A flash of fiction …

…for Friday Fictioneers.

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She always was a bit flighty but he didn’t expect her to leave him for a toy boy when she was in her eighties!

She left a load of stuff behind: frumpy frocks and woolly socks, her walking cane, her  Zimmer frame. Hair nets, reading specs, everywhere he looked he was reminded of her. 

Down the road was a shop which sold second-hand bits and pieces for charity. ‘All donations welcome’ said the sign in the window. 

There was only one thing for it.

“Excuse me dear” he called through the door. “Do you accept second-hand husbands?”

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image-5Thanks to Rochelle for hosting and to John Nixon for the photo. 

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48 thoughts on “A flash of fiction …

  1. Sadje's avatar Sadje June 22, 2022 / 13:40

    Aww, a poignant ending.

    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings June 22, 2022 / 14:39

      Thanks, Sadje.I wasn’t sure if it would come across as moving or amusing!

      • Sadje's avatar Sadje June 22, 2022 / 14:40

        I think it’s both.

  2. rochellewisoff's avatar rochellewisoff June 22, 2022 / 13:54

    Dear Keith,

    This is so close to a true story I won’t divulge. Loved the voices and the ending line…well done, sir.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

  3. Iain Kelly's avatar Iain Kelly June 22, 2022 / 14:04

    Ha, nice twist at the end Keith. I hope he found a buyer 🙂

  4. Sandra's avatar Sandra June 22, 2022 / 16:39

    I think he’s on the way to recovery.

    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings June 23, 2022 / 11:12

      I wasn’t sure how it would be read, poignant or amusing. On balance, it seems the former! Thanks, Suzette.

  5. pennygadd51's avatar pennygadd51 June 22, 2022 / 18:16

    Lovely twist, Keith. I liked the rhyming prose too. You left me smiling.

    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings June 23, 2022 / 11:21

      Actually, I’m third-hand, but it’s not that bad!

  6. Patricia's avatar Patricia June 23, 2022 / 01:48

    Sometimes second-hand is perfectly what is needed.

    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings June 23, 2022 / 11:22

      Exactly, experienced and ready for whatever comes next!

  7. Danny James's avatar Danny James June 23, 2022 / 16:44

    Ah…and what would the resale price be for a second hand husband?

  8. James McEwan's avatar James McEwan June 23, 2022 / 20:01

    “Do you accept second-hand husbands?”
    “Of course through the back, get yourself a coffee and take a seat with the others.
    The auction starts in five minutes, we’ll be sure to get a fair price for you.”

    I’ve been bought and sold a few times. it makes life interesting.

  9. Inside the Mind of Isadora's avatar Inside the Mind of Isadora June 23, 2022 / 20:29

    What is it they say in show business? “Leave them laughing,” I think.
    I must admit I found it amusing. An octogenarian finds a boy toy. LOL
    She must have money. 😀 I do feel bad for hubby. I guess he didn’t see that coming.
    Good one, Keith. I enjoyed it very much.
    Isadora 😎

    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings June 24, 2022 / 12:49

      I totally agree Isadora! Thanks for your delightful comment.

  10. Bill's avatar Bill June 23, 2022 / 23:20

    Well done, Keith. Since half of all husbands over 35 are second hand, there is an ample supply. 🙂

    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings June 24, 2022 / 12:51

      I became third-hand in my 40’s, and once again I’m available to the highest bidder!!

      • Bill's avatar Bill June 24, 2022 / 15:19

        Good luck to you, Sir.

  11. Michael's avatar Michael June 23, 2022 / 23:43

    You made me smile, in her eighties wow

    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings June 24, 2022 / 12:52

      There’s life in the ‘ole gal yet! Cheers Michael.

  12. poetisatinta's avatar poetisatinta June 24, 2022 / 17:28

    Ha loved that, especially listening to it – just one more thing – Where’s that shop I might want to pop in!! 🙂

  13. plaridel's avatar plaridel June 24, 2022 / 19:48

    if it’s still in good working condition, why not? 🙂

  14. msjadeli's avatar msjadeli June 25, 2022 / 02:40

    Keith that one made me smile but feel a bit down about the second-hand husband 🙁

      • msjadeli's avatar msjadeli June 25, 2022 / 21:37

        You’re welcome.

  15. Margaret's avatar Margaret June 26, 2022 / 11:30

    Good on him! Better to do as he did than to mope around feeling old. Fun story – and moving too. You did both in this one.

  16. Vartika's avatar Vartika June 26, 2022 / 13:35

    Beautiful story. Loved it. Nice take on prompt

  17. Nobbinmaug's avatar Nobbinmaug June 26, 2022 / 17:29

    The ending was perfect, as sad as it was funny. I enjoyed the rhyming list of things left behind, as well.

  18. AdeOLUWA's avatar AdeOLUWA June 27, 2022 / 13:00

    Ah…what? 😲 I wasn’t expecting that ending at all! 😅😅

  19. granonine's avatar granonine June 28, 2022 / 14:57

    Keith, I’ve been slow in reading posts this week. I’m so glad I didn’t miss yours! Thanks for the smile 🙂

  20. GHLearner's avatar GHLearner June 28, 2022 / 16:00

    He hasn’t lost his humour. Moving and amusing!

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