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Birthday Presence, by Candace Arthuria Williams

29/1/2021

 
“Mommy, look! He’s standing too close to the edge!”

Wendy, leave the nice man alone.

Cedric stepped back and asked Mrs. Chen, ‘Is it okay if we talk?’

I guess that would be all right, she smiled.

‘Peter Pan was my favorite book, Wendy. But China Doll suits you better.’
​
“What’s your name?”

‘Cedric.’

“Today’s my birthday, Mr. Cedric. Daddy’s going to meet us after work. Aren’t you getting on the train?”

‘Not today, Wendy. I’m leaving all the fun for you.’

“Thank you….and be careful. Goodbye!”

Cedric stared at the tracks through his tears. ‘Not today. It’s Wendy’s birthday.’
Jim link
29/1/2021 06:11:23 pm

For some it's just one day at a time.
Wendy was at the right time, saying (unknowingly) the right thing.
Love the play of words in the title

Nice one, Candace
Jim

Peggy Gerber
29/1/2021 06:56:46 pm

Sometimes all it takes is one random act of kindness to save a person. Nicely done.

Jennifer Duncan
29/1/2021 07:15:48 pm

How much we all need to be seen by other people. You paint such a vivid scene highlighting a child's open heartedness and the impact a small gesture can have.

Jeri Kadison
29/1/2021 09:43:38 pm

Candace - another little gem to add to your charm bracelet !
You weave your words so beautifully subtly and masterfully

Eunice Pruitt
29/1/2021 10:40:12 pm

A charming story. I love the play on words. A child's friendliness changed the course ofa life.

Mary Wallace
30/1/2021 12:16:08 am

A lovely little piece. We all need a reason to keep going. Thank goodness it was Wendy's birthday.

Candace Arthuria Williams
30/1/2021 12:55:41 am

Thank you all so very much. Enjoy your weekend.

John Shane-Emile
30/1/2021 02:36:34 am

A 3-dimentional drawing of a cube? Perhaps had Chen gave into a sudden impulse he would've ruined Wendy's birthday (with his blood). And yet Wendy's kindness may have saved Chen's life for at leat one more day? No, I haven't lost it; its just that the posibilities offers intrigue . . . Good Job!

Sue Clayton
30/1/2021 02:46:42 am

What a wonderful birthday present for Wendy. Let's hope her present of his life lasts for many more years. Subtle take on an attempted suicide.

Swapan k Banerjee
30/1/2021 08:12:16 am

That's the power of a writer, Candace. You let Cedric be around for a while ...

Don Tassone link
30/1/2021 01:29:43 pm

Nice. Well done, Candace.

Marie Johnson-Ladson
30/1/2021 02:04:23 pm

Wendy was Cedric's guardian angel that day. She saved his life. The moment with Wendy changed his mind to take his life this day. Hopefully, it gave him time to think before attempting take his life again. Great story!👏👏

Candace Arthuria Williams
30/1/2021 02:27:04 pm

Thank you all for your thoughtful commentary. Many of you are curious about what happens to Cedric next. Frankly, so am I. Stay tuned.

Paritosh Chandra Dugar
30/1/2021 05:15:37 pm

Liked the psychological dimension of the story. Superb, Candace.

Helen L. Ray
30/1/2021 05:40:52 pm

There’s something to be said about being in the right place at the right time; also, recognizing the thoughtfulness & consideration of Mrs. Chen allowing a stranger to speak to her young daughter. If it was a true story, I would categorize it as divine intervention. The title spoke volumes. Good job Candace!

Candace Arthuria Williams
30/1/2021 06:16:46 pm

How many ways can I say "Thank you?" I'd better find some more.

Marjan sierhuis
30/1/2021 08:02:47 pm

Original and thought provoking, Candace.

Sandra James
31/1/2021 07:26:17 am

Wonderful and very insightful story, Candace. Don't we all wish we could be at the right place at the right time like Wendy. Well done!

DiAna Smith-Brown
15/2/2021 02:23:12 am

You never know how your kind words can impact another. How wonderful this world would be if we only spoke kindly to one another, even if only to smile. Loved reading the story.

Candace Arthuria Williams
15/2/2021 03:54:19 pm

Thanks for taking the time, DiAna.


Comments are closed.

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