Kate sat looking out her apartment window above Main Street. At 82, Kate was tired. She didn’t really want to do anything. If the kids came over, that was fine, but she didn’t cook for them and didn’t want them there long enough to make a mess for her to clean.
Her knees, riddled with arthritis, hurt so bad; sitting here, looking out the window was her favorite thing to do. Today the painters were out there. A long time ago, her husband was a painter. She lifted the sill a crack to listen to their banter and closed her eyes.
This week’s photo: © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Friday Fictioneers is a weekly 100 word writing challenge inspired by a picture prompt. Click here to read other stories.
I can imagine people becoming tired of life, especially when a life long companion has passed. Such a difficult and sad time, and yet that is life for so many. Well written Dawn.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Iain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They say people who eavesdrop never hear anything good, but she may be an exception
LikeLike
Thanks Neil.
LikeLike
A little company that is not demanding… Not a bad thing
LikeLike
Right? 🙂
Thanks Dale
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poignant
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Susie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a bittersweet story. I hope she gets to see him again one day.
LikeLike
Thank you
LikeLike
I could feel the loneliness in this. Nicely done Dawn!
LikeLike
Thank you
LikeLike
She sounds so lonely and alone.
LikeLike
Thanks Sandra.
LikeLike
Such a bittersweet tale.
LikeLike
Thanks Ali.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was beautiful!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Beautifully written, Dawn. I feel sorry for those who are lonely in old age.
LikeLike
I’ve been thinking about this a lot during quarantine. Breaks my heart.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Instant tears at the end. AAA+++
LikeLike
You are too kind. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very nice story. I liked that last line especially. Gave her a past and a motive. Cool!
LikeLike
Thank you Kent.
LikeLike
Dear Dawn,
It sounds like she’s given up on life. Poignant and bittersweet.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Thank you Rochelle.
LikeLike
A lovely story of Kate catching up and enjoying the simple pleasure of eavesdropping. Beats the repeats on the TV.
LikeLike
Absolutely! Thanks James.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I imagined that the paint smells would bring her loving memories.
LikeLike
You are right so often smells will trigger memories. Thank you
LikeLike
She can sit quietly and remember by listening to the painter. At that age, many times that’s all you want to do … sit quietly … not entertaining people who demand from you more than you feel like giving. She’s earned that.
LikeLike
Exactly! Thanks Brenda.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hopefully, her action, small as it is will bring a little comfort.
LikeLike
Thanks Keith
LikeLiked by 1 person
GOSH … this is so true here in my little paradise – Florida.
I used to – before COVID – hear and see tales like this, Dawn.
There’s much more loneliness among the elderly especially when their spouse is gone.
Nicely unfolded …. Isadora 😎
LikeLike
Thanks Isadora.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s sweet – I hope their language wasn’t too ripe!
LikeLike
LOL…hadn’t thought of that.
Thanks Liz.
LikeLike
Dawn, this one really spoke to me. I’m ten years younger than your Kate, but I could certainly relate! Major difference: I still have my Terry. So thankful!
LikeLike
Thanks for reading and commenting.
LikeLike
At 82, you’ve earned the right to do as you please. 😀
LikeLike
Absolutely!
LikeLiked by 1 person