Beyond the orchard in the meadow lives a grumpy, snarky old man. For years, he lived with his family in the city, where he taught English at a local high school, providing a structured learning environment for eager students in which he shared his love of work by John Steinbeck and Owen Wister. After his children grew up and left home, he retired and moved with his wife to a house in the countryside.
Years later, his wife passed away after a long, difficult illness, leaving him alone and bitter. Now, his children rarely visit, and he only goes out when necessary, driving his old, battered station wagon to the nearby village for supplies. Otherwise, he sits in his country house, listening to the wind whisper in the trees and trying unsuccessfully to restore order to his life.
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Thanks to Girlie on the Edge for inspiring the above work of fiction with her six-sentence story prompt for this week, in which the given word is “restore.” You can click here to participate and read other bloggers’ six-sentence creations. I was also inspired by another prompt from a site called Writing Works Wonders. You’ll find exercises, resources, and more at this link..
New! Why Grandma Doesn’t Know Me
Copyright 2021 by Abbie Johnson Taylor.
Independently published with the help of DLD Books.
Sixteen-year-old Natalie’s grandmother, suffering from dementia and confined to a wheelchair, lives in a nursing home and rarely recognizes Natalie. But one Halloween night, she tells her a shocking secret that only she and Natalie’s mother know. Natalie is the product of a one-night stand between her mother, who is a college English teacher, and another professor.
After some research, Natalie learns that people with dementia often have vivid memories of past events. Still not wanting to believe what her grandmother has told her, she finds her biological father online. The resemblance between them is undeniable. Not knowing what else to do, she shows his photo and website to her parents.
Natalie realizes she has some growing up to do. Scared and confused, she reaches out to her biological father, and they start corresponding.
Her younger sister, Sarah, senses their parents’ marital difficulties. At Thanksgiving, when she has an opportunity to see Santa Claus, she asks him to bring them together again. Can the jolly old elf grant her request?
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My Corner 
It seems like he needs companionship, someone to talk to. May his children or neighbors help get him connected again with the village.
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I’m sure you’re right, Frank. But given his attitude, reconnecting with him could prove difficult. Maybe someday, someone will have the courage, patience, and perseverance to make that happen. Thank you for your comment.
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The meaner they are, the more they need someone to break through.
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That’s right, and they need someone with a lot of patience who doesn’t get discouraged easily.
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A poignant piece, Abbie. Such is the passage of life for some.
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You’re right. It’s sad that some people can be made bitter by life’s hardships. Thank you for commenting.
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Your character’s story is probably more common than we may think. Sometimes it takes the help of another to guide us out of the “woods”.
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You’re right. Maybe someday, someone will bring him out of the woods before it’s too late. Who knows? Thank you for commenting.q
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I think your character’s story definitely is more common than we think. Many reasons for people to become lonely and embittered
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I think you’re right, Sue. People can become lonely and bitter as they grow old, especially if they’ve encountered hardship in life.
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