Friday, February 19, 2010

The Blue Door...continued (part 5)

With each quiet step Richard took, Rebel took two. First to the hall closet were Richard stowed away his jacket and satchel. Next upstairs. Richard stopped briefly in front of the bathroom door. The shower was running. Finally down the hall to the front bedroom.

Richard opened the door and stepped inside. The air lay heavy with dust and memories.

‘Rebel, sit.’ He said quietly.

Rebel was used to this routine, but didn’t sit. Instead she let out a low and quiet wine.

‘Come.’

Rebel walked up to Richard.

‘Good girl. Now sit.’

Rebel sat and watched Richard as he went to the windows. Richard raised the shades. First the front left, then the front right. The glass was dotted with drizzle. Outside, committed joggers and people with umbrellas went about their business while others scurried inside with newspapers or briefcases covering their heads.

Richard turned to exit the room when he noticed the green scarf, one that Marta had knit, hanging from a hook mounted on the wall. He walked over and took it into his hands. It was skinny and long. It smelled sour, like the room.

‘Come.’

Rebel followed Richard out of the room and down the hall to the master bedroom.

Richard sat on the edge of the bed with scarf in hand, waiting for Marta. Rebel lay at the foot of the bed, head drooping over her paws.

‘You’re home early.’

Richard looked up. His eyes had been closed, his neck bent. Meditating through the time until Marta would appear. He was clutching the scarf.

‘Where did you find it?’

‘Hanging in her room.’ Richard said smiling, but only slightly. Worried that Marta would start crying, or worse, remain silent.

Marta sat on the edge of the bed and put her hand on Richard’s.

‘I remember when we found her. Hanna took her scarf off and tied it around Rebel’s neck. We told her not to, but she did it anyway. I got upset…because she was a stray…I raised my voice a little, but you put your hand on my shoulder and…so I took a deep breath…and well the next thing I know, we’re packing a stray dog into our car and Hanna can’t stop smiling.’

Leaning into her husband, Marta fell silent.

6 comments:

  1. Hmmm...interesting...and what will happen next.

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  2. I have read it three times now and loved it more each time. I can't wait for the next instalment.

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  3. Loved this part. I look forward to the next...
    Have you ever thought of publishing these short stories?

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  4. Thank you everyone. I'm glad you're enjoying my words.

    Magda – I have though about publishing, but I've not written in years, just getting my sea legs back.

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