The necklace had lived in the velvet box on her Grandmother’s dressing table for as long as Rose could remember. After the funeral her mother lifted it out, the diamonds uncurling languidly, as if she were waking them from a heavy sleep.
‘She wanted you to have it.’ In the dressing-table mirror her mother smiled, eyes filling with tears.
‘I never saw her wear it.’ Rose touched the jewels at her throat.
‘That’s because it wasn’t hers. It was your Grandfather’s.’ Her mother paused. ‘And the sequined dresses, the high heels, the lipstick.’ She smiled again. ‘They loved each other so very much.’
*
This is a 100-word story written as part of the Friday Fictioneers online writing group, run by the wonderful Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Every week many writers around the world write a story inspired by a picture (this week supplied by SantoshWriter). Click here to join in or read other people’s.
*
Delighted to let you know that my novel, Our Endless Numbered Days, has just been shortlisted for The Desmond Elliott Prize for debut fiction. More information.
Well, now! That was an unexpected ending! 😀
But a poignant one. They must have loved each other very much.
Unexpected for me too – but that’s where it went…
Those are the best stories – the ones that end up surprising the author.
Dear Claire,
You just set a sentimental moment on its ear. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry, perhaps a little of both. Very well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle. Still sentimental I hope. It was hard to make it clear that neither the mother or the Grandmother were bothered about it. (3 words over!)
No problem with three measly words. 😉 Definitely sentimental.
Love is so very surprising. Beautiful.
It certainly is. Thank you
Elegant take on the prompt.
Thanks!
On, you DID catch me off guard. Well done!
Ha ha! I’m pleased! Thanks Alicia
Nice ending Claire – and congrats on your book! Proud to be part of a group with such acclaimed writers!!
Ahh, thanks and glad you liked the story
It’s a great story, but it makes me a bit sad that Rose’s grandmother didn’t have the courage to tell Rose herself.
Sad yes, but there could have been all sorts of reasons.
The feminist in me bristles: that all of the grandmother’s clothes and shoes and of course the necklace, belonged to the grandfather, not to her? Even if he bought it? Love is the strangest, strangest thing.
A sweet story. Loved the unexpected ending too.
Oh! Wait! I get it! The grandfather was a trans-dresser! Oh dear, they Did love each other very much, didn’t they?
I just replied to explain – but you got it!
When one’s head is full of recent conversations, it’s all one hears. 🙂
oh, that was marvelous. Written with feeling and a twist
Thanks Samantha. Glad you liked it.
Congratulations!
Thanks!
I blinked, and then I smiled. I love stories that make me do this. Wonderful story. And congrats on your nomination, I keep my fingers crossed.
Thanks! and glad you liked the story
Entertaining and thought-provoking. Most excellent combo.
Thanks Kimberly
Folk like to think cross-dressing is something new, rather than something newly revealed.
A poignant piece: well done.
I’m sure it’s been going on for as long as there were different clothes for men and women.
Somehow I feels this a part of a much longer story.. could it be part of your next novel maybe?
Not the second one, that’s nearly finished. But maybe the third…
Hah! That had the feeling of a story that took on a life of its own. Love it when that happens. 🙂 Nice one Clare.
Thanks Sandra. Yes, I just kind of let it go and was rather pleased with what it did, all by itself!
Wow, Claire, good. I suspect the world is about to shook up. Will it land on its heels?
Who knows! Did you mean high heels? 😉
You deftly tell us so much here, Claire. Of course, it is left to interpretation. Has she stopped wearing them because of her grief or in relief? Either way, the story works. Nice job.
All my best,
Marie Gail
Thanks Marie Gail. And so lovely to see a photo of you with Dave and Rochelle. One of these days I’ll get over to the States and meet some of you.
This definitely took me by surprise in the most delightful way. Strange love is love nonetheless.
Thanks Helena. I love it when my writing surprises.
Lovely! Thanks for making me smile.
Thanks Susan. For once a (fairly – despite two deaths) happy piece!
I like your reply to another comment that it took you by surprise!
Witty and surprising – delightful!
Here is my second attempt: https://phillygree.wordpress.com/2015/05/20/friday-fictioneers-leisure-gob/
Thanks, glad you liked it. I’ll take a look at yours…
I like how the photo prompt made you think of diamonds. Like this piece and I was surprised by your ending, too.
Thanks. The raindrops do look like diamonds, don’t they?
They do!
Lol. Very good, Claire. Totally had me there. Cracking ending, really enjoyed this one. A classic example of what FF should be about.
Thanks Paul. I know it’s ok when you like it.
Wonderful, you just tossed us all in the air and we don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Hah! I’m pleased. Thanks Hilary
Lovely story! I didn’t see that type of ending coming (i chose to laugh)! By the way, your book is next on my list 🙂
Thanks, and hope you enjoy the book – let me know!
That was an unexpected and lovely twist. Nicely done.
Thanks, glad you liked it.
This really made me smile. Congratulations on your nomination. Fingers crossed for you.
Thanks! Glad you liked it.
Congratulations on your book nomination. I love a good old fashion trani story. 🙂
Tracey
Hah! Thanks on both counts.
Loved the ending! Love is a funny thing.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
With so much talk about Bruce Jenner, this is a timely topic and one that packs an emotional punch.
I hadn’t heard of Bruce Jenner and had to go and look him up, but yes, topical.
I should have clarified “so much talk in the US”…, 😀
Love these days takes us in all new and eye-opening directions. But when we learn this about “old” loves, it is even more amazing.
Randy
You’re right. These things feel recent, but I’m sure they’ve been going on for centuries. (I’ve just finished How to be Both by Ali Smith, which is partly about a woman hiding as a man, but more for work reasons than any other.)
Claire, this story was wonderful! It took me a few minutes to “get” it. I went through the same process as petrujviljoen. Claire, what is the name of your book and the name of the site selling it?
Thank you – glad you got it in the end! My novel is called Our Endless Numbered Days. I’m not sure if you’re based in the States, but assuming you are it’s available at Barnes & Noble, lots of Indies and also Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Our-Endless-Numbered-Days-Novel/dp/1941040012
Wow, you know how to pivot a story and the reader right along with it! Great writing!
Thanks Lorna, glad you enjoyed it.
What a splendid story with a twist, and congratulations on your novel’s listing.
That, I did!
True love! nice.
Lily
First it made me sad then it made me cross….Get it? Just kidding around!
What a pity Grandfather was not around to see Grayson Perry tripping around in liberty print and platform heels!
I did not expect that ending. It must be a shock to learn the grandfather was a cross-dresser. Nice! 🙂
Well THAT was an interesting twist! lol
what a surprise! i didn’t expect it.
That was both beautiful and totally unexpected. Well done.
Thanks Irene. Glad it surprised you.
This is wonderful! An unexpected twist, that enhances the story no end.
Thanks! So glad you enjoyed it.
A delightful and amusing take on the prompt. Excellent.
Thanks Sheila!
Oh, I love these unexpected endings. This was great, Claire! I like how this prompt inspired the idea of a necklace.
Wow! So good! Grandfather certainly was a fancy dresser. I can picture Grandmother and Grandfather walking about dressed to the
nines!
Great update on your novel, Claire. I’m happy to read that your hard work is being rewarded – consideration itself is a reward, eh? Congratulations!
Ellespeth
Thanks so much Ellespeth. That is a lovely image of Grandmother and Grandfather swanning around together. And thanks for the congratulations.
Brilliant – complete surprise, loved it.
KT
Thanks, KT. Very pleased it surprised you.
A surprising twist, Claire, but that’s life isn’t it. Good the mother told the daughter before someone else who wasn’t so kind did it. There are human vultures who thrive on hurting people. That was a family who understood unconditional love. Well written as always. Congratulations on your book being shortlisted for the award. 🙂 — Suzanne
Yes, I like that family. Glad you did too, and thanks for the congratulations.
A wonderful story with a surprising twist. Every family has its secrets…
Thanks. Perhaps back in the Grandfather’s day he couldn’t talk about it, hopefully things are a little better now.
Pingback: In the Media: 24th May 2015 | The Writes of Woman
Big jolt at the end. I had to re-read to be sure. Very good.
Thanks Margaret. A jolt to your readers is always good!
Now that was a great twist in the end. These days Grandpa will have his own reality show.
Hah! Yes, I suppose he would
Oh My God!!! This is so….wow!!!!
I really need to participate in this flash fiction series myself.
By the way, Congratulations on the award, Claire!
Thanks. You should definitely join in – it’s great fun. And thanks for the congratulations
What a beautiful story of unconditional love. Why didn’t they give them to the daughter?
Good question. But I don’t have the answer!