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.
The Day After 
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.
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Thanks Iain.
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They say people who eavesdrop never hear anything good, but she may be an exception
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Thanks Neil.
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A little company that is not demanding… Not a bad thing
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Right? 🙂
Thanks Dale
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Poignant
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Thanks Susie.
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Such a bittersweet story. I hope she gets to see him again one day.
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Thank you
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I could feel the loneliness in this. Nicely done Dawn!
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Thank you
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She sounds so lonely and alone.
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Thanks Sandra.
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Such a bittersweet tale.
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Thanks Ali.
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That was beautiful!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Thank you.
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Beautifully written, Dawn. I feel sorry for those who are lonely in old age.
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I’ve been thinking about this a lot during quarantine. Breaks my heart.
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Instant tears at the end. AAA+++
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You are too kind. Thank you.
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You’re welcome.
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Very nice story. I liked that last line especially. Gave her a past and a motive. Cool!
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Thank you Kent.
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Dear Dawn,
It sounds like she’s given up on life. Poignant and bittersweet.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle.
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A lovely story of Kate catching up and enjoying the simple pleasure of eavesdropping. Beats the repeats on the TV.
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Absolutely! Thanks James.
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I imagined that the paint smells would bring her loving memories.
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You are right so often smells will trigger memories. Thank you
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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.
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Exactly! Thanks Brenda.
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Hopefully, her action, small as it is will bring a little comfort.
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Thanks Keith
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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 😎
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Thanks Isadora.
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That’s sweet – I hope their language wasn’t too ripe!
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LOL…hadn’t thought of that.
Thanks Liz.
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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!
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Thanks for reading and commenting.
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At 82, you’ve earned the right to do as you please. 😀
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Absolutely!
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