#FF — Polly Needa

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PHOTO PROMPT © David Stewart

Polly Needa

&&^%^*&^*^*^!!!!!!,” Polly screeches.

Startled awake, one eye creaks open to see five on the clock.

It’s OK, girl,” I tell her.

It’s moving day. The van will arrive at two. Everything’s in neatly stacked boxes in the middle of the apartment except bedding, fresh clothes, toiletries — and Polly, perched near the window; and her things, boxed near the door.

Hugh’s coming at noon. Hugh lives alone, just above us. Over the past twenty years he’s gotten used to hearing Polly argue, sing, and keep things lively. When Hugh heard “the home” doesn’t allow pets, he cried.

No worries,” he said.

[101 words]

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Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host of Friday Fictioneers.

49 Comments Add yours

  1. Sadje's avatar Sadje says:

    A heartwarming story Li.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Sadje, thank you. I’m glad it worked out for them.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sadje's avatar Sadje says:

        You’re welcome. Yes it was the perfect solution.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Her loss is Hugh’s gain

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Badfinger (Max)'s avatar Badfinger (Max) says:

    Glad she is going to a good home!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. This is was so touching, Lisa.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Thank you, Colleen!

      Like

  5. Anita's avatar Anita says:

    Polly is staying back.

    Hugh seems to be a nice person. Why is she moving?

    Time to stay back with Polly & Hugh! :)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Anita, I think she would prefer to stay back, but sometimes life events force you to move on. Thanks for reading and your comment.

      Like

  6. Dale's avatar Dale says:

    Awww… Thank goodness Hugh can take her! Sweet story, Lisa.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Thank you, Dale. I made my muse promise to write something sweet and not sinister this week ;)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar Dale says:

        Haha! So nice of her to listen! ;-)

        Liked by 1 person

  7. I have to agree with Dale, while it’s sad the person evidently can no longer stay in their apartment and needs to move to a home (nursing home?) without her beloved pet, it’s heartwarming Hugh is taking their pet.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      I really hope she can visit Hugh and Polly from time to time. <3

      Liked by 1 person

  8. memadtwo's avatar memadtwo says:

    Sad and yet hopeful. Evidently that’s the source of many pets that end up in shelters. I’m glad Polly will have a loving home. (K)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Yes it is, K. Me too. Birds can live so much longer than cats and dogs.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. memadtwo's avatar memadtwo says:

        I know. Longer than their owners. Which is why they are not good pets. Well, one reason anyway.

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Margaret's avatar Margaret says:

    Aww. That’s nice. Sad, but not as sad as it might have been. Good old Hugh.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Great comment, Margaret. Thank you <3

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Wow.. it seems cruel that some homes don’t allow birds and small pets.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      It is. Of course there’s always a rationale for the policy.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. James McEwan's avatar James McEwan says:

    I am sure they could easily visit each other. The “no pets allowed,” rule can be agony for young children

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      I hope so on the first. And not allowing a child to have a pet is criminal, imo.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. James McEwan's avatar James McEwan says:

        Taking the pet away from a child is even worse.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

          I remember my dog, Pippy, back in my teens. My mom and stepdad sent me off to Bible camp. When I came back, Pippy and her puppies were gone. Just one effed up incident in an effed up childhood.

          Liked by 1 person

  12. Jules's avatar Jules says:

    Sometimes it is just easier to deal with the people – though pets help, they can cause internal problems if the owner can’t take care of them anymore…

    Glad things have worked out. Maybe she can still visit?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      It’s complicated for sure, Jules. Yes, I hope they all can still visit with each other.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. We should never forgwt that pets have feelings too. A touching tale, Lisa.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Indeed. Thanks.

      Like

  14. Dear Lisa,

    A poignant story with a bittersweet ending. Hugh will give Polly a good home.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Rochelle, thanks much. I agree.
      Shalom,
      Lisa

      Like

  15. Nobbinmaug's avatar Nobbinmaug says:

    Polly has a better vocabulary than me. I don’t even know what ^ is called, much less how to pronounce it. I think I’d find another home, though I have a feeling not many allow pets.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Nobbin, I think she would take Polly with her if she could.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Unknown's avatar Anonymous says:

    Aw. I’m glad for the relatively happy ending. Well done :)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Thanks, someone!

      Like

  17. Laurie Bell's avatar Laurie Bell says:

    Ah good on Hugh.
    A sad moving story with a happy end.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Thanks, Laurie!

      Liked by 1 person

  18. It’s wonderful for Polly to have Hugh! A bittersweet tale. Well written, Lisa.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Brenda, thank you. Yes, it is. I’m sure she’s been listening to him as much as he’s been listening to her.

      Like

  19. Sweet story, Lisa. I’m glad Hugh and Polly will be together. 🦜

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      Nancy, thank you, me too.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Carol anne's avatar Carol anne says:

    Old story here Li but so heart warming, so good thanks for a very uplifting story!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Happy to uplift you, Carol Anne :)

      Like

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