There are twelve of us sat around table which dominates the small wood-panelled room. It is covered in a thick red velvet cloth. Heavy curtains block the watery twilight. At the centre, a huge crystal bowl holds our belongings – a watch, a wedding band, a pendant …
Why is it always jewellery?
‘Hold hands.’
I clasp the strangers hands next to me. One a huge, sweating palm, the other a thin, liver-spotted claw, like dried out paper.
I concentrate hard on the military medal I have offered, wishing with all my bones that he will speak to me.
***
I have really missed taking part in the Friday Fictioneers the past few weeks but life got in the way. It’s good to be back.
***
This piece was written for the Friday Fictioneers hosted by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff-Fields – Addicted to Purple.
Each week a photo prompt is given and the challenge is write a flash fiction piece of no more than one hundred words.
Find other Friday Fictioneer stories here.
There is always the guilt of having not said or spoken to someone until it is too late. A human sentiment. I liked reading this.
I agree James. Thanks so much for reading, I’m glad you liked it.
I can sense her desperation, and fear she is willing to believe anything. Nice take.
Thanks Iain.
I like the way you evoke her need for it to happen
Thanks Neil 😊
Dear Jen,
Brilliant descriptions of the hands she held. I could feel them. You captured her desperation as well. Well done in 100 words. Welcome back.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks so much Rochelle 😊
A very emotive read about life and regrets. A great job.
Thanks so much 😊
A poignant piece indeed, and beautifully written.
Click to read my FriFic tale
Thanks so much Keith!
Lovely 😊
Thank you!
Grief can cause people to believe things they would ordinarily scoff at. A great take on the prompt.
Thank you Clare
And it’s good to have you back 🙂 This is a most interesting take on the prompt.
Thanks so much!
Love the way you took this, Jennifer. That seance around the table, the mystery of the medals and who they belonged to. I wonder what happens next? Great read
Thanks so much Lynn
My pleasure
You’ve written this very cleverly. You evoke a sense of claustrophobia by describing the little room with its twelve occupants, the heavy curtains, the thick cloth on the table, and the giant bowl. You suggest to us that the woman is young, or no more than middle-aged, by her proffering a military medal, presumably from her dead soldier-husband. So much implied so skilfully! Well written, Jennifer!
Thank you so much for these lovely comments Penny. You have made my day 😊
I love this.. the seance and all those stories, with that medal telling a deeper one. You always hope I think.
I think it’s human nature to hope to see our loved ones again. I’m glad you liked it, thank you.
Nice one spooky girl 🙂 Very intriguing – there’s real scope for this one!
Thanks Anna! x
Lovely but sad. It made me hope I never have to go putting jewelry in a bowl.
Thank you Cheney
So many wonderful layers to this short tale…thank you!
Thank you for reading, and the lovely comment ☺
So few words yet so big on emotion and feeling! Well done Jen, another little but strong gem from you. xx
Thanks so much Kiltie xx
Reblogged this on Ideas.Become.Words and commented:
I’d so forgotten about Friday Fictioners with everything going on!
Great piece and thank you for reminding me of the fun 100 words can bring 🤗
It is great fun! And it keeps the creative juices flowing 🤗 xx
And thank you so much for re-blogging! Xx
Absolutely floored!! That was wonderful. I love the idea of 100 word stories, and yours was done so beautifully I sat at the end and went, um more please???
Thanks so much Katie! What a lovely comment, I’m so glad you enjoyed it x