Friday Fictioneer: Remembering
Instead of a story, I’m going to share a memory.
In junior high school, my best friend was Karen. She had an older brother who was dying.
Sadly, I don’t remember his name, why he was dying, or his funeral. Knowing my mother, I’m sure she took me.
The only thing I remember is him sitting on his bed propped up by his pillows and his blanket over his legs.
I sat on the bed with him and we played chess. I’ve not played since.
I assume it’s because the game doesn’t interested me. I played to entertain my friend.
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Rochelle Wisoff-Fields hosts the writing challenge Friday Fictioneer. She posts a photo and we write a 100 word flash fiction about the photo.
Click on People of Akiane Trilogy and My Haunted Bed & Breakfast to check out my books.
Sounds like a powerful memory you put away to look at later with age and wisdom – and now you are looking at it. I’m tempted to ask and how does that make you feel – you have so pointedly not told us!
Sorry, not enough room in FF to tell all. I’m sorry I don’t remember more about him. I forgot until I saw the picture. I’m on FB with Karen and am thinking of asking her about him.
Maybe chess brings back memories of that time, seeing him so ill.
I thought of that, but chess really doesn’t interest me. It’s more likely that it was his favorite thing to do, so I spent time with him doing what he wanted.
Great story Phyllis.
Thanks.
And I imagine you’re glad you played chess with him that time. There is a word for doing something that holds no interest for you but gives pleasure to somebody else: generosity.
Sweet of you to say. ;0) Thanks.
You are most welcome and it was thoroughly deserved.
;0)
and the memories don’t ever leave
Yes, the photo brought him back to me.
It doesn’t surprise me at all that you never played chess, Phyllis. It must have been a traumatic experience that you locked away. I hope you can find closure and realize you paid him a great kindness. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for the sentiment, but I don’t believe it was traumatic. I don’t work that way. I’m sure I mourned his passing, but I also know it’s the way of life. I’ve ever been interested in chess. As you say, I was spending time with my friend so he would not be alone.
My apologies, I meant no offense.
No, my apologies. I didn’t mean to sound rude. I didn’t want to worry.
No worries. All is well.😊❤
Blessings.
What you did for your friend’s brother was an act of kindness. But it’s rather sad that you’ve never played chess again.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Sounds like you’re a chess player. How good of a player are you?
I used to be a pretty competative card and board game player. Now I write novels, bike, hike, and take long road trips.There’s far too many things to do and not enough time for all of it.
It’s funny how the mind works… Memories – the ones that left their mark on you and yet, other details are gone… I enjoyed this Phyllis…
Thank you, Dale. I know you have many good memories. Blessings, Phyllis
Absolutely!!
A selfless act of kindness. Very nicely done.
Thank you, Sandra.
You did a good thing. A nice and heartwarming story.
Thank you.
Sad story, thanks for sharing
Thanks for reading.