The following tiny fiction was written for a Visual Dare (VisDare 4: Steps). It took roughly thirty minutes, and is 133 of the 150 maximum allowed words. Thanks to Anonymous Legacy for posting a great creative challenge! I always love to see what others come up with in response to a prompt.
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Choosing an appropriate wine to accompany poached halibut was
the least of her worries, but she was happy to have an excuse to disappear for
a few moments. A hostess must at least seem as though she is taking great pains
with the details, she reasoned, stepping barefoot down the smooth stone
staircase. The familiar damp,
earthy smell of the cellar made her smile. Although dinner would be
delicious—about that, there was no doubt—the seasoning might not agree with her
guests. She had never been able to please them before. No matter what she did
or said or cooked, ridicule followed. There was no reason to try to please them
now. She tapped her fingernails lightly on the rows of bottles, searching for a
nice crisp white although she preferred red.
I love the tone here. So brisk and proper, but with passing attention to the fact that the hostess' efforts are never "good enough." Somehow I detect a spot of darkness on the horizon -- what is coming and will it push her to the snapping point? And what will that snapping point look like? Also the nature of her guests intrigue me. So many deliciously unanswered questions...!
ReplyDeleteLovely work. Thanks for a great VisDare!! Hope to see you in future challenges as well!!