Moon dance
This was written for the Tappity-Tap challenge on the Yahoo group WipLashToo. The challenge was to write a 250-word max character portrait of your favorite Lancer character in an "end of day" setting and include no interaction with another character.
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The moon sailed high in the sky over the hacienda, bathing its rooms in silver light and deep shadows. Johnny shifted uncomfortably and opened his eyes. He was alone, to his surprise. He didn't think they were ever going to let him alone. Whenever he woke, someone was there, scolding him to lay still, stay under the blankets, or swallow more medicine.
He eased himself up, grimacing at the pain that shot up his bandaged back. He pushed the covers away and swung his legs out cautiously. The polished wooden floor was cool under his bare feet. He looked across the room to the open window longingly. He was already light-headed, just from sitting up, and he wasn't too sure he could make it this time.
"You're getting soft, Madrid," he jeered at himself, and forced himself to stand. His head swam and his knees felt like jelly, but he stumbled across the room and grabbed the windowsill as he sank onto the floor. He pillowed his aching dark head on his arms, and took a deep breath, enjoying the cool breeze on his face. A horse whinnied out in the corrals, and another answered it. The garden was full of shadows, the leaves rustling.
Johnny fought to keep his eyes open, and lost. He took another breath and let the darkness take him again. As he drifted off, he could hear heavy footsteps coming down the hall.
Whistle, June 2004