By Laura Besley
“You’re dressed up nice,” Ma says.
I look down at my only suit, which, after Googling how to get the creases out, I hung in the bathroom for two days. It hasn’t really worked.
In the kitchen, I open a window, breathe-breathe-BREATHE in the winter air.
When I go back into the living room, Mum’s watching Homes Under the Hammer, tears plopping onto her black dress. Maybe she knows, I think. Hope.
“They’ve made it look ever so nice,” she says. Her pale eyes flit in my direction. “You going anywhere special, love?”
I sit down in Dad’s armchair—explain again.
This is heartbreaking. Well done!
Thank you, Rosemarie!
There are four words in the final line that make this story and its title tug everything into place, as if with a needle and thread.
Thank you, Shoshauna, and for all your help with this one!
Breathtaking story. Wow! Well done…
Thank you, Philana!
This story says so much in so few words – brilliant!
Thank you, Helen!
Beautifully succinct. Trusts the reader to do the work, but leaves us in no doubt at the end.
Thanks, Michelle!
Heartbreakingly brilliant.
Thank you, Shelley!
So well crafted. Very nice.
Thanks, Jim! Appreciate your comment and sharing it as well.