Rochelle’s challenge this week is to write 100 words prompted by Fatima Fakier Deria’s photo. A serene garden scene, patio shaded by a spreading cedar tree.
PHOTO PROMPT © Fatima Fakier Deria
The Peaceful Patio
I watch Amy’s face as we sit down. She’s frowning.
“What’s this letter Sis ?”
“From Nana’s lawyer, her will.” Amy’s face tightens. “Let me read it to you.”
” I, Prudence Otterly, leave my house, the Cedars, to the Quaker Foundation….”
Amy’s held in breath explodes, choking in disbelief, cheeks flaming red, fists clenched.
“How could she ? Can’t be true ! Take away our home.” Tears shine on her face. She is stricken. I am numb. We gaze at our beloved garden, our cedar tree, imprinting this place forever in our memories. The birds have stopped singing.
April 1, 2018 at 5:00 pm
Maybe she wanted her adult children to “get a life” if they were still living off of mom.
April 2, 2018 at 6:43 pm
Yes, interesting- she didn’t mention whilst she was alive though…
April 1, 2018 at 10:55 am
So sad for the two sisters. Wondering what lessons Nana wanted to teach them?
Beautifully written, as always .
April 2, 2018 at 6:44 pm
Thank you Moon, most kind. Sad and a big shock, I think. What lessons do you think ?
April 1, 2018 at 9:10 am
Great expectations leading to great disappointment. Good story.
April 2, 2018 at 6:47 pm
Thanks Jilly – I wanted to focus on that dramatic moment with so much feeling involved as you say.
March 31, 2018 at 4:47 pm
Gotta be a back story to this one. Well done–I want to know more!
April 2, 2018 at 6:49 pm
Thank you Granonine. Yes, intriguing to imagine what happened before AND after this event.
March 31, 2018 at 12:49 pm
Dear Francine,
Too bad she didn’t leave the estate to the cat, then the daughters could be the cat’s caretaker. Serious affront to the daughters. Well written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
April 2, 2018 at 6:50 pm
Thank Rochelle . I nearly had Nana leave the money to a Cats’ Home ! then changed my mind. Do you think people really do that ?
March 31, 2018 at 12:03 pm
She must have had a reason. I wonder…
April 2, 2018 at 6:51 pm
Did you start to imagine what the reason might be Keith ?
March 31, 2018 at 10:01 am
Damn. How could she!
April 2, 2018 at 6:52 pm
Was it slow burning revenge do you think ?
March 31, 2018 at 5:05 am
What a meanie!
April 2, 2018 at 6:54 pm
What a shock to the poor sisters…!
March 30, 2018 at 11:46 pm
Oh, that last line ties your story up so nicely.
April 2, 2018 at 6:55 pm
Thanks Alicia, glad you find that the last line ties things up.
March 30, 2018 at 7:40 pm
Nana, what a nasty surprise! Although perhaps it is what the sisters deserved?
April 2, 2018 at 6:56 pm
Yes, a shock to the sisters Iain. Wonder what they might have done to deserve that ?
March 30, 2018 at 6:34 pm
Sounds like my Mother-in-law…
April 2, 2018 at 6:57 pm
Oooh – really Dale…?
April 2, 2018 at 7:18 pm
Yep…
March 30, 2018 at 5:23 pm
Life is as full of lemons as we as often full of expectations.
Randy
March 30, 2018 at 5:42 pm
That’s a neat saying – yes indeed.
March 30, 2018 at 5:10 pm
That’s a bit of a kick in the guts from beyond the grave.
March 30, 2018 at 5:43 pm
Might cause the sisters to re-think their relationship with Nana, don’t you think ?