WAITING
GAME
‘You ought
to move, Mum,’ Evie said, ‘these steps are lethal.’
‘I’m used to
them,’ Marion replied, ‘and I’d miss all the wildlife in my garden.’
‘Surely you’d
be better off nearer the village?’
‘Your dad would
never be out of the pub – he spends enough time there as it is.’ Marion turned
away abruptly and put the kettle on.
…..
A month
later, when Terry, staggering home in the rain, slipped on the mossy steps and
broke his neck, Evie wondered at her mother’s dry-eyed calm.
Until,
coming home for the funeral, she saw the ‘For Sale’ sign.
.........................................................................
Amanda Forestwood's lovely photo prompts this week's rash of flash fiction from Friday Fictioneers, hosted as ever by Rochelle on her blog https://rochellewisoff.com/
I had falls on my mind, as my mother had a tumble last night - fortunately no harm was done, though it took a night in A&E and xrays to confirm that. At her age (98) and my own advancing years, we are both knackered today!
Clever Marion
ReplyDeleteShe played the waiting game very well, didn't she!
Deletethecontemplativecat here. I love short flash fiction, it is what I write. The ominous warning led perfectly to his fatal fall. I am having some balance problems and have to be so careful.
ReplyDeleteThank you, TCC. Hope your own balanace problems don't lead to anything as fatal as this!
DeleteGood things come to those who wait. :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes one has to give them a nudge, but Marion was clever enough not to do that.
DeleteSome women can be very patient.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous is me, Liz.
DeleteThanks Sandra - it used to be easier to give one's name, but I've given up the struggle. I even have to reply as Anon now!
DeleteIt was just a matter of time!
ReplyDeleteI hope she enjoys her new uncluttered life in the village.
DeleteHope Marion found happiness.
ReplyDeleteI hope so too.
DeleteWell played Marion! Glad nothing serious after your own mum's fall.
ReplyDeleteShe bided her time brilliantly, didn't she. Mum has forgotten all about it, which is probably the best way to deal with it!
DeleteThere's a definite Delores Claiborne flavor to this one.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I think - I don't know her work!
DeleteGlad to hear your mum's ok. Great story though, in this case I wonder if the steps were left that way on pupose... sorted out her problem that's for sure
ReplyDeleteShe could have installed a handrail, I guess, but she didn't. We'll never know!
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your mum's okay. At any rate your story made me chuckle.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks and thanks.
DeleteOoh - great story!
ReplyDeleteKind of you today so :)
DeleteTo say so - damned predictive text!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful twist at the end. A very smart Marion. Signed, Alicia
ReplyDelete