THE PAINTING
It all started when I went in search for a present for my wife’s birthday. Seeing that she was an artist, I decided to surprise her with a painting ,so I went into an art store in Kensington that fateful day.
At the art store, I was shown several paintings. When I was alone, I heard a soft voice saying “Buy me, Master, buy me !” the voice was so compelling that I turned to look in the direction the pleading voice was coming from, and looked into the pleading eyes of a full breasted, brown skinned woman carrying a basket full of fruits on her head. The painting was entitled “the Slave Girl”. It was so detailed that I even saw a snake-handled knife protruding amidst the fruits. Of course, I thought I was going nuts- a voice from a painting? However, it was so realistic. I bought it. I could have sworn that her smile widened at the purchase. But then I put that down to my overwrought imagination.
At home, I took down the old landscape painting that hung over the fire place for decades and replaced it with the new painting.I stepped back and ad mired it at a distance. It was so realistic, so beautiful, that for a moment I thought that she was alive, believe me.
I figured that as the wife was out shopping, this should be a big surprise for her when she returned ,or so I thought. I then retired to my couch turned on the TV and waited for her return.
About an hour or so later, I heard her car pulled into the drive way and her voice saying “Henry, could you come and help me with the bags, please!” I got up immediately and went to the car, give her a welcome kiss to which she said , “My, aren’t we in a good mood today” I then took out the groceries bags and we both headed for the kitchen door adjoining the garage.
In the kitchen,after setting down the bags I placed my hands over her eyes and said ,” I’ve got a wonderful gift for you !’ I put my hands over her eyes
She smiled and said playfully,”Oh,Henry, why don’t you grow up!”. I then steered her into the living room in front of the painting, removed my hands and cried out “Happy Birthday, Honey!” expecting her to cry out for joy, but to my surprise, instead shelooked at it and cried, ”Take it away,! Take it away NOW!” she screamed.
To say the least, I was stunned at her reaction and. I couldn’t figure it out!
“But, but, Honey " I stammered. " I,I thought that you would like it “
Her voice became shrilled “Take it away, Henry , take that damn thing out of the house right now!” Confused, I turned and looked at the painting and could’nt believe my eyes- the face had been transformed from a face of beauty into a mask of hate! Her eyes blazed in fury.Stunned, I stood rooted on the spot, thatI had’nt noticed that my wife had gone into the kitchen and returned with a huge kitchen knife and she was rushing towards the painting. I rushed over to try to grab her hand to stop her , then something struck me and I blacked out.
When I regained consciousness, the place was dark, all in a mess,. every thing was upturned as if a hurricane had passed through. My first thought was my wife. I then called out frantically“ Helen !, Helen,! where are you? “ I cried desperatelly
Silence
I became quite alarmed,of course, then I glanced at the painting and recoiled in shock and horror. Th background of huts and trees were there but the girl was missing !
I couldn't believe what I was seeing,
“Was I going mad ?”,I wondered,” Was this all a dream?” It was then that I heard a soft moaning coming from a far side of the room, and my blood ran cold , a shiver ran down my spine, as I saw my wife slumped over in a corner, the snake handle knife from the painting embe dded in her chest ,which was all spattered with blood! I sprung up and rushed over to her .my heart pounding in my chest" Helen, Helen, what happened my mind was now in a twirl it was then I heard a voice behind me.. I turned slowly and saw to my horror and disbelief. The girl from the painting came towrds me, her bloody hands upraised
"Mine !",she cried in a raspy voice” Now ,you are all mine!”
The End
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