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Monday, April 9, 2018

A to Z: H - Handbag & Hang

My A to Z Challenge: Flash fiction written using two words and a photo for inspiration. How did I chose the words? First I brought up a noun list for each letter, then averted my eyes, scrolled the mouse down, stopped and double-clicked. That was the word! The second word was chosen the same way but from a dictionary list of words.
NOTE: Photos are from free to use photo sites such as Pixabay.com and Morguefile.com. No attribution necessary.



I watched as the elderly gentleman approached the steps leading up to the library. He carried an old handbag and walked with a cane. While the bag didn't look heavy, I thought I should offer to help. To lend a hand or better yet, a steady arm.

He told me his story as we put two feet on each step, taking our time to get to the top.
My Betty was the love of my life. This is where we met. She was an assistant librarian and I was an avid reader. I'd bring her flowers for her desk every week. She's hang on every word out of my mouth. I never understood that, but that was okay.

We were married for 59 years. Then cancer took her from me. I come here every week and I use her handbag to carry my lunch, just like she did. But I don't bring flowers anymore.
We reached the top step and he sat on the bench out front. He hung his head, letting the tears flow unchecked. I was at a loss for words so I just sat quietly beside him. When he opened the bag, he offered me half the sandwich. I thanked him. When we were finished, he started talking again.
I miss her every day but I promised her I would go on. Here is where I feel the closest to her. You look a little like her. Do you come here often?
I told him I was here today to apply for a job as the assistant librarian. He smiled and winked, then took my hand.
Well, then. Let's go inside and I'll make the introductions. They know me well. I think you will make a fine employee.

Stay Calm and Read Flash Fiction!

  



21 comments:

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    1. I feel all warm...time for some dark tales soon!

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  2. That was so sweet, a new job and maybe a new beau?

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    1. Oh, and thanks for visiting and commenting on the WEP A to Z Blog Contribution - GENRE!

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    2. It was fun to write...now I'm ready for a dark tale.

      Just posted my WEP for April, had to use a post already up to meet the theme. My letter Q would have been perfect but it won't be up in time.

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  3. Great story! I'm taking my mom to the library today, where I had my first job as a page!

    Janet’s Smiles

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  4. That's a lovely, lovely story!

    Bittersweet.


    @IsaLeeWolf
    A Bit to Read

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    1. Thanks, I had no idea where the photo would take me...

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  5. When my grandmother died, my grandfather never really got over it. It was so hard for him. This story reminds me of him. Weekends In Maine

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  6. Beautiful and bittersweet! I'm so glad I popped by and discovered your post today. I'll be checking out your past entries, and looking forward to the rest.

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    1. Thank you, this is one of my softer stories. I tend to do more dark pieces, they seem easier to write when doing flash fiction. LOL! Glad you stopped by!

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  7. Awwwwwww.... Love this story. I imagine them having weekly lunches out on that bench, him filling her in on the history of the library and her filling a little of the emptiness in his world.

    Emily In Ecuador | Hammock Time on Puerto Lopez Beach

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    1. See? You could use this as a prompt and write a short story!

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    2. Cool idea! I might do that in May :)

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  8. What a sweet story! My Daddy missed my Mom so much during the two years he was alone after she died. Even though it was sad for us to lose him too, last year, our family has been comforted with the thoughts that they are now together once again.

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    1. PS I love the library setting!

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    2. It's never easy to lose someone but especially difficult when you have been together for what seems like forever. (Glad you liked the library - I had no idea until as I wrote, it made sense with all the steps).

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  9. Much appreciated...thank you for stopping by.

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