it wasn’t so much the summoning circle that irked her
but more the clanging of the iron stake around her neck –
it’s not for him, it’s for his neighbors
explaining away the raised eyebrows –
the raincoat staved off the rain but not the cold,
but today it didn’t bother her
as the life before her was renewed
and she sat eye to eye with the patriarch once more
hey dad
he wasn’t surprised so much as curious
understandably worried
arguably calm
childishly excited?
I never wanted this for you
you were to be happy, not ravenous –
at least tell me that she makes you happy?
she often forgot the dead knew everything
if the bond is strong enough –
I am alive
it was enough;
he seemed pleased, and gave her his blessing
and she knew that going forward,
she could leave everything else behind –
just loose ends now
Prompt: Chop