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She, by Mary Wallace

25/9/2020

 
She watched them go. Self sufficient, self absorbed, leaving the ravaged breakfast table resplendent in cereal boxes and dirty bowls.

She couldn't remember the last time they'd waved goodbye, let alone kissed her.

She didn't expect miracles from teenagers, but acknowledging her existence wouldn't hurt. She was ignored unless they had a complaint. Each day they grew more like their father.

She sat amid the breakfast chaos carefully counting her secret savings. It was enough. She could take that cruise and never return.

She wouldn't do it of course, but the dream of escape made her smile.

Krystyna
26/9/2020 02:26:01 am

Been there. Ha! Love your story. Mary.

Mary Wallace
26/9/2020 02:36:03 am

Thanks Krystyna. Me too.

Jim link
26/9/2020 03:51:53 am

I somehow missed this one, Mary!
Ah, to dream, eh?
Nicely done!
Jim

Mary Wallace
26/9/2020 04:15:03 am

Thanks Jim, for some reason I had trouble submitting it and it has only just arrived. Glad you found it.

phyllis souza
26/9/2020 04:41:52 am

" Each day they grew more like their father." That sounds familiar. It could go either way. Good, well written story.

Mary Wallace
26/9/2020 06:59:14 am

There are some traits we wish weren't genetic. Thanks Phyllis

Sue Clayton
26/9/2020 04:42:57 am

How many mothers of teenagers will empathize with your story, Mary. At least she can dream as she ignores the breakfast mess. Your words always take readers right into the scene.

Mary Wallace
26/9/2020 07:00:11 am

Thanks Sue. So many of us contemplate our escape.

Pamela Kennedy
26/9/2020 10:43:32 am

Oh gosh! It's a scene that plays over and over again in so many households..very relatable story, Mary.

Mary Wallace
26/9/2020 10:57:15 am

Many mums retain their sanity planning escapes that rarely happen. Thsnks for reading Pamela.

Marjan sierhuis
26/9/2020 01:16:40 pm

I enjoyed your story, Mary.

Mary Wallace
26/9/2020 01:23:26 pm

Thanks Marjan.

Jim Woessner
28/9/2020 06:02:21 pm

Damn, Mary, she should have left!!! Oh, the missed opportunities. Do you remember the terrible (in my opinion) book and move The Bridges of Madison County? Same theme. I hated that book. Grab your dreams and shake the life out of them. Oh well. Your story is close to the bone.

Mary Wallace
29/9/2020 01:46:12 pm

Jim, you're probably right. I never saw The bridges of Madison County, but I have often wished to have the courage of Shirley Valentine. Still, the idea of escape is possibly better than the actuality.😊


Comments are closed.

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