PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot
Goodwill
I’m sweeping the front stoop when they visit my shop; the lady with honey-shine hair and emerald eyes, holding hands with her small, pale son. They spend an afternoon looking for tiles to refurbish her patio. Her garrulousness almost overwhelms me, yet I appreciate her knowledge of clay, glazes, and firing techniques. The sickly boy says nothing but watches, listens, to everything.
Twenty-five years later, I’m sweeping the stoop when a young man, wearing a peach-colored suit, stands before me and asks, “Remember me?”
Looking up, I answer, “You’ve grown – and you talk.” He smiles like a sun.
“I’m looking for tile for a refurbishment.”
[105 words]
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
Nice write; I’m sure you’ve got what he needs
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:)
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Aww nice Li :-) 💞💞 well done!
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Thanks, Carol Anne :)
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This was so lovely!! I love that the son returned.
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Me too, Colleen. Thanks!
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You’re welcome, Lisa.
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I loved “honey-shine hair”
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Thank you, Neil.
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You conveyed a very clear picture of the appearance and demeanour of the woman in such a few words. Loved this.
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Sandra, much appreciated <3
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I have to wonder if it was mothers’ gift of gab that was making him sickly in the first part! great write.
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V, I have to wonder also. Thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed the story.
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Life does travel in circles. (K)
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:)
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funny how he still remembers her after all these years. she must’ve been truly one of a kind!
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Plaridel, I imagined the MC as a man. The boy was overshadowed by his mother but he never forgot the tile expert that shared his afternoon with them. Thanks for reading and appreciate you sharing your impressions.
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Like mother, like son! A lovely story. Lisa.
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Thanks very much, Keith. I feel the muse sent me real people. Somewhere in time, this happened.
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I was right there in that moment Lisa, so well written 🙌
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Ange, thank you so much <3
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Great characters, Lisa, they feel very real. I like that the MC seems to enjoy the shop talk despite her chattiness, and maybe he’ll now have a more pleasant one with the son.
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Gabi, thanks very much. I appreciate your thoughts on the story.
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Lovely story, Li!
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Chris, thanks so much <3
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A nicely told tale, I like the repetition of the sweeping the stoop.
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Thank you very much. Twenty-five years can pass in an instant.
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That’s for sure! And things don’t always stay around that long nowadays.
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Dear Lisa,
And the seasons they go round and round…I love the way you bookend the woman sweeping the steps.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, glad you enjoyed the story.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Lisa, I wonder if the mother has died and now the son can finally “shine”. She sounded like a rather overbearing woman. Good story.
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May be. I think the son inherited her curiosity and appreciation for excellence. Thanks much, Nancy.
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Welcome, Lisa.
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Oh that’s lovely
Sad but lovely. And that she is still there
And so is he
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Thanks, Laurie :)
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