
Two nights in a row, a quick-paced scratching followed by a high-pitched scream was folded into her dreams. Morphing its purpose into fantastical scenes. Scratch, scream. Scratch, scream. Barely detectable or ear piercing – each time the same pattern: scratch, scream, scratch, scream. What does it mean? On the third night the dream escaped her mind then hovered above her. For just a moment she felt the purest peace, then the moment vanished. The cruelest fate to offer that sensation then take it from her. She may spend the rest of her life searching for that peace. And quiet.
The dream did not escape to thread itself into her covers or disappear through the cracked window, no. From her mind it flew, with grander goals: to become her puppet master, to control her physical form. Her body, no longer under the rhythm of sleep, did spring toward the heavens like a pop-up doll when the shifting entity pulled its strings. The shock and force of being pulled from one dimension into another was great. Her exhalation of breath it did take. Her eyes now open though unable to see. She knew she was not alone.
It would take a moment for her eyes to focus on the source of the breathing that wasn’t her own.
No longer floating above but standing directly across. A man whose clothes blended with the dark of the night. A contrast to his face, a powdery white. His eyes, reflective pools, enchanted and hypnotized. She could not speak or breathe. Unable to flee, she had fallen under his spell.
He plunged his sharp teeth into her exposed neck, sending bolts of fire through her, before deep sleep overtook her.

When she rose from her deep slumber the shape-shifter had shifted. Oh brother. It is going to be a long eternity…

The song, Bloodletting by Concrete Blonde found me a few days ago. Oh yeah! Thus, the inspiration for this bloody post – a haunting one that took a silly turn when writing last night. The weather has been rainy and windy – ideal vibes for a haunting write. Laughter is good anytime. Writing this post reminded me of my favorite vampire-themed books: Dracula by Irish author Bram Stoker and the All Souls Series by Deborah Harkness. 👏🏻
Thank you for visiting. Stay safe and warm out there❣️ Michele
Photos: my image, vampire #1 by ArtofPhotos, vampire #2 by Dean Drobot (color and background modified by me)
© 2023 MyInspiredLife
Haha, you made me laugh at the end! Good flash!
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Fantastic! I keep myself entertained. It’s nice to be in good company. 😁 Thank you, Priscilla!
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i am usaully not that great of a fan of the Gothic/Horror genre but I found this piece entertaining! Nice work!
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Thanks so much, Phil! Not my usual genre to dabble in but I had fun, especially with the silly ending. Thanks for joining me. 😊
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That’s a cute photo at the end! Great story 🙂
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I must agree. 😁 Eternity could look a lot worse. 😉 I am delighted! Thank you.
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You have successfully created a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere by using vivid imagery and sensory details. The dream-like quality of the scratching sound and scream creates a sense of unease and tension, which is heightened when the dream seems to take on a life of its own and control the woman’s physical form. This adds to the suspense and unpredictability of the narrative. The introduction of the mysterious man with reflective eyes adds to the overall sense of dread and fear. The story ends on a chilling note, as the woman realizes that she is now a shape-shifter with an eternal existence, suggesting that the horrors she has experienced will continue indefinitely. Excellent job. 👍👏👌😊
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Why thank you very much for the detailed summary of my haunting piece. I appreciate your engagement and comment. 😊
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You’re very welcome! Your writing really drew me in, and I found it to be thought-provoking and hauntingly beautiful. I’m glad that my summary was able to do justice to your piece. Keep up the fantastic work, and I look forward to reading more of your writing in the future. 👍👏👌😊
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Thank you kind sir!
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A bit vampy. Cool song.
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haha Yes, a bit. 🦇 I agree! I had not heard it in ages – came through my music stream. I love my vinyls but I do appreciate streaming music.
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Whoa girlfriend, this part stunned me like a taser: “He plunged his sharp teeth into her exposed neck, sending bolts of fire through her, before deep sleep overtook her.” 🧛🏻♂️😱🧛🏻♂️ Michele girlfriend, I love your altered ego! LOL 🤣😜😂 Let your imagination flow!!! 🥳🎉🤗
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Just a typical evening for me. 😂 I have a few altered states, don’t I? 🤣 Laughter – the gift that keeps giving! 😁 Thank you, Kymmy, for your spirited comment that is making me laugh and smile. 🤗 Sidenote: I can’t go outside now, given my current immortal state, but the wind is howling something fierce today!
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Oh my goodness Michele…hip hip hooray for altered egos girlfriend! I LOVE IT! 😜 We’ve had a few strong winds here today too, but pull out an umbrella and call me Mary Poppins!!! ☔☔☔ Enjoy the rest of your evening my Belle! 🌙🌵🌙
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Fly to the heavens Ms. P! ☔ After you have your spoonful of sugar, of course!
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Having that spoonful of sugar as we speak. LOL 😍🥄💖🥄🥰
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Great flash fiction. Clever ending
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Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed my story. 🧛🏻♂️
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ohhh vampires of the4 night. My kids would love this one. he’s pretty cute tho i must say! 💞
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Oh yeah! Things that go bump in the night. 🌃 That’s cool. My daughter enjoyed the Twilight series. 📚 They are both cute, I must admit. 😁 Thanks for the visit and comment, Cindy. 😊
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hahahah They all love them and it was a fun write Michele.. Always my friend! 💞
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😂🙃😂 Thank you, sweet Cindy! 💗
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You’re so welcome Michele our bell of the ball! 💞
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This makes me smile and this caught my attention ☺️
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If I can share a smile, then it has been a good day. Thanks so much, Anita. 😊
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So terrifying horror dream such Dracula Coming up and suck blood 🩸 so scary 😯
Tha photos also all vampire look , the story lines also incredible and powerful!!
Only a great Author dear you can write such a wonderful story, marvellous 👌
Grace wishes and good night to you dear friend 🌹💕🙏
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Can be a scary and suspenseful storyline, yes. 🧛🏻♂️ Thank you, Thattamma, for facing your fear and reading my story. I am grateful. 😊 You are a generous and gracious person. 🙏🏻 Have a beautiful weekend. Enjoy your gorgeous views! 🌇🤗
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Thank you so much for liking my comment message and most
Welcome 🙏 🥰🌹I long ago saw ‘Dracula rises from the grave ‘
So scary movie 🎥 Great actor Christopher Lee’s face and teeth
still I can’t forget 😳 Dreams are Coming for Her is awesome 😊
Best wishes 👏💕✌🏼beautiful dear 🥰
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I did not see that coming! Excellent write, Michele!
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haha I didn’t either! 😆 Writing is often a surprising adventure. Thank you very much, Nancy. I am grateful.
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This was entertaining, Michele, and what a clever ending. 🥰
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I am glad you were entertained, Lauren. How fun! Thank you – a surprise ending for me. Made myself laugh. 😆
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I saw the Twilight series was mentioned, which took me back to when my daughter was younger and loved those books. Your story reminded me of those too. 🤗
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My daughter was captivated! I never read them, but she sure loved them. If only she’d read her required reading with that much dedication! 😆
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Haha! I get it! 😂
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“It is going to be a long eternity…” lol 😂
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😂 Glad you caught that. Thanks, Pooja!
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My pleasure!
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This feels like what would happen if Bram Stoker’s Dracula veered into the mood and style of the What We Do In The Shadows movie. Vamptastically suckering story 🙂
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That sounds like a fantastic blending! Thank you very much! 😁
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This is soo haunting and picture perfect dear Doll. You added the exact perfection by modifying the background of those pictures. I must not watch him more 🙄🙄 he may come n disturb my sleep then 😅😅 btw brilliantly done. ❣👌
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Hope your sleep wasn’t disturbed. 🥱 I appreciate your feedback and your gracious support of my work. Thank you, sweet Suma. 🤗
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I loved Stoker’s Dracula when i was in high school. 😊
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Wonderful! I read it while I was in college. Not as an assignment, just because. 🧛🏻♂️ Thanks for stopping by.
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Attention grabber. 👏 stay safe. Please.
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It sure grabbed her! 😁 Thanks so much, Selma. Will do my best. You too and happy weekend to you. 🤗
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Oooh spooky! I love this flash fiction and the fun ending. That was such an enjoyable ride! Thank you for sharing! 🦇
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Thanks so much for reading, Samantha. I am thrilled you enjoyed it. How is your writing project coming along?
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I definitely did! I love flash fiction and always love when you share. ☺️ And it’s coming along—I finished a chapter I was working on for some time, and am slowwwly feeling ready to write another character’s chapter. I still have some plot holes to think through, but I feel committed to the direction I’m heading and am excited to see where it goes! Thank you for asking!
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Thank you. I love sharing, so it’s a win-win. 😊 Wonderful news about your manuscript progress. 👏🏻 You are most welcome. I am cheering you on!
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Gripping slow buildup riven with creeping tension, crowned with that bathos ending line that had me chuckling. 🙂 Great story, Michele! ❤
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Thank you, Tom! It was a fun write that had me laughing too. 😁
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Oh wow!!! This was good. I love me a a good Dracula movie or book.
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It was interesting. 😆🧛🏻♂️🩸 The ending surprised me, and it made me laugh. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
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The ending was surprising and different. Shape shifting reminds me of Anime films.
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I don’t watch them, but I can imagine… 😁
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my girls love Anime
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👍🏻
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Lol going to be long as hell 🤣 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 great piece!!
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😂 Thanks for laughing with me, and for enjoying my haunting turned silly story. 😁
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It was indeed and it was just perfectly paced and timed out! Honestly!! I feel like it’s those special moments when you least expect it to take a turn and in such a humorous way!
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Honestly grateful! Thank you! I understand what you mean – a surprising moment can leave us laughing.
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Aaaahh! I’m not screaming about the vampire, but about you forgetting Anne Rice 😃 Love your story, by the way!
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Ha! She is one to not be forgotten. Thank you, Conny, for including her, and for loving my story. I love that! 😁
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The beginning was so mysterious and that end so wickedly fun! Have you seen the trailer for the new Nicholas Cage vampire film? It’s called “Renfield” and it has the same energy🤣
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That was a fun write. Wickedly fun – I love that! ✨ I have not seen that trailer – I must check it out. 🧛🏻♀️ Thank you for all your time and thoughtful comments today. Greatly appreciated!
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