100 words

Keith's Ramblings

For Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers photo prompt.

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He never received cards. Even his parents never gave him one. 

Actually, that’s not strictly true because he’d send himself one now and again.

At school he had no friends. As for girls, he quite liked the look of them, but only from a distance, so he used to send himself Valentine cards.

Later in life, even at work, he remained a very private person.

He always gave himself birthday cards, Christmas cards too. If he hadn’t, the postman would have just walked on by.

He passed away recently. A card lay on the floor. A sympathy card. From himself.

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PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

44 thoughts on “100 words”

  2. Sadje's avatar Sadje Jul 31, 2024 / 14:57

    Ooh, that last card must be sent due to a premonition.

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  3. James Pyles's avatar James Pyles Jul 31, 2024 / 14:59

    Makes you wonder how he knew ahead of time. Also didn’t the postman deliver bills and junk mail?

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    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings Aug 1, 2024 / 17:42

      Just an expression, not to be taken literally – mind you, you should have seen the pile of junk that I received today!

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  4. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli Jul 31, 2024 / 15:29

    Oh no. This person led such a lonely life. Brings tears to my eyes.

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  5. Dale's avatar Dale Jul 31, 2024 / 16:08

    Awww… I have to agree with Neil. A melancholy humour this is.

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  7. Denise Hammond's avatar Denise Hammond Jul 31, 2024 / 16:51

    My 90 year-old cousin reminded me the other day that she and I are the only two people left who send cards.

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  8. granonine's avatar granonine Jul 31, 2024 / 18:23

    My goodness, Keith. Every now and then you surprise us with a really sad one. I felt it deeply. Good job.

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  9. Misky's avatar Misky Jul 31, 2024 / 19:18

    My mum gave my dad the same anniversary card for 67-years.

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  10. Suzette Benjamin's avatar Suzette Benjamin Jul 31, 2024 / 19:23

    I did not see the ending coming Keith. A deep story, far more than your carefully chosen words and story at first suggest.

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  14. Margaret's avatar Margaret Aug 1, 2024 / 04:08

    That final card is a telling one. What a sad and lonely life he’s had. Beautifully told, Keith – perfect tone. The lightness you bring to such a tragic story makes it land in just the right place.

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  15. rochellewisoff's avatar rochellewisoff Aug 1, 2024 / 12:28

    Dear Keith,

    Touching, poignant and incredibly sad. Well written.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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  16. Meha Sharma's avatar Meha Sharma Aug 1, 2024 / 17:48

    What a poignant read. Feeling sad for him. Read your story after long Keith. I must congratulate you for being so consistent with writing.

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  17. James McEwan's avatar James McEwan Aug 1, 2024 / 19:57

    The need for friends and recognition is strong. If he left the stamps off his envelopes, it would be possible to have social contact with the postal services. Should I laugh?

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  18. GHLearner's avatar GHLearner Aug 3, 2024 / 13:10

    Loneliness is such a curse for far too many. Poor guy. And still, couldn’t help chuckllng about the subtle humour.

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  19. Angela Adams's avatar Angela Adams Aug 5, 2024 / 02:59

    This is heart wrenching. I feel for him, but also get the sense that he somewhat cultivated the emptiness, and didn’t fully mind–he made the best of the situation. Great voice through the writing. Well done!

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