April A-Z
blogging challenge 2012
S is the next letter in this sequence 26 short stories - 250
words or fewer- about the life and times of a fictional character called Alice.
Alice and Norman had a garden party to celebrate their Silver
Wedding anniversary in 1981. It’s always a gamble organising an outdoor event
in England but August that year was mostly warm and dry and the day of the
party dawned bright and clear.
Alice watched Norman as he chatted with their guests. His hair
was greying and receding at the temples and his laughter lines were deepening
but he was still a good-looking man. Alice had discovered silver in her hair,
too, but her hairdresser disguised it.
She looked at her children, young adults now. Edward John,
more usually called Ted these days, was studying medicine and intended to marry
once he had qualified. Rebecca was a
journalist on the local paper and hoped to make a career in the national
dailies one day. Emily, sweet sixteen, was considering teaching as a
profession.
Alice breathed in the jasmine-scented
air and smiled. She was so fortunate.
Her mother hadn’t been so lucky. She
had lost all three sons. Though Daniel still lived his mind had wandered far
away. John had died fourteen years ago and Ivy was lonely. Norman had offered
to build a ‘granny annexe’ so she could live with them but she had declined -
she valued her independence. Ruth spent a lot of time with her but Alice
wondered if that was always helpful. They had both loved Daniel and grieved for
him. Raking over the past didn’t help either of them, visiting Daniel even less
so.
16 comments:
I don’t even know the way I finished up right here, however I assumed this publish was great. I do not realize who you are but definitely you are going to a well-known blogger in case you are not already. Cheers!
I am going to be sad when this story ends! It;s been cool to see Alice growing up!
I am going to be sad when this story ends! It;s been cool to see Alice growing up!
This is a wonderful idea to tell a story in increments like this. It gives the reader ample opportunity to digest and want to know more.
Time marches on for everyone! Alice has been married 25 years already, and it was only 'yesterday' she was just a child. Glad she and Ruth are back as friends. No surprise John has passed away at the rate he had been going.
Hi Janice .. it's great the way you're telling the story .. this is a little resume of their life - quick and succinct .. but we know where they are ..
Well done .. now I have to wait for next week?! Cheers Hilary
Hopefully Ivy and Ruth will be a comfort to each other.
Oh dear! I've just discovered NOW that your blog is in the A to Z - challenge! I must go back to 'A' and read forward!
I chose also 'silver' as my theme for the letter S!
Intriguing story about Alice.
Best wishes,
Anna
Anna's A to Z the letter S
The story remains fascinating, I've caught with all the missed instalment today. You are doing extremely well, you have the makings of a novel here. Even in tiny bites it's interesting.
The children all seem to have good heads on their shoulders with those future plans. Very sad for Ivy and Ruth.
I am loving your take on the challenge. I am having a hard time working in commenting each time and reading all the new blogs and writing my own, but I am visiting each day.! So lovely the story of Alice.
Hugs~
I agree, time marches on, it was only last week, Alice was just a kid. This is turning out great.
One read and already I am half in love with Alice. You have a folksy, real way of writing - my favourite style. And I love that she's middle aged and has grey in her hair and there are so many mysteries about this woman yet to be unveiled.
Wow! They sound like such real people! Nicely done.
Sounds a great story! Love it!
Twenty-five years have now gone by. I'm so glad Alice has three successful children.
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