Katie leaned over the steaming crockpot and stirred the thick chicken stew. She closed her eyes. The blended aromas of garlic and thyme floated into the air. Ah, heaven. Her mouth watered. Jazz music played softly in her butter yellow kitchen. Katie straightened, cocked her head, and turned.
Nothing.
Billy Halliday crooned on. Before the wooden spoon struck the counter with a thwack, Katie tore down the hallway.
“Hi, Mom. You’re out of bed—great. How’s the fever?” She leaned forward. “Forehead feels cool. Want some tea?”
The woman in the chair sat straight and stiff as a statue. Only her eyes moved, scrutinizing the busy, talking blonde’s face. Even as her heart threatened to choke her, Katie grew contemplative. In an instant, her mother’s watery eyes dripped weaving rivers down her face.
“What is it darling?” Katie whispered.
“Who—are—you?”
~ * ~
The word limit for Contemplative is 150 words. I used 142 words. Check out http://mommasmoneymatters.com/flash-fiction/ for rules and contributions.
How the Cookie Crumbles 
March 5, 2013 at 9:45 pm
Poignant flash, Tess. Very well done. xxx
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March 5, 2013 at 10:08 pm
So, so well done.
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March 5, 2013 at 11:14 pm
Always a surprise. Thank you for commenting, Susan
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March 5, 2013 at 10:48 pm
Very nice…made me jump right into the moment…good job!
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March 5, 2013 at 11:13 pm
So nice to hear YOU say that, Sylvia. Thank you. Much appreciated.
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March 6, 2013 at 3:05 pm
Thank you, Sylvia. So, I only have nine thousand-five hundred and seventy-five hours of practice to go…
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March 6, 2013 at 1:18 am
How terrible. All the more because we know it’s possible…
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March 6, 2013 at 3:02 pm
Yes, Delft. I’ve girlfriends who have been in a similar situation. The ending was supposed to be a little different…
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March 6, 2013 at 1:30 am
Oh man Tess!!!
That must be so heart wrenching!!
I hope I never have to experience that with my mom.
Beautifully written!!
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March 6, 2013 at 3:00 pm
Thank YOU, Ghia. Happy to hear this grabbed you emotionally. No, I have never had a similar experience so hope it comes across as authentic.
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March 6, 2013 at 1:36 am
How very sad, I know someone who experiences this with her mum. Very well written Tess, you took us right to the emotion.
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March 6, 2013 at 2:58 pm
Thanks, Gilly. I hoped for authenticity.
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March 7, 2013 at 9:53 am
I visit someone in a Frail Care Centre and your story describes her perfectly. Heart breaking stuff.
Hi… got to you via 68Ghia – love your attitude – I’m one of those ‘seniors’ LOL
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March 7, 2013 at 9:57 am
Thank you d1nx. Nice to meet you. You look mighty spiffy for ‘one of those seniors’. By the way, I’m still a senior in training. LOL.
Anyone can cry into their wineglass; it won’t change anything. Might as well enjoy the wine without salt water added.
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March 8, 2013 at 7:50 am
Oh Tess, this was really good. Put me right into the moment.
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March 8, 2013 at 7:36 pm
oh dear, let’s hope we don’t end up like that.
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March 9, 2013 at 10:59 am
Beautiful writing, Tess. Touching & powerful.
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March 9, 2013 at 12:48 pm
Thank YOU, Susan. Glad you likeit.
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