Despair washed over me and I sat staring at the grubby grey walls. Then a knock at the door.
A small boy stood proffering a plate of crudely decorated cupcakes with a gap-toothed grin.
I think I’m going to like this neighbourhood.
Friday Flash Fiction |
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FOOD It was the lowest day of my life. Divorced and alone, I moved my meagre belongings into the rundown cottage. My friends gone, abandoned in my hours of need. A far cry from the two storey home with ocean views.
Despair washed over me and I sat staring at the grubby grey walls. Then a knock at the door. A small boy stood proffering a plate of crudely decorated cupcakes with a gap-toothed grin. I think I’m going to like this neighbourhood.
Pamela Kennedy
21/2/2021 11:42:52 am
This is so sweet-it brought a smile to my face.
Sandra James
21/2/2021 12:52:23 pm
Thank you, Pamela! Although this is fiction, I have a very strong image of that boy at the door with the cupcakes and he makes me smile, too :)
Jennifer Duncan
21/2/2021 12:45:20 pm
The best neighbours aren't always in the fancy neighbourhoods. An encouraging story well done.
Sandra James
21/2/2021 12:56:34 pm
Thank you, Jennifer. Yes, I totally agree, there are a lot of very good people out there with not-so-posh postcodes :)
Andrew Carter
21/2/2021 01:07:52 pm
Brought me to tears, instantly. Recognition of superficiality artfully explored contrasting deeper levels of beauty. You know how to touch the heart, Sandra. I really love how great stories like this are so often the most simple. Your stories have such touching truths.
Sandra James
21/2/2021 10:19:45 pm
Oh, Andrew! Now my eyes are misting. Thank you for your lovely comments. So often we (and, yes, I've been guilty, too) of judging, boxing or labeling people, neighbourhoods etc but reality is very different. Some of the worst people come from some of the 'best' neighbourhoods, while some of the best people come from some of the 'worst' addresses. Thanks again!
Andrew Carter
21/2/2021 11:29:39 pm
Bah haha haha. I was brought up on top of Bilgola Plateau overlooking Pittwater, and Lion Island, on the northern beaches.
Jennifer Lai
21/2/2021 02:12:17 pm
Nice story. I wish all neighbors were that welcoming.
Sandra James
21/2/2021 10:21:04 pm
Thanks, Jennifer. Me, too! I've had some 'interesting' ones over the years :)
Peggy Gerber
21/2/2021 03:31:24 pm
Lovely story with an important message.
Sandra James
21/2/2021 10:26:41 pm
Thanks, Peggy. I'm lucky that I've met lots of wonderful people over the years from both sides of the tracks :)
Sandra James
21/2/2021 10:28:57 pm
Thank you very much, Jim! Waking up to all these lovely comments this morning I feel very honoured :) I do appreciate it!
Susan F. Reid
21/2/2021 08:31:27 pm
Aw. Somebody's parent was thinking about you, and sent the perfect delivery boy.
Sandra James
21/2/2021 10:34:12 pm
Thanks, Susan! Once, many years ago, when I stopped in a small country town for a break, a young boy rode past on his bike and welcomed me with hello and a big smile. I never forgot him and think I modelled the delivery boy on him :)
Sue Clayton
22/2/2021 12:39:58 am
Brought back memories of when we moved to our rural farm, Sandra. On arrival day we found a bunch of flowers and a plate of cakes on the veranda. No note, no nothing. Just a beautiful, anonymous welcome.
Sandra James
26/2/2021 02:49:06 am
Lovely! And, I bet they were pleased when they found out they were getting such a good neighbour, too :)
Padmini Krishnan
22/2/2021 11:03:46 am
Shows that it is the people who matter...We may find honest and friendly ones in humble neighbourhood. Enjoyed reading this one.
Sandra James
26/2/2021 02:52:12 am
Yes, Padmini, there are just as many good, honest people in the most humble surroundings. Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it and thank you for your feedback :)
Sandra James
26/2/2021 02:54:59 am
Thanks, Don. This is fiction but I have been lucky to find many special people in 'unexpected' places and situations :)
Mary Wallace
23/2/2021 05:15:14 am
It's the little things that mean so much. Lovely story.
Sandra James
26/2/2021 02:55:53 am
I agree, Mary. Like lovely postmistresses who call you by name when you're new to the area :)
Candace Arthuria Williams
23/2/2021 03:39:23 pm
Sandra, I can picture the young man, too. As I do my own characters. Nice to see we have that in common.
Sandra James
26/2/2021 02:57:11 am
Oh, yes, Candace, that is lovely. And, I suspect we have lots in common as well as our love of writing! Thank you :)
Marie Johnson-Ladson
24/2/2021 02:13:42 pm
Great story just a small gesture made you feel welcome!
Sandra James
26/2/2021 02:58:28 am
Thank you, Marie. Sometimes the giver doesn't even realise how much those little things mean but they make a huge difference to the recipient.
Marjan sierhuis
27/2/2021 06:32:28 pm
Beautifully told like all your stories, Sandra. Comments are closed.
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