By Cathryn D'Aldi
Dear Bernice,
Shocked, daughter? Discovering Sammi and Tabby in the garage? Asphyxiated?
Those two old cats! Your childhood favorites.
One moment you’d be swinging out back, next frolicking around the neighborhood with those tiresome creatures.
Sulked when called home. Baking cookies? Ballet practice? Computer time? No suggestion competed with those two biddies.
On occasion, I grudgingly permitted them into our home. Both imperious, nibby-nosed—sniffing disdainfully, refusing refreshments.
Why, you’re wondering, kill them now?
Because of your and Dwight’s marvelous news.
Samantha and her sister Tabatha, tiresome spinsters, won’t be vying for the role as grandmother to my grandchild.
Always,
Mother
This starts out shocking and just gets more shocking. A good story.
Thank you, Derek,
One reader did not “get” the twist.
Wow! That was a shocking twist! Good story!
Hello Yolanda,
Thank you so much! I appreciate your comments.
Cathryn
Shocking and superb. I loved this story..
Hello Shyl,
Thank you very much for your encouraging comment.
Dark, darker, darkest! Great story.
Hello Tom,
Final Meow is the first writing I’ve submitted that has been accepted. I do sincerely appreciate your comment on the story.
A great initial publication! Also good that I read again. Firstly, to make sure it was saying (shockingly) what I thought it was and secondly, stories that you want to read again usually do possess a winning streak 🙂
Thank you, Kelly,
Truly appreciated your most encouraging comments on my story.
I like subtleness when writing and appreciate when a reader comprehends the deeper significance behind the words.
Thanks again,
Cathryn
I like the set up in the way of a letter to the daughter. Mom a little cuckoo it appears. Anytime you get a shiver from reading a story the author has accomplished the goal.
Hello S. Webb,
Glad I provoked a little frisson of shock; that was my intention, and I feel vindicated that you, as the reader, caught the subtle undertones.
Thank you for reading my piece and commenting,
Cathryn
I, too, had to read it twice. And then a third time to appreciate the innuendo. Great story, keep writing!
Hello Ruth,
Thank you for the encouragement; your comments meant a great deal to me as an “emerging” (for a long time… ha) writer.
Cathryn
Wow. You packed so much complex emotion into your story! The dark twist really sealed it. Very well done.
Hello Jean
Heartfelt thanks for your encouraging coments.
I also read more than once, I love the subtlety, the dark vibe, and the format!
Hello Melissa
Thank you ?. Appreciate your encouragement