 |
| Door |
Oscar retrieved a torn box
in the back of his closet. I remember this! Didn’t think it still existed….
His daughter Beverly
called from somewhere in the house. “Dad!
You be careful in there!!” Her
hopes of moving Oscar into a geriatric care facility had always seemed improbable.
But here she was and didn't want to be detained one moment longer. “See
you tomorrow, Dad!!” Slamming the door
with a sigh of finality, Beverly drove away.
Oscar pulled out the rags
and eased them over his aged body, smiling at the memories…from his days as a transient. The final touch was tucking his souvenir Luger
from war days into the back of the belt.
After living a
philanthropic life, Oscar stepped out the door eager to lead his former misanthropic
existence. Slamming the door behind him,
Oscar ambled away with a broad smile...back into the memories of the past.***
 |
| Source |
Oscar will not go far, I assure you.
Delores at Under the Porch Light has again tossed out six words as a challenge for any writer who would like to see what could be written using them. Words this week are the underlined words in above story. You can access what creative writers have done, but clicking on the Methodist Church in the right sidebar.
That is a story that happens too often.
ReplyDeleteYes, I was thinking about the dementia problems after I had posted it. But, I'll just let Oscar walk down the street a distance before the mail person retrieves him.
DeleteOh boy, Beverly is going to be surprised tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteSurprised, angry, and then very worried.
DeleteAt least he got to take some memories with him.
ReplyDeleteMemories from the past can be of great comfort.
DeleteOf for new adventures, or maybe dentures? lol
ReplyDeleteOr maybe to the local market for some spicy Mexican food?
DeleteMemories are SUCH a consolation in the dark days and nights. And I am pleased that Oscar won't wander far. (And like him much more than his pushy and impatient daughter - which is unfair of me.)
ReplyDeleteHis daughter clearly is selfishly wanting to put him out of her responsibility. Oscar knows he can't escape, but it is worth a try to make a bid for freedom. Safety is the most important factor, so he can't hit the road as he did in the old days.
DeleteSearching for the freedom of his lost youth? That has to be better than a geriatric home. Although not from his daughter's point of view I suppose.
ReplyDeleteWhen my mother was failing, it was a hard decision that was made for her when she had some in-home accidents. Oscar got to experience a taste of the days when he walked free.
DeleteI'm wondering why the daughter didn't kiss her dad goodbye instead of just hollering out a farewell. Silly girl... ;)
ReplyDeleteThat was a sub-plot in the short story: he wasn't given her love and she simply wanted to put him away so she didn't have to care for him. Foolish woman.
DeleteI always always always love your take on Delores' word. Happy Halloween Susan!!!
ReplyDelete...And happy All Saints' Day to you!
DeleteIt's so true how many older people fight to hold on to their dignity, and their freedom. Very well written!
ReplyDeleteJulie
..and it is a fight. So hard to relinquish the parent role to ones' child, and lose freedom.
DeleteGreat use of the words - and I love the photos too!
ReplyDeleteDelores' words always provide some heavy planning! The photos were perfect; I loved finding them.
Delete