“Mum says she wants to be buried in the woods, with the others,” said Margaret.
“What?” said Libby, shocked. “But she hated them.”
“Well, those are her instructions.”
“What do you think?”
Margaret raised her eyebrows at her sister; she couldn’t remember the last time Libby had asked her opinion. “It’s her choice.”
“But don’t you think she should consider those she’s leaving behind more than herself?”
“No, I think it’s the last decision she’ll get to make. Let her make it.”
“But she’ll be gone. And I’ll…we’ll have to visit her grave in that place, where…” Libby trailed off.
***
Last week my new husband and I had a converstation about the novel Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner. Anyone read it? It’s a wonderful book, but in case you haven’t, at the end one of the characters who is dying chooses a type of death that greatly upsets one of the others (I don’t think I’m giving the ending away). Is that fair? Is that right? They won’t be here to suffer the consequences, but it is often the only thing left for them to have an influence on. That discussion inspired this piece of writing. Sorry that ‘the others’ is a bit cryptic, but hopefully more explanation isn’t needed, because I’m at exactly 100 words this week.
An interesting picture provided by Rich Voza for this week’s Friday Fictioneers writing group – where writers from all over the world write about 100 words using a photo as inspiration. click here to read other people’s and to join in. And please comment below with any suggestions for improvement on mine.
Another good reason to cremate.
So, is Mother’s final wish her revenge on the rest of the family? Interesting… 🙂
Fascinating…intriguing. Sounds like a great way to control other people. 🙁 I’ll keep an eye out for that book.
when family can be so high handed in the decisions after someone dies its nice if someone has the last word
Intriguing one this week Claire and wishing you the best in your own journey 🙂
Crossing to Safety is one of my favorite books, ever. Stegner is a truly wonderful writer… and no, the solution is not fair, but given the story, right. I like how you’ve wrangled that thought and used it here. Nice job!
Great intrigue!
Excellent piece, well written, very enjoyable..with a lovely hint of intrigue.
Dear Claire,
An intriguing piece. It has me wondering what happened in this particular spot and why the daughter is reticent to bury her mother there. Well written dialogue drew me in.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Dear Claire,
I have not read the Stegner piece you’re referring to, but his Angle of Repose comes highly recommended so I’ll add anything by him to the list.
Your piece is fine and and has set the hook for my reading of the novel.
Aloha,
Doug
I think I like Angle of Repose even better than Crossing to Safety, but both are a joy.
Way to leave us hanging… I’m intrigued. What could have happened there that she’s so against burying her mother there?
They may just learn to let go, if the mum can let go and share an eternity with ‘the others’. I liked this story.
Thought-provoking, Claire, and intriguing, with it! Quality, as always. 🙂
An interesting point you raise here about a dying person’s last wishes. I really think their wishes should be honored. I haven’t read that book, but it sounds fascinating. This whole idea is a great premise for a story. The “afterlife” of someone’s last wishes. Great story!
This weeks picture is generating so orginal responses… I love it.. and this is really thoughtprovoking..
“No, I think it’s the last decision she’ll get to make. Let her make it.”
Beautiful piece of dialogue, and very intriguing piece!