Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Poor (08/29/24)
-
TITLE: Poor Emmie | Previous Challenge Entry
By Natalie Price
09/05/24 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
(short fiction)
Emmie sat at her writing table, fingers hovering above the keyboard, but the words refused to come. Through the open window, she could hear her neighbors’ voices drifting across the yard.
“Poor Emmie,” one of them said. “Losing her mother last summer, then her boyfriend. It’s no wonder she stays home all day now.”
“With that cat of hers,” another voice added, dripping with pity.
Emmie’s gaze shifted to the cane propped against the wall, her jaw tightening. She didn’t need to hear the rest to know what they were saying. Poor Emmie, alone except for her cat, Lulu, and occasional visits from Bob. But she wasn’t as lonely as they thought.
The sound of running water interrupted her thoughts. Carla, who helped around the house since Emmie’s knee injury, would be done with the bathroom soon. Emmie took a deep breath, bracing herself for Carla’s usual flood of complaints.
Moments later, Carla emerged, drying her hands on a towel. “You will *not* believe the night I had,” she said, collapsing onto the couch. “John’s ex—yeah, her again—showed up at the party. Totally uninvited.”
Emmie glanced over. “Sounds like quite the scene.”
“Scene? It was a disaster!” Carla groaned. “John barely said a word to her, but *I’m* the one dealing with all the fallout. His mom’s calling, his ex is glaring at me, and my brother keeps asking for money. I swear, I spend more time at other people’s places than my own. Sometimes I wonder why I even bother going home.”
Emmie tilted her head slightly. “That sounds exhausting.”
“It is! At least when I’m at my mom’s, there’s food.” Carla sighed. “But it’s hard to keep it together when no one helps, you know?”
Without a word, Emmie stood and moved to the kitchen. She opened the freezer quietly, pulling out chicken, ground beef, and a loaf of homemade bread. Carla, distracted by her phone, didn’t notice.
“You’ve got it easy, Emmie,” Carla continued, oblivious. “Just you and Lulu, no one to hassle you. I know you make dinner for Bob, but still... it’s kinda peaceful, isn’t it?”
Emmie returned with a grocery bag in hand. “Here, take this,” she said softly.
Carla blinked, confused. “What’s this for?”
“I bought too much again,” Emmie replied with a small smile. “Do me a favor and take it.”
Carla hesitated but took the bag, her fingers brushing against the handle. “Oh... thanks, Emmie. I didn’t mean to—”
“It’s nothing,” Emmie interrupted gently. “Just some extra.”
Carla gave a half-smile, muttering her thanks before slipping out the door.
---
A week later, Emmie found herself at the corner store, picking up milk and a can of tuna for Lulu. As she turned the aisle, she spotted Carla near the front, scanning the shelves.
“Carla!” Emmie called.
Carla looked up briefly, then quickly turned away and left the store without a word. Emmie sighed and paid for her groceries, heading outside where Bob was, as usual, leaning against the corner.
“Hey there, Emmie,” Bob greeted with a grin. “What’s got you lookin’ so down?”
Emmie managed a small smile. “Saw Carla in the store. She avoided me.”
Bob chuckled softly. “Ah, Carla. She’s proud. Sometimes it’s hard takin’ help, even when you need it most.”
Emmie nodded, the hurt still fresh. “I didn't mean to embarrass her.”
Bob scratched his chin thoughtfully. “She knows that. Doesn’t make it easier though. She’ll come around when she’s ready.”
After a pause, he added, “Got a spare dollar? Just till I get my check.”
Without hesitation, Emmie reached into her pocket and handed him a five. “Here, Bob. Take it.”
Bob accepted it with a grin. “You spoil me, you know that?”
“Blame Lulu. I think she’s got a crush on you,” Emmie replied with a soft laugh. “Don’t forget—dinner’s at seven.”
Bob tipped his cap. “Wouldn’t miss it. Best meal in town.”
Emmie smiled as she walked away, cane tapping lightly against the pavement. Poor Emmie? She thought. Nah—not even close.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Blessings
Congrats,
God Bless~