Another Visual Dare from Anonymous Legacy. This one came in at 177. That's twenty-seven words over the limit. I'm fixin' to get a flash fiction ticket! Someone take away my creative license!
...But seriously, I'm working on very little sleep (isn't that obvious?) and I just don't have the whittling skills or time this week to get it down to 150. I hope you like it anyway. Feel free to skip over 27 words.
"In that case, you'd better stick to paper," he muttered.
As always, I can be found on Twitter @gardenofedits or Facebook (Garden of Edits). I love comments,
knock-knock jokes, and pictures of bears.
...But seriously, I'm working on very little sleep (isn't that obvious?) and I just don't have the whittling skills or time this week to get it down to 150. I hope you like it anyway. Feel free to skip over 27 words.
Another Time, Maybe
 |
| photo credit |
She preferred the ones with people--boys wearing short pants
outside a church, men in t-shirts leaning against cars, or babies in layers of
lace. This one was just an ornate room with long tables and benches under
chandeliers and elaborate carvings. No people at all. On the back,
"Another time, maybe" was written without ending punctuation on the
left. No stamp. No postmark. A small water stain. She pressed it discreetly to
her nose. Musty with a hint of artificial gardenia.
"We found the creamer that matches the sugar bowl you bought
a while back."
Ina turned toward the shopkeeper and said sheepishly, "I
dropped it. Arthritis.”
"In that case, you'd better stick to paper," he muttered.
"Just this, then." She held up the postcard.
"Damaged," he said squinting. "And sort of
boring."
"It’s perfect," She smiled.
He rolled his eyes. "Take it."
She nodded her gratitude and exited the shop. Outside, she reached
into her purse and touched the creamer, nestled safely in an embroidered
napkin, as she dropped the card carelessly onto the sidewalk.
As always, I can be found on Twitter @gardenofedits or Facebook (Garden of Edits). I love comments,
knock-knock jokes, and pictures of bears.
HA. Wow. This is so subtle, it took me a full read to comprehend that this is a practiced shoplifter in motion!! Great work! I think we can overlook the extra 27 words. :) Thanks for a well-crafted VisDare!!
ReplyDeleteI also didn't catch it first read.. Very clever..x
ReplyDeleteA clever thief! I like how you didn't come out and say she had stolen it, but wove the action into the story, as crafty as the shopper.
ReplyDelete