Almost instinctively, Daniel reached for the coffin with his other hand. He grasped the lid... thought it over a bit more... and then slowly opened it.
The coffin lid creaked as it opened. Blackie glanced back at him, curious. Daniel sweated anxiously, swallowing hard.
Finally the lid was opened completely. Daniel picked up his flashlight and hesitantly shined the light into the coffin. What he saw made his hair stand on end.
Inside the coffin rested human bones... and a human skull... and a black top hat.
“Daniel,” whispered a voice. Daniel shuttered, looked around, felt a breeze across his face.
Breathless, Daniel held firm and examined the remains. On one finger he noticed a ring. He shined his light on it, looking closer. The ring was adorned with angel wings.
Daniel suddenly SLAMMED the coffin shut. He stepped backward, terrified, trying to catch his breath. He felt like he might explode. It couldn’t be, he thought.
Regaining his composure, Daniel studied the horse and hearse intently. Then he turned away and paced back and forth, his mind racing. The horse -- it couldn’t be the same horse. That would be... impossible. Who was Thaddeus Chesterfield, he wondered? And who, at this point, was Daniel Taylor?
Daniel paused. He stared at the hearse. And then he lifted his head toward the heavens, contemplating his situation.
Finally Daniel dropped to his knees. He closed his eyes and bowed his head. The horse watched him, curious. Daniel thought about his life. His failures. His dreams. His future. And then he thought about Thaddeus Chesterfield. What had Thaddeus Chesterfield seen in that little boy’s eyes on that Halloween night so long ago? And why was Daniel so drawn to him?
After several minutes of quiet meditation, Daniel opened his eyes. The hearse was still there. Standing, he gazed at the horse and the hearse.
Daniel's expression began to change. The fear slowly evaporated. He approached the hearse and examined it with a sense of wonder. Then, after several moments, he turned and calmly walked away, disappearing behind his house.
The horse and hearse remained motionless in the driveway. All was silent.
Finally Daniel reappeared. He now carried a shovel. He confidently approached the hearse and put the shovel up on the wagon. He reached out and touched the hearse, caressing it, filled with awe.
Mulling it over, Daniel took a deep breath and carefully climbed up aboard and into the driver’s seat. The horse nodded and whinnied.
Daniel looked all around as if surprised by his own actions. Was he really doing this? Yes, he was. He was energized and determined, and now there was no turning back. He picked up the reins and glanced at Blackie.
Considering something, he set the reins back down. He jumped off the wagon and marched to the back of the hearse.
He opened the coffin and reached inside. He pulled out the black top hat, studied it intently, and then closed the lid.
Returning to the front of the hearse, Daniel climbed aboard and took the reins. Then he set the top hat onto his head, adjusting it to fit comfortably. He was pleased to find that it fit perfectly. With a peaceful expression, he picked up the reins and Blackie began to step.
The hearse now rolled and creaked down the driveway. Daniel looked all around, taking a deep breath, a newfound sense of purpose on his face. He felt -- for the first time in his adult life -- a deep peace. His destination was uncertain, but he knew this was a journey he must take.
Finally the wagon pulled out onto the road. The click-clack of horseshoes onto pavement echoed in the night air. The horse-drawn hearse -- and Daniel Taylor -- disappeared into the darkness.
THE END
About the author:
Jason K. Allen is a writer and filmmaker from Nashville, Tennessee. He is also a wilderness guide, nature photographer, and an interpretive specialist for Tennessee State Parks.
Discover other titles by Jason K. Allen:
The Dead Need Nature, Too
Sometimes They Get Hungry
The Zombie Who Liked Fred Astaire
Connect with me:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allen.jason.k
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3021924
The Horse-Drawn Hearse Page 2
