Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Entry #37

A Room with a View
by Terri Welch


A glass squeaked under her raisin fingertips and she realised she'd been washing it long enough for the dishwater to grow tepid. Reality oozed back in focus, the dirty grey wall across the yard replacing the glittering ocean of her daydream.

A creak behind her warned of Vince's approach and she hurried to finish the dishes. Grunting good morning, he disappeared behind the newspaper.
"Toast's almost ready," she forced a smile as she set his tea down in front of him. The effort was wasted - not even a grunt now.

When only crumbs remained at the table and the slam of the front door told her he was gone, she stared through the window once again. Seventeen years she'd been staring at that wall, although for some time now she had barely seen it, for it had morphed into a canvas on which she painted her fantasies.

Turning from the window she checked her handbag. Savings book, train ticket, passport - all there. Moving into the hall, she pulled a bulging suitcase from the closet, a piece of yesterday's conversation replaying in her head.

"We're looking forward to meeting you too, Susan. Your room is ready and waiting for you. I know it's hard, losing your husband, but I'm sure in time you'll be happy here. The sun always shines and the rest of the staff are so friendly.

Oh, and did I mention your room has a view of the ocean?"

14 comments:

Esther Avila said...

I like this story.... a little too close to home for some. You have to dream. You have to make your dreams come true.

Jeff said...

Good story!

Anonymous said...

Time to move on - creatively, it would seem.

Fran Piper said...

I like this story. Very positive and life-affirming. Good for Susan!

Joni said...

I love the empowerment. I think this strikes a chord with a lot of people. Very well written.

Anonymous said...

I liked this one, taking one's life back. I'm reminded of the movie, Shirley Valentine.

Anonymous said...

I liked this snapshot story a lot. Well done.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the comments everyone - Atyllah yes, I guess it is in the vein of Shirley Valentine. Now that is a great story ;)

Anonymous said...

waaaay cool terri! i love this!

Anonymous said...

I really liked this one. Well written. Maybe you can't paint on an ocean, but maybe there is a time in life to stop painting and start living.

Dafath said...

the righteous brothers singing ebb tide

s.w. vaughn said...

Yep -- strikes a chord, definitely. Good for Susan! Go for it. :-)

Scott said...

If only more women could be so strong, men for that matter too. Nicely told and artistic.

Anonymous said...

Great and careful use of action to show a complex moment in your character. Very vivid and believable.

Highest marks overall.

Congratulations on the Honorable Mention!!