair was tied up with a black velvet ribbon. She smiled widely and ran over and hugged Winnie.

“I’m so glad you’re here!” she squealed. Winnie stiffened, and Clarice’s smile grew wider, revealing pearly white teeth.

“Hello… Clarice. To be honest, I’m surprised you invited me.” Winnie said, shifting around awkwardly. “Why wouldn’t I! I wouldn’t pass up the perfect opportunity to say goodbye.” Clarice said, grinning. Winnie gave her an odd look. “Since you’re moving to Ledonville of course! Maisie Dell told me.”

“Oh… of course.” Winnie said, relieved. She didn’t believe in curses… but there was something deeply wrong with the Emporium of Horrors. She wasn’t sure Clarice really forgave her for what had happened either. She was glad she was moving to Ledonville soon, to get away from the nasty looks and accusing glares. Suddenly Cursed Cobweb strolled over to her. Her skin was pale and sallow, and she looked gaunt and frail. Dark circles ringed her midnight eyes. Raven black hair wreathed her face, which was adorned with a happy smile. Winnie shuddered. She had never seen Cursed Cobweb smile.

“Cheer up Winnie! It’s my birthday. I can’t have you moping about. Do you want to go in the back and watch the food preparations?” Clarice asked. Cursed Cobweb glared at Winnie, daring her to refuse. “O-okay” Winnie said. She glanced at Peter and Fran, begging for them to notice her. Melissa Lou looked up from her bowl of snacks, but lowered her gaze when she saw Winnie being led off. Winnie entered the makeshift kitchen, watching Cobweb juggle pots and pans. She seemed to be able to hold an infinite amount, and for a second, Winnie wondered if they were cursed. She shook her head. The Emporium was creepy, but everything was fake.

“Winnie, could you cut those sandwiches? Triangles please.” Clarice asked sweetly. Winnie nodded cautiously, walking over to a pile of sandwiches. She couldn’t help but wonder if they’d poison her when she touched them. She glanced at the knife. It was old, but sharp. Thin vines were carved onto the handles, along with the words Oblitus Cultro. She shivered, and picked it up carefully. She was careful not to touch the sandwiches while she cut them. She sighed loudly when she was done.

“Wonderful!” Clarice beamed, picking up a sandwich and popping it into her mouth. Winnie froze in horror, but nothing happened. “Good job Winnie! Now go enjoy the party.”

Winnie spent most of the party wandering around, careful not to touch anything. She couldn’t help the sinking feeling that something was deeply wrong. Peter and Fran tried to get her to join in on the festivities, but she ignored them, standing off to the side. Eventually, they gave up.

“Lunch is here!” Cursed Cobweb announced. She brought out the stack of sandwiches that Winnie had so painstakingly cut into perfect triangles. Clarice passed around little black plastic dishes, complete with fake cobwebs in the corner.

“Sorry, these are all leftovers from the shop’s grand opening about a hundred years ago.” Clarice said.

“Nevermore’s that old?” Maisie Dell asked, examining the plastic plate.

“My great-grandfather founded it.” Cursed Cobweb replied, handing Winnie a plate. “He had an affinity for the paranormal.” Winnie tuned out, putting a sandwich on the plate. She placed it on the plate, glancing around. She had been so unnecessarily worried about curses and revenge. Clarice really did just want to invite her to her birthday. Her worry seemed silly now. She picked up her plate, examining the fake cobwebs. The thin white strands seemed almost real, but that was probably because they were so worn with age. It felt a little heavier than plastic should be, and somehow it seemed smooth and glossy, like stone. An inscription was carved on the back.

“Indignus catino…” Winnie murmured. “Maisie, can I see your plate?” Maisie handed over her plate, looking confused. Winnie examined them both. They were identical, but hers was a little colder, a little heavier, and a little more real. She flipped Maisie’s over to see that the same words were inscribed on hers.

“Can I have that back now?” Maisie asked, annoyed. Winnie nodded and handed it over. Everything at Nevermore was creepy and weird. She was just overreacting. She’d been holding the plate for a while now. If anything would be poisoned or cursed it would be… the sandwich. But she had watched Clarice eat it, and had cut it herself. It would be fine...

She brought the sandwich to her mouth, taking a second bite and a jolt of pain shot through her. Her hand began to disintegrate, dissolving into a dust-like substance. She gasped in fear, looking around. Clarice met her eyes, and shrugged, smiling. Cursed Cobweb swooped in and picked up her plate.

“If you’ll excuse me Miss Lace, I’ll be needing that.” she said, her malevolent smile wide and empty, eyes sparkling.

“Hey- where did Winnie Lace go?” Melissa Lou asked, glancing around as if something was missing. “Whose Winnie Lace?” Peter asked, looking confused.

“I-I can’t quite remember. How odd.” Melissa Lou said.

“Judge Lace never had any relatives. Maybe that’s why she teamed up with that murderer. Must have been pretty lonely in that big house.” Fran said.

“Yippity doodle,” Little Batey agreed.

Winnie looked around frantically. She screamed, and some of the guests turned in her direction, before turning back to their conversations. It was like she was invisible.

“Did you really think I would let you leave without revenge?” Clarice hissed in her ear.

It was never the food.

It was the plate. Winnie stumbled backward, her eyes widening in fear, but she was already disintegrating.

“20 years in jail…and now at least I deserve it.”