Dan couldn’t believe his luck when he spotted an almost new, wooden high chair sitting beside of the road. It had been sent straight from heaven, landing right at his feet. Although a new job would’ve been better, it was still an answer to prayer. He said nothing to Jess, and wrapped it up in a huge, pink bow. Dan didn’t have a TV, and didn’t worry about the news. Never found out what had happened, and how that high chair came to be sitting beside the road. The chair didn’t share its tragic secret either. It was starting over.
….
100 words. This week’s photo prompt has kindly been provided © Roger Bultot
This has been a contribution to Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wishoff Fields. https://rochellewisoff.com/ Please forgive my clumsy links here. I’ve been forced over to the new block editor and am lost in the undergrowth. I am improving but still have a lot to learn.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Sometimes we are best not knowing. Everyone is happy. Glad the chair has new life.
Hope you’re doing great R.
I love it that they didn’t know
I just had another thought about the high chair and how an empty chair is often used to represent someone you’ve lost. This high chair could sit well within that framework.
Speaking of empty chairs have you seen the 185 Empty White Chairs memorial to those who died in the Christchurch earthquake? Here’s a link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/185_empty_chairs
It’s so poignant. We went to NZ on our honeymoon flying out of Sydney the morning after 9/11 and stayed in Christchurch.
We are doing well. I heard the waratahs were out locally and so I set off to find them today and also went for a bush walk. The waratahs were growing on the edge of the road in the National Park. They were just beautiful.
Hope you are doing well too.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Thanks, Neil. As they say, ignorance is bliss.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Cue the swelling music! A lovely story-well done.
I got distinct Stephen King vibes on this one. Oh no!
Good luck with the block editor. We’re all getting there with it! Not knowing opens up the possibility of a sad back story here, but I’m hopeful it’s not and it’s previous owner has just grown too old for the chair!
That would make a good story. I’ve heard stories that in the past some cultures would leave an empty chair at the dinner table and offer food. Sad about Christchurch, that was a terrible earthquake.
Sounds lovely. Nothing like a bush walk to calm the nerves!
All good here. We’re pretty much out of lock down. Life has gone back to normal. There is still social distancing but it doesn’t impact life. It’s nice that cafes are spaced out. The spring weather has hit – yay. I don’t dare gloat this virus can flare up like wildfire.
Cleverly woven tale, Rowena, with lots left unsaid.
And I think we are pretty unanimous in our dislike of the new editor, I have had a running battle with WP and they are just not interested.
I have decided to close my AnElephantCant blog and I’m looking for alternatives to WP.
Now there’s a cliff-hanger of an ending!
Dear Rowena,
You left this reader wanting to know more. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Oh! Now I’m intrigued and wondering what the chair’s story is all about. Well done😊
I felt that there is a rather sad hidden tale still to be told
Yes. That’s been left for the reader to resolve.
Thanks, Sue. I actually quite liked Iain Kelly’s explanation for what happened to the baby. It was much more positive that where my mind was heading. Super Baby would be very exciting.
Thanks very much, Rochelle. That’s the beauty of these short flash fictions. They’re great for suspense and you don’t have to have all the answers yourself.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Thanks, Sandra.
That’s the beauty of these short flash fiction pieces. They’re full of intrigue.
Well done!
I thought it was my curious nature but I see in the comments of others that they’d like to know more … me too. Nicely written.
Have a great day … Be Safe
Isadora 😎
Thank you very much, Isadore. It’s been interesting to read people’s comments and their desire to know more. It seems they’ve really been drawn into the story which is interesting.
Best wishes and I hope you and yours are staying safe and well.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Thank you, Dee.
It’s a good thing they didn’t know and the chair had the chance at a do over. Very intriguing and creative story, Rowena!
And there you have it. Or maybe not. the underlying story of the abandon high chair shall remain untold. Well done.
So the past is past, life goes on.
Yes, Bill. These flash fiction pieces encourage mystery with their short word limits.
Great story!
I like the story you didn’t tell. Good piece.
Thanks very much, Rob.