How the Cookie Crumbles

Life and scribbles on the far side of SIXTY-FIVE

Roses (part 2)

36 Comments


Click here for Part 1 (one week ago)

Wikimedia Commons

Wikimedia Commons

Roses

April gazed at the flowers, sightless. Caramel somersaulted across the floor like an orange tumbleweed when the tissue kissed the floor. April woke from her reverie and regarded the cat at play. She held the box away. “What shall I do with you? Too pretty to throw away—who sent you?”

The cat gave up on the shredded paper mess. Meow? Eyes luminous black slits, he stared up into her face. An ear twitched and he cocked his head. Meow?

April blinked and squinted at the cat with recognition this time. “How late is it? Haven’t I fed you yet?” Still gripping the box at arm’s length, she spun toward the kitchen. “Come on.” He galloped ahead and pitched into his empty bowl by the fridge. April waved the box back and forth as if glued to it. At last she dropped it on the table with a kerplunk, then rubbed palms on her trousers. The cat wove back and forth around her feet as she filled his dish.

Hands on hips, April studied the table again and nodded.

She arranged the roses in a crystal vase Henry had given her long ago. With the tip of her forefinger, she caressed a stem. Oh, Henry, I—

Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony interrupted Caramel’s vigorous crunching. April jumped and retrieved her cell. Leaning against the black granite counter, she pursed her lips. I don’t know who this is. She put it down in a rush as if it had seared her hand.

The cell resounded again fifteen minutes later. Jittery, she picked it up. The same number flashed on the screen. As well, there was a message from her lawyer she hadn’t noticed before.

Part 3 Next Time

 

© 2015 Tess and How the Cookie Crumbles. All Rights Reserved

 

Author: Let's CUT the Crap!

I'm getting a little LONG in the tooth and have things to say about---ouch---AGEing. I believe it's certainly a state of mind but sometimes it's nice to hear that you're NORMAL. I enjoy reading by the truckload. I'm a grandma but I don't feel OLD although I'm not so young anymore. My plan is to stick it out as long as I can on this lovely planet and only will leave it kicking and screaming!

36 thoughts on “Roses (part 2)

  1. I love the juxtaposition of the cat, Beethoven’s music, the flower in the vase that triggered the memory of Henry. Great scene set up and action, Tess.

    Like

  2. Gah! Must we wait another week?!???!!

    Liked by 2 people

  3. Tess, I got so absorbed in this. Thanks for linking to part one. It was even better with a refresher. Great serial. Mega hugs!

    Like

  4. Oh you’re making us wait, are you?
    Well, you know it’s worth the wait, so we’ll wait…
    Any hints? 😉

    Like

  5. You are a tease Tess!

    Like

  6. Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
    Part two of the story Roses begun last week by Tess Karlinski.. I make a point of going over to her blog Wednesdays for her wonderful short fiction and at the weekend for the detailed and fascinating post on her travels in China. Pop over and find out for yourselves.

    Like

  7. Tess you’ve got me trapped here! Let me out!!!! 😀

    Like

  8. This is so intriguing Tess where is it going? 🙂

    Like

  9. Oooh this is getting good, Tess! Loving every word! You really have a way with words, my friend! Look forward to the part 3! Hugs!

    Like

  10. Yay! At long last a “next chapter!” And a good one, too. I’m hooked.

    Like

  11. Can’t wait for part three!!

    Like

  12. Oh, I can’t wait until next week. Is April in Danger? What happened to Henry? Great Job Tess! 🙂 ❤

    Like

  13. Ohhh now we want to know what the message is! You have us captivated, Tess! 🙂 ❤

    Like

  14. Love that you’re doing multiple chapters. You must do that with the 100 Word Challenges also. I hate being left hanging!

    Like

  15. Leaving us to ponder another week?! Wonderful and suspenseful and leaving me on the edge Tess. You are a most gifted writer!

    Like

  16. Nice that the suspense is being kept up high. 🙂

    Many greetings from Germany,
    Salva

    Like

  17. Such a tease…but I love it!

    Like

  18. This is intriguing. Why is she afraid? Same time next week, right? 😛

    Like

  19. The mystery builds and we are no closer to knowing the truth…very intriguing this Tess, looking forward to the next installment ❤

    Like

  20. Serial suspense – love it!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Fabulous! I missed it last week but thanks for the catch up!

    Like

  22. No, I didn’t! Now I remember… It’s getting more and more intriguing..

    Like

  23. Tess you are a master, or is that mistress, of the serial short story. This is excellent. I hope, as far behind as I am in my reading this week, I find part three somewhere to read this weekend.

    Like

  24. You are such a sweetie, I could cry. Thank you for your kind words, Val. I must find time for part 3. Always disorganized and overwhelmed. ❤

    Like

  25. Damn it . . . who was calling!?!? The suspense is killing me.

    Like

  26. Beautifully written, Tess! I love the way you string images together… the tissue kissing the floor, the cat looking like an orange tumbleweed!

    Looking toward the next chapter with great anticipation.

    Like

    • Thank you, Kate. I appreciate your kind support.
      This began as a filler for another challenge. sound like I’ll have to finish it and not put off until it’s time for another filler. Sigh. ❤ ❤ ❤

      Like

  27. Great little series here Tess. ❤ I await part 3!

    Like

  28. Pingback: Roses (part 3) | How the Cookie Crumbles

  29. Who called. Who called?

    Like

  30. 😀 😀 😀
    Thanks so much for reading and commenting. ~{=_=}“

    Like