THE
MEMORY IN THINGS
When we got
our first flat we were skint, sleeping on a bed from Mum’s spare room. Mike
found this bistro set in a skip, rubbed the rust off laboriously and painted it
blue, then invited his parents round for tea. Mike and I sat on the bed!
Each time we
moved, Bistro came with us. We celebrated every anniversary at that table -
even chose this house because the patio was perfect.
Bistro is
rusting gently into old age now, and the kids say I should buy something more
comfortable, but it’s staying where it is.
Every flake of paint reminds
me of Mike.
...........................................................................................
I have several things that I've kept for the memories they hold rather than for their beauty or intrinsic value - no doubt you have too. I even mended an 80-year-old Teddy for a friend, who loves him because he's been with her since birth and he's still there inside his new fur.
Thanks as always are due to Rochelle, our hostess, and to Rowena Curtin for the photo that prompts this week's rash of short fiction from Friday Fictioneers.
The power of our memories' talismans defies all logic
ReplyDeleteEmotion isn't logical, ever!
DeleteBistro's going nowhere! The tales it could tell...
ReplyDeleteAnd it wasn't new when they got it!
DeleteThings hold so many memories, would a new bistro set really be more comfortable for her, or only for the kids?
ReplyDeleteProbably not, and in fact those wooden seats look more inviting than modern ones.
DeleteA sweet tale. Kids just never understand.
ReplyDeleteTracey
Perhaps they will when she tells them?
DeleteThis is just beautiful. What a memory!
ReplyDeleteUgh, I can't post my name today for some reason. This is just beautiful. What a memory. Solothefirst (Laurie)
ReplyDeleteThank you again. The mechanics of the internet escape me too, so I can't explain it to you!
DeleteLovely story, ❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks, AJ.
DeleteSeems as if you've been rummaging about in my basement. SO many things kept for memories alone. Great write.
ReplyDeleteHeehee! Fortunately I don't have a basement. I do have a dodll from when i was born, though!
DeleteSweet story and even sweeter afterword.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jade.
DeleteAwww,,,I love this. <3
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dawn x
DeleteI love this! So sweet. Yes, the things we hang on to are often out of sentimental value. I like the way you told a tale through the years of their marriage through the bistro set.
ReplyDeleteI wonder sometimes what my children will do with my collection of oddments!
DeleteAbsolutely charming!
ReplyDeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteHow sweet. I do hold onto things that hold memories.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Rochelle, I'm surprised you have room, with all your artwork!
Delete