“Should’ve known that old biddy would try to have the last laugh. I spent hours chasing cats out of her garden and vacuuming because of her allergies. Left four of her five grandchildren a million each; left me that old three wheeler I admired once, just to be polite.
You hoping maybe it turned out to be an antique, or a time machine? Nah, it’s still rusting in my front garden. But I’m having the last laugh now. All my childless cousins dead; left me their money – guilt, I reckon. I’m a rich man, but the cats’ home’s getting it all.
Now, where do I sign?”
***
I really struggled for inspiration this week. It’s a great picture, but nothing really came to me, and I’m not that happy with this piece – a bit of a cliche.
This piece of writing is part of the Friday Fictioneers writing group. Each week writers from around the world attempt to write 100 words (or so) starting with a picture, this week from Sandra Crook.
I’d love to receive comments and constructive criticism. Click here to read other people’s stories inspired by this picture or to join in, with the group hosted by Rochelle Wishoff-Fields.
Dear Claire,
A good story nonetheless. I love the inheritance going to the cat’s home.
Shalom,
Rochelle
We have a rich uncle who’s leaving his money to colleges and animals-related places. More power to him. He worked for it and can do with it as he wills (so to speak.) 🙂 Revenge in this case was certainly served cold so it must have been very tasty.
janet
I also enjoyed the story, especially that you created it all in one monologue. Was I the only one picturing a woman on a stage? I loved the image of chasing cats out of her garden!
“Should’ve known that old biddy would try to have the last laugh.”
I get the feeling he wouldn’t have cared much anyway, wherever his inheritance position stood. In that sense, he was the one who ‘had the last laugh’; so to speak… 🙂
It is good, and a real testament about our modern society, bequeathing to animals instead of family..
Nice one Claire – didn’t look like it was a struggle, but I know what you mean. 🙂
It makes a good read though, Claire. It’s a lovely snapshot of an unlikeable character, the money doesn’t seem to have cured his resentment, so he’s a bitter old so-and-so, but at least the cats will be happy!
Hey, don’t be so tough on yourself. Clichés only become clichés because of the kernel of truth in them, and it was a good story. 🙂
I struggled too. Funny I considered a time machine. None the less I thought this was a good story, it has depth.
I was thinking about time machine too. In any event, I think you’ve put together a story about sweet revenge. I liked it.
Cliche or not, you told the story pretty well 🙂 kudos
Giving it all to the Cats home….man that is cold.
Tom
It’s cute! Nice little twist as well that the cats she once chased ultimately enabled her inheritance, or so it seems. Fine job!
Hi Claire
I never know how to respond when people say they don’t like their FF story – is it polite to agree or ok to disagree? Anyway, I’m going with my heart and saying you’re wrong – I liked this! It wasn’t as cliche as you think – it looked like it was going to be Aladdin’s lamp and bring his fortune, but then it didn’t – I thought that was great. Then he gets rich anyway and gives it all to the cats – great fun.
Sorry – ended up rambling on – I’ll go now 🙂
I actually know someone that did just that. Left millions to homes for cats. Not a cent to family and friends. Have to respect that. Written well enough. Fair enough that it has been told before, by a few writers, but still.
I liked it 🙂
Your protagonist has great voice – slightly self-satisfied at the ulitmate outcome maybe. It doesn’t read as if you struggled, nor as a cliche. His good fortune made me smile, but I wish he’d do something more constructive with his inheritance.
The last laugh lasted a long time. I am not sure if cats can laugh but if so I am sure they will over their expensive designer catnip.