FAMILY TRADITIONS
“Do we
have to go?”
“I’ve
made the picnic already.”
“Bacon
butties?” Matilda was ready in minutes, but as they unloaded the pickup in the
copse she asked, “Why do we do this, Mum?”
“Family
traditions are important,” Tabitha said, “Every spring we
restock the log store and each Hallowe’en we have a barbecue to end the year.”
“But
other people use our wood – that’s not fair.”
“It keeps
the place alive – now eat your sandwich while it’s hot.”
Matilda’s
seven-times-great-grandmother smiled.
They’d
burned her home with her inside, but a witch’s blood is stronger than fire.
Dear Liz,
ReplyDeleteThere are family traditions and then there are family traditions. I enjoyed this one very much. Good job.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle. My latest granddaughter is going to be christened in May wearing a robe made from her great-great-grandmother's wedding dress, as were all my children. Traditions matter.
DeleteChilling.
ReplyDeleteEven the moss looks cold, doesn't it?
DeleteBacon butties? I'm there. Is this the Wormwood family?
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to explain Wormwood, I'm afraid. ??
DeleteWormwood is the name of the disgusting family in "Matilda."
DeleteGreat ending, I didn't expect that!
ReplyDeleteWormwood? They are little plants. I thing there is a liquor made from them.--absinthe?
Thanks Susan. I think I shall have to look up Wormwood cos I don't think he meant a plant. Tomorrow.
DeleteTraditions can be very strange. I like the idea of witches blood being stronger than fire.
ReplyDeleteBlood passed down through the generiations, daughter to daughter.
DeleteHi Lizy, I noticed you visited my blog and I decided to check yours out. I love your 100 word stories. I do a lot of fiction writing and until now had not considered posting them. Thanks for a good evening read. Regards, Rey
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you made a return visit, Rey, and look forward to reading more of yours.
Deletethe end was a surprise, great
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it, iba :)
DeleteOooh! I didn't see that coming. Creepy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading - again - Ros.
DeleteOh ..the last two sentences changed the image totally,
ReplyDeleteSo it worked even on you? Good.
DeleteI wish I could live as long as Matilda's seven-times-great-grandmother. Fun and spooky tale.
ReplyDeleteAh - but is she alive or a spirit? Thanks for commenting, Perry.
DeleteNow that is one family tradition with an interesting origin. And witches blood being stronger than fire, now that is a thought.
ReplyDeleteI am a firm believer in family traditions, and my children thought I was a witch who could see round corners!
DeleteWhat an interesting fantasy!
ReplyDeleteFantasy or truth? Thanks for commenting, Dawn.
DeleteIt's true, a witch's blood is stronger than fire. I'm living proof, even if slightly singed round the edges. Nice twist in the end of your tale. :)
ReplyDeleteI like how your tone shifts with the surprise ending - and I love the phrase 'seven times great grandmother'. It sounds like an incantation in itself. Great story.
ReplyDelete