Ninety-nine words…

Keith's Ramblings

for Friday Fictioneers

 

whiten,,,

 

‘Hello dear’ she would say as she hung her bag and brolly on the hook. 

Every day. 

My other regulars always waved to her.   ‘Hello dears’  she’d shout! 

Masie always said that. 

She’d study the menu for ages.  ‘Whatever you suggest and a nice cup of tea dear’ she’d say. 

Every time! 

*

I’ll never forget that day.   I walked over with her meal. Steak pie it was.  She seemed to be asleep.  

She never woke up.

It’s not my cafe any more, but her bag and brolly still hang on the hook.  I like that.  

Masie probably would too.

 

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vvv

 

 

 

Thanks to Rochelle for hosting and to Dale Rogerson for the photo of the spooky cafe!

 

Feed the frog to join in the fun!

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82 thoughts on “Ninety-nine words…”

  2. Christine Goodnough Aug 21, 2019 / 14:02

    I think this is the dream of most people: to quietly fall asleep in a familiar, comfortable place. Preferably at home in bed, but this is a nice option. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Keith's Ramblings Aug 22, 2019 / 11:19

      A regular at my local passed away there and his walking stick hangs on the wall – which is how I got the idea for my story. Cheers Iain

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  5. Colline Aug 21, 2019 / 16:00

    I like this piece with a tinge of sadness but peace. Nicely done.

    Liked by 1 person

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  9. rochellewisoff Aug 21, 2019 / 21:38

    Dear Keith,

    Light, tasteful and ever so poignant. Well told. And oh, that frog! ❤

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  13. Dale Aug 21, 2019 / 23:50

    This was a lovely story, Keith.
    Who could ask for better?

    Liked by 1 person

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  18. hilarymb Aug 22, 2019 / 12:15

    Hi Keith – I’m sure that sort of thing happens rather more often than not … delightful to read and good to know Maisie went in her happy place! Well told – cheers Hilary

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Keith's Ramblings Aug 22, 2019 / 13:38

      Having based this on something I experienced i can say for certain she will! (Don’t worry, I’m not replying from the grave!)

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. Jan Aug 22, 2019 / 14:59

    Quite delightful–not one syllable too many,

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Keith's Ramblings Aug 22, 2019 / 18:11

      I couldn’t have made it longer if I’d tried! Thanks for your lovely comment Jan.

      Like

      Reply
  21. Liz Young Aug 22, 2019 / 15:40

    Ah – that’s lovely. Even weird old people should be remembered. I hope I’m not forgotten too soon!

    Liked by 1 person

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  23. larry trasciatti Aug 23, 2019 / 11:30

    You want a place where everybody knows your name. It’s so nice that she made such an impression

    Liked by 1 person

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  24. Jade M. Wong Aug 23, 2019 / 14:51

    Oh wow, I can’t believe you noticed that in the photo! I like the idea of her friendly ghost still inhabiting the cafe and a cup of tea always being put out for her on special occasions 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  25. patriciaruthsusan Aug 23, 2019 / 14:53

    A lovely story, Keith with great description. When it was my dad’s time to go he passed at home while laying down for a nap after coming home from the hospital and a small lunch. It was peaceful and he never found out he had to sell the home he loved because he couldn’t drive any longer. It was a comfort to me. 🙂 — Suzanne

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  26. Na'ama Yehuda Aug 23, 2019 / 15:16

    Aww…. This is so lovely! (Did you feed froggy yet? He looks ready to eat the Internet, and I’d rather not have more holes in the ‘net’ than there are already in it … ;))
    So well done, Keith!
    I used to frequent a neighborhood cafe (it’s been closed for ages now, since the building was torn down and a tall apartment building complex built above the space), which functioned as ‘neighborhood hangout’, ‘senior citizen’, ‘family meeting point’ and so on. The ‘regulars’ as so regulars, that sometimes if someone didn’t show up for a couple of days, the cafe would send out one of their delivery persons to check in on the customer … just to make sure they were okay. Best places in the world, these places are.
    Na’ama

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    • Keith's Ramblings Aug 24, 2019 / 12:24

      They so are. I know of a couple of places that perfectly fit your description and they are not just special but vital.

      If you just heard a loud belch that was Froggie who just finished his lunch – terrible manners, I’m so sorry!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Na'ama Yehuda Aug 24, 2019 / 15:50

        Froggie isn’t known for their table manners, you know. His moods, however … Yep, FAMOUS for those! 😉
        Here’s to vital and special places remaining viable. Amen.

        Liked by 1 person

  27. Rowena Aug 23, 2019 / 17:50

    This was very touching and beautiful, Keith. I like how there are those permanent fixtures in this regular local cafe but also the transience and her death. It’s even better being based on a true story.
    Best wishes,
    Rowena

    Liked by 1 person

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  28. James McEwan Aug 23, 2019 / 19:59

    We notice their oddity when they are alive and we miss them terribly when they are gone. Nice, gentle and very true to character story.

    Liked by 1 person

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  30. Abhijit Ray Aug 24, 2019 / 10:18

    At least she left this world from a place she liked and waiting for food she loved.

    Liked by 1 person

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  31. gahlearner Aug 24, 2019 / 13:56

    This is lovely. And what a good reminder that her gentle and friendly nature made a difference and won’t be forgotten. That’s something everyone can do.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  32. Alice Audrey Aug 25, 2019 / 00:50

    She was lucky to have the rare privilege of dying in a place she liked.

    Liked by 1 person

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  33. theministryofshrawleywalks Aug 25, 2019 / 11:05

    Part of the furniture eh, makes you wonder if all the artefacts are left from deceased customers, I didn’t spot the skeleton, good stuff as ever.

    Liked by 1 person

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