À Votre Santé
based on a prompt
The mist grazed across Adam like a stray cat in need of a friend. The ground was disguised so that it looked as though he were walking through clouds, only sure there was ground with the wet pulpy squishes of the dew-ridden grass. There was no sky, only darkness. The once peaceful aroma of the pine trees was now rather disturbing as they rot. Adam suddenly found himself outside an awe-inspiring ornate edifice. “Jardin Des Âmes” read the wooden sign. His curiosity getting the better of his other senses, he pushed the heavy wooden door open, slamming back closed once he cleared the doors' expanse. It was darker here than outside, as well as significantly warmer.
He stepped slowly and methodically using the wall to his immediate right to guide him further. Faint whispers grew in volume the more he went on. Whispers swelling larger and larger past unbearability and sickening. Adam continued blindly stumbling forward, bolstering himself against the wall, their gaudy carving digging into his shoulder he dragged himself further and further, whispering now deafening cries of such terrible agony. Then the noises stopped completely.
He finally saw light. A candle lit in the middle of a table for two. beautifully set with silverware, fine china, napkins folded. In one seat sat a strange kind of doll. Clearly handmade, with its face full of stitches, two giant black eyes and a cartoonish smile painted on. Adam just stood there. A mechanical voice emanating from the doll, “Sit.”
“W-what?” muttered Adam. “Sit.” said the voice in the same intonation, like a recording. Adam gave in to the doll’s requests and took the seat opposite. He suddenly realized he was wearing a suit, very formal. “ Napkin.” emanated from the doll. “Hm? Oh yes.” Adam unfolded the paper swan into a flat sheet which he rest upon his lap as is proper. “Eat.” commanded the voice. Adam studied the metal plate cover in front of him, decorated with golden swirls around the base and a crystal handle atop, piping hot to the touch. He pulled the cover off and was met with a bombardment of steam.
He looked at the food, lamb, bean stew, some sort of fish sauce. His stomach suddenly panged with hunger with such lucid intensity, but he was careful to not let it get the better of his civility. Then better than civility, came back the curiosity. “May I ask why I am here. I mean it seems obvious my company was expected but, for what purpose I mean.” asked Adam. “You… come far… for… answers.” spoke the doll.
“And you have them?” asked Adam. “Yes,.” answered the doll, “We… know… what lies… beyond.” “You mean the afterlife?” asked Adam. “There is… Hell.” spoke the voice. “What of Heaven?” asked Adam. There was a pause. “Yes.” spoke the voice. “You know where I will go?” he asked. “Uncertain… for now.” spoke the voice. He was almost retorted with another question again and meditated over the implication of either answer. “Meaning I’m not a good person,” said Adam. “Future… may be… better… or worse.” spoke the doll. “Your… choice.”
His mind became a flurry of emotions, none cement enough to form questions. He was ashamed of himself. The ability to answer any question possible, and he was at a loss for words. He focused his attention on the meal, he ate quickly but still civil, proper forks and spoons and all. Nearly three quarters of the meal was eaten but the hunger still persisted, stronger than before. His gaze fell upon another dish covered up. “What’s that?” he asked. “Dessert.” spoke the voice. “You.. must not… eat.” “Why not, I’m still starving.” said Adam ""You.. must not… eat.”spoke the voice, same intonation like a recording. “Alright, I need to use the restroom,” said Adam as he rose to his feet. Suddenly another candle came to life illuminating a sign directing towards the men’s room. Adam walked in and turned on the sink, splashing his face, watching in the mirror as the water fell down his face.
He walked back out and found a different partner sitting across the table. A beautiful woman in a red dress. He sat down opposite her. “Where’s the doll?” he asked. The woman was eating the dessert. “Bon et Mauvais. That's what it's called. Really sweet” she said. She gestured the fork toward Adam. “You want a bite.” she asked. “You're not supposed to eat it.” said Adam. “But why, to keep us hungry, aren’t you hungry.” she asked. His stomach began to rumble fiercely. “There’s another doll, not button eyes though. Painted on, looks like a snake. The doll said they want us hungry and ignorant. So I ask again." She then held the fork in front of his face like she was trying to feed him. “Are you hungry?”
Adam hesitantly opened his mouth and accepted the dessert. It indeed was sweet, enlightlingly so. His eyes closed to focus only on the taste. When he opened his eyes again, he suddenly realized the woman was completely naked. “Wh-Where’s your dress?” asked Adam. “There never was a dress… or a suit.” He looked down to find himself just as cloth-less. “YOU…MUST… LEAVE!” the voice boomed like never before, the voices growing deafening again, every candle boomed and started burning blindingly bright. Adam and the Woman ran for the exit collapsing on the ground just outside.
Adam picked himself up and looked behind him only to find the restaurant was gone. Him and the woman looked at each other. Something caught her eyes behind Adam. “Look, the eyes.” she shouted. He turned to see growing snake eyes peeking from the trees, laughing. Then retreating into the thick of the forest, laughter dying all the while. They stared in disbelief as they’re stomachs began to rumble again. She clang to Adam, breathing heavily, whispering, “He tricked me.”