A short story …

Keith's Ramblings

for Friday Fictioneers

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I’ll never forget that Halloween. ‘Trick or treat’ we shouted the way kids do. The old lady hissed and shook her stick. We ran!

‘Never go near the grey house again’, Mum said.  ‘She’s a witch’. 

I work for a company emptying disused properties now. When I heard we were clearing the grey house I was intrigued. She’d died a while back and nobody had claimed it.  Did she have kids?  Grandkids?  Perhaps I’d find out.

Inside, everywhere was neat and tidy.  A bit of dust but nothing more. There was a photograph on the sideboard. 

A photograph of Mum and me.

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Thanks to Rochelle for hosting and to Ted Strutz for the photo

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83 thoughts on “A short story …”

  3. Iain Kelly Aug 19, 2020 / 18:37

    A serious family dispute it seems. I feel sorry for the old lady. Maybe I shouldn’t!

    Liked by 1 person

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  7. rochellewisoff Aug 19, 2020 / 22:11

    Dear Keith,

    How very sad when there are insurmountable rifts in families. Nice misdirect.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Keith's Ramblings Aug 20, 2020 / 08:38

      Unimaginable too most, but too often for some it’s the case. Thanks, Rochelle.

      Like

      Reply
  8. doodletllc Aug 20, 2020 / 00:52

    Ah families…and now they can’t go back…it’s done. So very, very sad. But beautiful to read every bite.

    Liked by 1 person

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  12. msjadeli Aug 20, 2020 / 05:48

    And to think he could have had a granny all of those years. Maybe she was a witch, but maybe not. Well-told story that leaves intriguing questions…

    Liked by 1 person

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  17. Dora Aug 20, 2020 / 19:08

    Nice twist ending! Family grudges are never worth all the grief and pain they cause.

    Liked by 1 person

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  20. Inside the Mind of Isadora Aug 20, 2020 / 20:53

    The last line gave me a good punch in the stomach. WOW …. to have found the photo had to be devastating to him.
    Gosh … I want to know more but with a bit of hope. Have a wonderful day … Be Safe
    Isadora 😎

    Liked by 1 person

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  21. siobhan1967 Aug 20, 2020 / 22:52

    Oh that last line! Didn’t see that coming at all. Poor old woman – or was the photo there for more sinister reasons?

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Keith's Ramblings Aug 21, 2020 / 12:47

      I had in mind a grandmother who was for reason was kept at arm’s length from her family. Then again, I’m all for the reader interpreting it in any way they wish! Thanks siobhan.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  22. Sue Aug 21, 2020 / 01:41

    Oh, that was a wicked twist at the end! I’m trying my hand at Friday Fictioneers for the first time. This photo prompt has generated some chilling stories!

    Liked by 2 people

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  23. Dale Aug 21, 2020 / 02:59

    Yanno… my husband used to call his mother a witch… their relationship was strained but not to this level. It always saddens me – while we don’t know the whys maybe it is best. Maybe it was better. Who knows now? Excellent story.

    Liked by 1 person

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  25. Brenda's Thoughts Aug 21, 2020 / 03:25

    Oh dear, a long time family rift and he had no idea who she really was. So sad. Very well written, Keith.

    Liked by 1 person

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  28. James McEwan Aug 21, 2020 / 10:41

    The shock to learn how you were denied your grandmother. What went wrong in the family.

    Liked by 1 person

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  30. Na'ama Yehuda Aug 21, 2020 / 17:51

    Oh, wow. This is powerful, Keith! The stories children are told. The realities they learn to believe … and the secrets adults use to hide reality from their own kids … 😦 Sad.

    Liked by 1 person

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  31. Bill Aug 22, 2020 / 16:37

    When the comedian throws the dramatic mystery curve ball, it is a story to behold. Well done, Keith, and well-told.

    Liked by 1 person

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  37. Mike Aug 24, 2020 / 23:11

    One of your best, what a punchline

    Liked by 1 person

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  38. Annette Kalandros Aug 31, 2020 / 13:54

    Well done! Love all the questions this leaves unanswered.

    Liked by 1 person

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