Inheritance

Flash Fiction: The Necklace

/ Claire Fuller / 103 Comments

ff_santoshwriter-1

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.’

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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.

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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.

Story story: The Last Laugh

/ Claire Fuller / 18 Comments

bike

“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?”

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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.