It's someone's special day!

It's no April Fool's joke! It really is bluewolf458's birthday today! Hope it's a good one!

Thoughts? Opinions?

Hey all!  Was wondering if you guys could read a couple of drabbles for me. I'm thinking of taking part in a short story contest for the writer's  convention I'm attending later this year. So far I've come up with two entries and was wondering which one you guys prefered.

The rules are it must be exactly 200 words and it must be based on the below photo. It must also "scare the pants off Poe" and have a surprise, twist ending. That's a lot to cram into 200 words!

So here's what I've got...

Patience

Joseph sat with his back against the willow tree, waiting. Silent and unmoving, staring at the two crypts. He had learned patience over the past ten years. Patience, and oh so much more. Learning, growing stronger. Leading up to this moment. Words couldn't describe how eager he was to be reunited with…

Movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. A figure emerged next to one of the crypts, seemingly out of nowhere.

Finally. Finally.

Joseph stood, smooth and controlled, then approached the man, who was glancing around, confused.

“Hello, brother,” Joseph sneered. The man whipped his head toward Joseph and gasped, taking a step backwards.

Vincent shook his head violently. “This…this can't be happening…”

Joseph waved a hand at the crypts. “Can you believe they buried us next to one another? Me, an unsolved murder and you. My own, dear brother.” 

Joseph advanced on the terrified man, eyes hard and cold. “Surprised to see me? Didn't you know? Ghosts hang about for a reason. For vengeance. For revenge. To get even with those who wronged us. Who murdered us."

Joseph’s smile was pure evil.  “Welcome to the afterlife, Vincent. Let's get started.” 

~~~~~~~

Trophies

I watch, unseen, the grieving mother walk away from the crypts, handkerchief pressed to her mouth. Mourning for her boys. Born on the same day. Died on the same day. She should take some comfort in that, knowing they were together.

I wonder when the day will come when I will no longer see her here, on this anniversary. I am surprised she still makes the pilgrimage after ten years.

Alone now, I kneel between the crypts, placing one hand on each. The stone is hard, rough beneath my palms, but warm from the sun. I take a deep, calming breath. The energy, the power I feel here each year flows through my body.

I reach out and trace my fingers over the names chiseled above the crosses – Tristan Grant…Malcolm Grant.

Crypts are many things to people. A place where a soul is at rest, at peace. A place for the living to come to speak to the dead. A place to bury someone and never think of them again.

I have lost count on the others, but these two are special to me. Precious. Never to be forgotten.

They are trophies.

For they were my first two kills.

~~~~~~~

Which is your favorite - Patience or Trophies?

Thanks, guys!