I wrote this for this week’s Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle 100 words (or so) based on the photo prompt below. Come join us!
At The Birthday Supper
It was Mother’s birthday. She was 85. Maybe she’d remember it was her
favorite restaurant.
“Where are all my things?” she asked.
“What things, Mother? Those things that you didn’t want to leave when you were 50?”
“I remember that birthday. You took me for supper then, too. I don’t know why I never left him. Do you remember?” Mother was cutting an asparagus spear.
“I guess, like he said, he thought you were ethereal and that meant something no one else could ever understand.”
“At the end, he wouldn’t even hold my hand.”
“Don’t look back, Mother.” I squeezed her hand.
Ellespeth
photo Copyright – Dawn Q. Landau
Views From A Poet 
Well done, Ellespeth! The story is both bitter and sweet: the mother with a bitter memory and the child squeezing her hand for comfort. Somewhat ironic too because the child (I can’t tell if the child is a daughter or son and it doesn’t really matter) wonders if Mother will remember the restaurant, perhaps not prepared for Mother remembering a lot more. It is sad that for some reason we are more inclined to remember the slights and betrayals of years past. Have you seen the film, Away From Her? Julie Christie’s performance of a woman suffering from Alzheimer’s is wonderful. The story is rather painful for everyone suffers, the caregiver (her husband) more so in many ways, but you also see how Christie’s character suffers by not being able to forget a wrong done to her by her husband long ago. Your story reminds me of that struggle.
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Ellespeth, The elderly have more time to think about things. Unfortuantely, memories often bring up the little hurts of the past to cast a shadow on the present. I’ve made an effort to forget and forgive, as least to forgive. Well written. —Susan
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Hi Susan ~ So true. Sometimes I’d just rather forget 😛 Thanks for reading this piece and for your comment.
Ellespeth
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Beautifully written, Ellespeth.
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Thank you! I’m enjoying this 100 word prompt each week. Glad you’ve enjoyed this one.
Ellespeth
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Yes.. this is how aging affects some .. really takes a special care to deal with.
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Why? The never ending question that can never be answered.
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Melancholy memories often stay strong within us.
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i think birthdays bring up the past more and more as we get older. Nice work.
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Hi Claudia!
I wonder why that is? Seeking resolution?
Ellespeth
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There is a lot not said that still has an impression on this story. Powerful, but sad. I fear the old lady has slipped into senility.
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You’re probably right – so left to wondering about those parts myself. Thanks for reading and commenting on this piece.
Ellespeth
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If you could bring the past back, many things could be fixed. Nice story.
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I mean “we” not you, at least “I”.
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Chuckling 🙂
Ellespeth
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Or done differently, for sure 😦 I’m glad you liked this piece.
Ellespeth
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Dear Ellespeth,
It seems that Mother is living in the past. Poignant and touching.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I don’t know. Maybe she’s letting go. Thanks for passing by and for commenting on my work, Rochelle.
Ellespeth
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Dear Ellespeth,
Words of wisdom for us all. Well said.
Aloha,
Doug
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Thanks, Doug! I’m glad you passed by to read this piece.
Ellespeth
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