The Lions' Share
by Greg Michaelson
Genre: Horror/Supernatural
Swearwords: None.
Description: New house. Old problems. Guardian lions prove more than decorative...
_____________________________________________________________________
Viv parked the car behind the removal van and walked up the path between the rows of cardboard boxes.
“Hello?” he called at the open front door.
“Hang on!” shouted Liz, from somewhere inside.
Viv stood at the doorway and looked around. The flat was on the ground floor of a tenement, with a small, well tended, private front garden; a main-door, as the Scots would have it.
Liz came out to join him, an empty box in each hand.
“Let me,” said Viv, taking the boxes from her and placing them to one side. “How’s it going?”
“Thanks!” said Liz. “Almost there!”
“Come here!” said Viv, opening his arms.
They hugged for slightly too long.
“Is this going to work?” said Viv, as they separated.
“I think so,” said Liz. “I hope so. So long as the kids settle.”
“Where are they?” said Viv.
“With their father,” said Liz.
“Aye well,” said Viv. “Anyway, I’ve brought you a house warming present. Come and have a look.”
“How exciting!” said Liz. “You shouldn’t have!”
They went back down the path to the car.
“Here!” said Viv, opening the tailgate.
Two large stone lions peered out of the boot.
“They’re magnificent!” said Liz “Thank you! Where did you find them?”
“They’re really from Will,” said Viv, hoisting the first lion out of the car. “It’s a sad story. A friend of his died quite suddenly. So Will rescued the lions from outside the house before it was sold. He said he thought I’d like them.
“That was most brotherly!” said Liz. “Are you sure you can spare them?”
“Och yes,” said Viv, wrestling the second lion onto the pavement. “Sally says we’ve nowhere to put them. Anyway, I thought they’d look good on either side of your front door, if that suits you.”
“Great idea!” said Liz.
They carried the lions up to the house.
“Where do they go?” said Liz.
“Facing outwards,” said Viv, putting his lion down to the left of the door. “This one goes here. And yours on the other side.”
“Why?” said Liz, placing her lion to the right.
“It’s the Chinese tradition,” said Viv. “This one’s got a cub so she’s the female. She protects the household. The other’s holding a ball so he’s the male. He protects the building.”
“How do you know that?” asked Liz.
“Maybe it’s in the genes,” said Viv, self-mocking. “Maybe I’m just very clever.”
“You certainly are!” said Liz, hugging him again.
*
Viv was driving off as James came running up the road.
“Mummy! Mummy!” he shouted. “Look what daddy’s got us!”
Liz stood at the gate, hands on hips.
“What is it this time?” she asked, warily. “Where’s Katie?”
“Don’t be like that!” said Ian, joining them. “She’s just coming.”
“You’re awfully early,” said Liz. “You said they’d be with you ‘til five.”
“They were so excited about the new flat,” said Ian. “And I’ve got to be somewhere later on.”
“Oh yes,” said Liz. “Nothing’s changed, has it.”
“Don’t be like that,” said Ian, again. “Can’t I have a look round?”
“No,” said Liz. “Not ’til we’re settled.”
Round the corner came a small poodle, leashed to a somewhat larger girl.
“Look mum! Look” shouted Katie.
“No Ian!” said Liz. “Not a dog!”
“It’s for them,” said Ian. “They always said they wanted a puppy.”
“It’s not coming in here!” said Liz. “You know how they make me sneeze.”
“Don’t be such a spoil sport!” said Ian. “It’s a lovely dog!”
“It’s staying with you!” said Liz. “Come on kids. You can help unpack. Katie, give your father the dog.”
“Must I?” said Katie.
“Yes!” said Liz.
Katie handed the dog’s lead to Ian.
“What are those?” she said, turning and pointing at the lions.
“I don’t like them!” said James, standing close to his father. “They’re scary!”
Katie squatted down in front of the female lion. Reaching out a hand to stroke the cub’s head, she started and then laughed.
“What’s so funny?” said Liz.
“The lion!” said Katie. “It winked at me! And the cub purred!”
“Don’t be silly, Katie!” said Ian.
“I don’t like them!” said James, starting to cry.
“They’re just stone,” said Liz, reaching down and cuddling him. “There’s nothing to be scared of.”
“I think they’re friendly,” said Katie. “They’re watching over the house. Where did they come from, mum?”
“They’re from Viv,” said Liz.
“He didn’t take any time, did he!” said Ian. “I bet you let him look round.”
“I think it’s time you went,” said Liz, firmly.
*
“Mum...” said Katie, standing in the bedroom doorway.
“What’s wrong?” said Liz, sitting up in bed.
“It’s James,” said Katie. “I think he’s wet the bed. Again.”
“Poor wee scone!” said Liz. “It’s all a bit strange for him.”
Liz got out of bed and crossed the hall to the children’s room. James was sitting on the bottom bunk, sobbing quietly.
“I don’t like it here!” said James. “It’s horrid. I want to go home.”
“Oh James,” said Liz. “It’s all right. Really.”
“It’s the lions,” said James. “I woke up and they were sitting at the end of the bed. Katie was talking to them.”
“No she wasn’t,” said Liz. “It was just a bad dream.”
“Yes I was!” said Katie. “Honestly mum!”
“Stop it Katie!” said Liz. “Right now! Come on James.. Let’s get you cleaned up.”
*
“So how’s it going?” said Viv, sitting down at the kitchen table.
“It’s hard,” said Liz. “Cup of tea?”
“Yes please,” said Viv. “No kids?”
“They’re with Ian,” said Liz, filling the kettle. “They’ll be back soon.”
“How are they?” said Viv.
“Katie’s all right,” said Liz, spooning Assam into the tea pot.
“She’s a survivor,” said Viv. “Like her mum. And James?”
“He’s really unhappy,” said Liz. “He misses his father. God knows why.”
“He probably misses his family,” said Viv. “I hated it when my parents split up. Where are the mugs?”
“In the cupboard over the sink,” said Liz.
There was a loud noise from the far end of the hall.
“What’s going on?” called Liz, opening the front door.
The dog jumped up and down, yelping loudly, as Ian manhandled the lions into the hedge. Awestruck, James and Katie stood stock still.
“What on earth are you up to?” said Liz.
“It’s these bloody lions!” said Ian. “They’re really freaking James out! He won’t stop talking about them! They’ve got to go!”
“I don’t think that’s your decision,” said Viv quietly, standing beside Liz.
“And it’s yours, is it?” shouted Ian. “You brought the damned things here! I hope you’re pleased with yourself.”
“Come on Ian!” said Liz. “We can’t go on like this. Let’s try and calm things down a bit. James, go inside. Katie. Tie up the dog, why don’t you. Viv’s just leaving, aren’t you Viv. Come on Ian. Come and look at the flat. I was just making tea.”
“I’ll put the lions back,” said Viv.
“No,” said Liz. “Just leave them please.”
*
“Right,” said Ian, getting up. “That’s all settled then. We’ve made a plan. Let’s try and stick to it.”
“Yes,” said Liz, doubtfully. “Let’s try.”
“What about the lions?” said Ian.
“They can stay where you left them for now,” said Liz. “I’ll ask Viv to take them away if that’ll make everyone happy. What about the dog?”
“I think I’ll keep it,” said Ian. “The kids do seem to like it.”
“No we don’t,” said Katie, quietly.
“I’d better be going,” said Ian. “I’ve got to be somewhere.”
“Right,” said Liz.
They walked together down the hall. Ian opened the front door and looked around.
“Where’s the dog?” he asked Katie.
“I don’t know,” said Katie, anxiously, pushing past him. “I tied its lead round the door handle. Really tight. Just like you showed me.”
“Well it’s not there now,” said Ian. “I hope it hasn’t run off. You and James had better go and find it!”
“Look!” said James. “Look! The lions are back!”
The lions stood on either side of the path, facing inwards. At the base of the male lion lay the dog’s collar. Blood dripped from the cub’s jaws.
Swearwords: None.
Description: New house. Old problems. Guardian lions prove more than decorative...
_____________________________________________________________________
Viv parked the car behind the removal van and walked up the path between the rows of cardboard boxes.
“Hello?” he called at the open front door.
“Hang on!” shouted Liz, from somewhere inside.
Viv stood at the doorway and looked around. The flat was on the ground floor of a tenement, with a small, well tended, private front garden; a main-door, as the Scots would have it.
Liz came out to join him, an empty box in each hand.
“Let me,” said Viv, taking the boxes from her and placing them to one side. “How’s it going?”
“Thanks!” said Liz. “Almost there!”
“Come here!” said Viv, opening his arms.
They hugged for slightly too long.
“Is this going to work?” said Viv, as they separated.
“I think so,” said Liz. “I hope so. So long as the kids settle.”
“Where are they?” said Viv.
“With their father,” said Liz.
“Aye well,” said Viv. “Anyway, I’ve brought you a house warming present. Come and have a look.”
“How exciting!” said Liz. “You shouldn’t have!”
They went back down the path to the car.
“Here!” said Viv, opening the tailgate.
Two large stone lions peered out of the boot.
“They’re magnificent!” said Liz “Thank you! Where did you find them?”
“They’re really from Will,” said Viv, hoisting the first lion out of the car. “It’s a sad story. A friend of his died quite suddenly. So Will rescued the lions from outside the house before it was sold. He said he thought I’d like them.
“That was most brotherly!” said Liz. “Are you sure you can spare them?”
“Och yes,” said Viv, wrestling the second lion onto the pavement. “Sally says we’ve nowhere to put them. Anyway, I thought they’d look good on either side of your front door, if that suits you.”
“Great idea!” said Liz.
They carried the lions up to the house.
“Where do they go?” said Liz.
“Facing outwards,” said Viv, putting his lion down to the left of the door. “This one goes here. And yours on the other side.”
“Why?” said Liz, placing her lion to the right.
“It’s the Chinese tradition,” said Viv. “This one’s got a cub so she’s the female. She protects the household. The other’s holding a ball so he’s the male. He protects the building.”
“How do you know that?” asked Liz.
“Maybe it’s in the genes,” said Viv, self-mocking. “Maybe I’m just very clever.”
“You certainly are!” said Liz, hugging him again.
*
Viv was driving off as James came running up the road.
“Mummy! Mummy!” he shouted. “Look what daddy’s got us!”
Liz stood at the gate, hands on hips.
“What is it this time?” she asked, warily. “Where’s Katie?”
“Don’t be like that!” said Ian, joining them. “She’s just coming.”
“You’re awfully early,” said Liz. “You said they’d be with you ‘til five.”
“They were so excited about the new flat,” said Ian. “And I’ve got to be somewhere later on.”
“Oh yes,” said Liz. “Nothing’s changed, has it.”
“Don’t be like that,” said Ian, again. “Can’t I have a look round?”
“No,” said Liz. “Not ’til we’re settled.”
Round the corner came a small poodle, leashed to a somewhat larger girl.
“Look mum! Look” shouted Katie.
“No Ian!” said Liz. “Not a dog!”
“It’s for them,” said Ian. “They always said they wanted a puppy.”
“It’s not coming in here!” said Liz. “You know how they make me sneeze.”
“Don’t be such a spoil sport!” said Ian. “It’s a lovely dog!”
“It’s staying with you!” said Liz. “Come on kids. You can help unpack. Katie, give your father the dog.”
“Must I?” said Katie.
“Yes!” said Liz.
Katie handed the dog’s lead to Ian.
“What are those?” she said, turning and pointing at the lions.
“I don’t like them!” said James, standing close to his father. “They’re scary!”
Katie squatted down in front of the female lion. Reaching out a hand to stroke the cub’s head, she started and then laughed.
“What’s so funny?” said Liz.
“The lion!” said Katie. “It winked at me! And the cub purred!”
“Don’t be silly, Katie!” said Ian.
“I don’t like them!” said James, starting to cry.
“They’re just stone,” said Liz, reaching down and cuddling him. “There’s nothing to be scared of.”
“I think they’re friendly,” said Katie. “They’re watching over the house. Where did they come from, mum?”
“They’re from Viv,” said Liz.
“He didn’t take any time, did he!” said Ian. “I bet you let him look round.”
“I think it’s time you went,” said Liz, firmly.
*
“Mum...” said Katie, standing in the bedroom doorway.
“What’s wrong?” said Liz, sitting up in bed.
“It’s James,” said Katie. “I think he’s wet the bed. Again.”
“Poor wee scone!” said Liz. “It’s all a bit strange for him.”
Liz got out of bed and crossed the hall to the children’s room. James was sitting on the bottom bunk, sobbing quietly.
“I don’t like it here!” said James. “It’s horrid. I want to go home.”
“Oh James,” said Liz. “It’s all right. Really.”
“It’s the lions,” said James. “I woke up and they were sitting at the end of the bed. Katie was talking to them.”
“No she wasn’t,” said Liz. “It was just a bad dream.”
“Yes I was!” said Katie. “Honestly mum!”
“Stop it Katie!” said Liz. “Right now! Come on James.. Let’s get you cleaned up.”
*
“So how’s it going?” said Viv, sitting down at the kitchen table.
“It’s hard,” said Liz. “Cup of tea?”
“Yes please,” said Viv. “No kids?”
“They’re with Ian,” said Liz, filling the kettle. “They’ll be back soon.”
“How are they?” said Viv.
“Katie’s all right,” said Liz, spooning Assam into the tea pot.
“She’s a survivor,” said Viv. “Like her mum. And James?”
“He’s really unhappy,” said Liz. “He misses his father. God knows why.”
“He probably misses his family,” said Viv. “I hated it when my parents split up. Where are the mugs?”
“In the cupboard over the sink,” said Liz.
There was a loud noise from the far end of the hall.
“What’s going on?” called Liz, opening the front door.
The dog jumped up and down, yelping loudly, as Ian manhandled the lions into the hedge. Awestruck, James and Katie stood stock still.
“What on earth are you up to?” said Liz.
“It’s these bloody lions!” said Ian. “They’re really freaking James out! He won’t stop talking about them! They’ve got to go!”
“I don’t think that’s your decision,” said Viv quietly, standing beside Liz.
“And it’s yours, is it?” shouted Ian. “You brought the damned things here! I hope you’re pleased with yourself.”
“Come on Ian!” said Liz. “We can’t go on like this. Let’s try and calm things down a bit. James, go inside. Katie. Tie up the dog, why don’t you. Viv’s just leaving, aren’t you Viv. Come on Ian. Come and look at the flat. I was just making tea.”
“I’ll put the lions back,” said Viv.
“No,” said Liz. “Just leave them please.”
*
“Right,” said Ian, getting up. “That’s all settled then. We’ve made a plan. Let’s try and stick to it.”
“Yes,” said Liz, doubtfully. “Let’s try.”
“What about the lions?” said Ian.
“They can stay where you left them for now,” said Liz. “I’ll ask Viv to take them away if that’ll make everyone happy. What about the dog?”
“I think I’ll keep it,” said Ian. “The kids do seem to like it.”
“No we don’t,” said Katie, quietly.
“I’d better be going,” said Ian. “I’ve got to be somewhere.”
“Right,” said Liz.
They walked together down the hall. Ian opened the front door and looked around.
“Where’s the dog?” he asked Katie.
“I don’t know,” said Katie, anxiously, pushing past him. “I tied its lead round the door handle. Really tight. Just like you showed me.”
“Well it’s not there now,” said Ian. “I hope it hasn’t run off. You and James had better go and find it!”
“Look!” said James. “Look! The lions are back!”
The lions stood on either side of the path, facing inwards. At the base of the male lion lay the dog’s collar. Blood dripped from the cub’s jaws.
About the Author
Greg Michaelson has been publishing short stories since
2001. His first novel The Wave Singer
(Argyll, 2008) was shortlisted for a Scottish Arts Council/Scottish Mortgage
Trust First Book Award. Greg, who lives
and works in Edinburgh, likes to write about how things aren't and how they
might be.