Then:
Three daughters, one dog. Every day is chaos. The girls run and scream for hours. We stumble over toys strewn about the living room. Muddy pawprints smudge kitchen tile; crumbs become beach sand on couch cushions; spilled juice creates Rorschach inkblots on carpeting. Dirty clothes litter bedroom floors; dog toys squeak underfoot on the stairs.
“This house is too small!” she yells.
Now:
Kids have flown. Dog has…passed. No more tripping over toys. Tile shines, free of muddy pawprints. Silence reigns.
She lays on the new couch, dotting pristine fabric with tears.
“This house is too big,” she whispers.
I liked this story because I recognise the situation. They talk about ‘empty nest syndrome’ and this story brings it home.
Been there, done that, downsized twice (reluctantly, but less housework).
Get more dogs and enjoy the freedom. It’s temporary.
Home now too small for children and grandchildren all to visit together.
🙁
Our house seemed empty too so we filled it with animals. We have a sign in our hallway which reads, ‘This house is for the comfort of our animals, visitors must take second place. If you love animals you will understand, if you don’t, who invited you.’
Wonderful detail and well-crafted.
Beautifully captured.
It says so much. Passing of time is heartfelt. Well done.
‘crumbs become beach sand on couch cushions; spilled juice creates Rorschach inkblots on carpeting.” is a really great line. Congrats!
Lovely story, I can picture her grief. Well done.
Very nice story. Well done nostalgia!
Very apt for the present kind of situation. Congratulations for capturing it
Very heartfelt. I know it well.
True and sad. Enjoy the moment. Nothing lasts forever. Thank you!
So touching, loved it!
So touching, loved it!
“Then” is so fleeting.
“Now” seems to last forever.
This snapshot pulled at my heartstrings while stoically validating.
Thank you.
Great story. Real life.