The townsfolk knew she lived there; maybe. Sometimes Mrs. Beardy, nine miles North, said she’d seen someone hanging wash. Old Frank, the property South, couldn’t say the same -he didn’t pass Monty McCrae’s place for no reason, he’d said.
Or would’ve said. Maybe.
Old Frank wasn’t into talking, especially about others’ business. Everyone felt that way: leave someone alone if he wanted.
That’s why no one, not even Angelique (formerly Mrs. Monty) McCrae, recognized the lady in red who finally left a life of shadows, walked down the dirt path to a hired car, and rode away to freedom.
©2023 Chel Owens

Written in response to Carrot Ranch‘s prompt:
January 16, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a lady shadow. Who is this person and why do they lurk in the shadows. What is the tone and setting for your story? Go where the prompt leads!
Dang, this makes me want to know more!
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99 words are all I got. 🙂
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Yes indeed I want to know more too 💜
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Me, too.
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Great story. I see you are fudging dates again.
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Whenever I can!
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I see that.
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Very intriguing.
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Thank you.
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OOh… I like this one. Very good.
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❤️ Thank you, Jules.
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🙂
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I’m thinking those shadows round there have some dark stories, but this shadowed lady is stepping into the light at last. Intriguing tale.
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❤️ Exactly my thinking.
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