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Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder, by Doug Bartlett

1/1/2021

10 Comments

 
The billowy clouds draped a frame around the sun as it was dipping below the horizon over the Pacific Ocean creating a beautiful sunset. He and his wife had viewed that scene numerous times. In fact, the last time he saw it she was standing next to him.

He turned to see the urn on the fireplace mantle and he remembered the promises that had been made. Some were kept, others were not.

Oh, how he missed her. He realized how much he loved her and how, to some extent, took her for granted.

He glanced over at the kitchen table and saw the open checkbook, where she had left it, next to some unpaid bills.

He remembered how he thought she had a tendency to talk too much but now he missed that same voice.

He walked over to the quilt hanging on the wall. It was the last one she had made. He reached out and touched their finely embroidered names she had placed within a heart surrounded by cupids.

That evening he skipped dinner as he had no appetite and fell asleep on the couch watching television and waiting for her as if she could appear at any moment. He awoke the next day to an empty house. He showered and got dressed for the day. While he was in the walk-in closet he could smell her on her clothes hanging there just as she left them and could even smell her on some of his own clothing.

He looked again at the beautiful quilt hanging on the wall. Faded memories returned to him vividly as they inundated him with pleasantness.However, he was jolted from his daydream when the doorbell rang. He went to open the door.

“Sorry Dear,” his wife exclaimed as she exploded into the house, “ but I’ve misplaced my house key, I think I left it on the mantle next to Grandpa. Also, you would not believe what happened at our quilting retreat this weekend. Oh, before I tell you all about it, did you miss me?”
​
10 Comments
Jim link
1/1/2021 02:51:07 pm

AH - got me!! Nicely done and while a good twist, also a nice comment about missing those we love to be with.
Happy New Year
Jim

Reply
Doug
1/1/2021 05:39:41 pm

Thanks Jim and Happy New Year to you.

Reply
Mike B
1/1/2021 11:31:02 pm

Good one Doug!!!
Thankful for the surprise ending!! Life can be Tough enough without a sad story. I’m also thankful for second chances, I’ve had similar dreams of losing someone, and have wakened relieved that it wasn’t true.

Reply
Doug
2/1/2021 01:17:46 am

Thanks for commenting Mike. Glad you enjoyed it.

Reply
Mike U
1/1/2021 11:55:16 pm

Great one Doug, makes us think about appreciating the loved ones we have left!

Reply
Doug
2/1/2021 01:18:55 am

Glad you liked it Mike. Thanks for your comment.

Reply
Sue Clayton
2/1/2021 05:43:13 am

A simple love story packed with so much feeling.

Reply
Doug
2/1/2021 06:41:48 am

Thank you so much Sue.

Reply
Mary Wallace
3/1/2021 12:48:54 am

Had me all the way. Very well written Doug. Happy New Year. Thanks for all your wonderful stories.

Reply
Doug
3/1/2021 01:02:47 am

Thank you Mary for those kind words.Happy New Year to you.

Reply



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