SLEEPING BEAUTY
When old
Maureen died, her long-absent nephew searched fruitlessly for her rumoured
fortune and departed, cursing.
For years
the cottage slept within its thorn thicket, guarded by savage nettles, while Maureen
waited with the patience of the grave.
Then Clare
saw the mossy roof from the road, fell in love, and bought it. Cheerfully they
scythed the jungle, cleaned the windows, stripped wallpaper, and built a fire. When
smoke belched into Clare’s face she merely laughed and poked a stick up the
chimney to clear it.
Out fell
a tin box.
Maureen’s
ghost smiled with satisfaction – finally, a worthy successor!
................................................................................
I have just returned from visiting my daughter who, with her husband, has bought a cottage in Northern Ireland. They had to chop down man-high undergrowth to reach it, and they've got their work cut out for months to come, but they're loving it. Hence this story, prompted by a different fireplace. Thanks to Shaktiki Sharma for the photo and to Rochelle at https://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/ for hosting Friday Fictioneers.
This is the NI cottage - its owners consider they've already found their treasure.
And they all lived happily ever after!
ReplyDeleteThey'd jolly well better!
Delete:-) Nice take.
ReplyDeleteThanks yarnspinner.
DeleteGlad you liked it, Helen.
ReplyDeleteGood one, Liz:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Robert.
DeleteOh, I enjoyed that, Liz. And I love the look of your daughter's new cottage - there's nothing quite like a home project (if you have the stamina for it!).
ReplyDeleteThey've bought a caravan to move into while they renovate the cottage - and I hope their stamina lasts the course!
DeleteAt least it wasn't an "up in smoke" tale.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't do that to my daughter!
DeleteThat's a lovely modern fairytale, a moral, a happy ending and an enchanted setting. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you GaH. What a lovely comment.
DeleteBeautiful story.
ReplyDeleteFor once I wrote a happy ending!
DeleteFor once I wrote a happy ending!
DeleteI like this very much.
ReplyDeleteLivehomeandaway
Your descriptions are quite lovely. I can see the tangle and the clearing away.
ReplyDeleteThe tangle was so tall it nearly ate them!
DeleteAwww…that was sweet!
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it, Dawn.
DeleteGreat story Liz. With a feel-good ending.
ReplyDeleteSometimes ican write nice stories rather than death and destruction!
DeleteLovely to think that Maureen will be at peace knowing her home's in loving hands. Beautiful story, and I'm glad for your daughter. Their cottage looks so appealing.
ReplyDeleteIt will be perfect when they've re-roofed, put in a damp course, replaced the bathroom etc etc!
DeleteOh I do love this.. great to find someone worthy of her fortunes.
ReplyDeleteMaureen knew what she was looking for.
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how I missed this lovely story. There's nothing better than a well-deserved happy ending.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle - I'm surprised you manage to read them all each week!
DeleteLoved the story :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Dahlia.
DeleteBoth a lovely story and a lovely cottage, Liz. Good writing. :) --- Suzanne
ReplyDeleteThank you Suzanne.
Delete