Cats

photo-by-piya-singh-bittercharm-6

I set down the saucer of milk in the corner of the barn and scuffed around in the straw, calling and blowing little kisses. Every day I’d visited the kittens, pressing each soft face against mine and sighing.

Cara had sighed too. ‘They’re not your babies, Frances. They’re feral cats and in a month they’ll be yowling, and scratching and copulating.’

Now she stood in the doorway, the sleeves of her shirt sodden.
‘Have you been to the lake?’ I said.
She held out a sack, the dead-weight at the bottom dripping water on the concrete floor.
‘You’re too old for playing mother,’ she said.

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This is a Friday Fictioneers story of 100-words or so, hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields, and this week the picture is provided by Piya Singh. Click here to join in or here to read other people’s.

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I had some great news yesterday. One of my short stories, A Quiet Tidy Man, has been shortlisted for the Royal Academy / Pin Drop short story prize. The winner will be announced at a ceremony later in June at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, where the story will be read by the actress Juliet Stevenson. More information.

Even after fourteen years she still set two places at the table. The ritual brought her comfort – the mats with the holly borders, the Christmas candles, the crackers – still plenty left from last year.

“Not yet Stanley,” she said chiding the old tabby and shooing him to the floor.

She poured two sherries, placed them on the table and sat down, her bones creaking. With some effort, the cat jumped up to the empty place opposite, sniffed at the glass and backed away, nose twitching.

“It used to be your favourite,” she said. “Cheers Stan,” she lifted her glass and chinked it against the other.

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This piece of writing was inspired by the picture prompt provided by Scott Vannatter for the Friday Fictioneers writing group run by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. We all attempt to write 100 words (or so); this week I’m slightly over.

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.