Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: LOVE (08/03/23)
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TITLE: POTTED PLANT & HAT IN HAND~ | Previous Challenge Entry
By C D Swanson
08/09/23 -
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I personally didn’t know what to offer other than my hand and a smile. It was true most residents that were admitted long term, did in fact die in the facility. Some months later, some years later, and some sadly shortly thereafter.
Most upon admission marinated themselves in copious tears, self-defeat and slanderous words against the individuals who led to their admission in the first place. Usually within 90 days they either accepted it or kicked against the goads resisting their fate. Trying to muster all the strength and dignity one could maintain to keep their independence and worth.
“I never experienced love like my friends, and siblings. I wasn’t fortunate enough to find a fellow that either held an interest in me, or me in him. I was constantly maligned and referred to as the “old spinster” and cranky old librarian in my town.” Victoria Worthington’s eyes watered. “Honey, what’s your name again?”
“Marie.”
“Marie, have you known love?”
I nodded immediately and answered, “In many ways, Miss Worthington.”
“Well, I mean the love of a man.”
“Yes, I’m blessed to have married my teenage sweetheart.”
She nodded her head in robotic fashion, as if she knew what my response was going to be. As if she’d asked that question countless times before, and the answers seemingly redundant in response.
“Miss Worthington—”
“Call me Victoria, please. Miss Worthington is a grim reminder and confirmation of my being an old maid.”
My heart ached with the way she spoke about herself, and the obvious regrets of a love that never came to fruition. “Victoria, did you enjoy love in any other way?”
“How do you suppose?”
“Well, a family member. A niece, nephew…a co-worker? Anyone you loved in a capacity other than a love for a ‘man’?”
“Well, I will have to say the biggest love of my life is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Then there was the love of family naturally.” She stopped and appeared to be lost in reverie before continuing.
“There was a coworker, the accountant in the library. A fine man. Joshua Phelps. He was pleasant, personable and caring. He had the right temperament. Respectful and offered up some mighty good conversations. Not overbearing. No, he was just right. He spoke in a baritone voice. And could speak about any subject, a great conversationalist. But not overly talkative, like some loquacious bloviators I had encountered in my lifetime! The type that makes one feel bile rise from the insensitive and increasing need to boast about themselves. Or speak about off color scenarios. You know the type to which I am referring, don’t you Marie?” Her faded blue eyes were framed by creases around the edges.
“I guess I do.” I smiled broadly as I sat down beside her.
“Joshua was special. I thought he could be the one. In fact, I even made him special lunches upon occasion. He was quick to accept, and we ate several times in the employee’s lounge. Forty-five minutes, not a second more or less.”
“Oh Victoria, those are some good memories right there. Do you think that—”
“I could have fallen for him had he courted me. I think the answer is hidden somewhere in the wind…but to confess what’s in my heart, I think I could have fallen head over heels for him. If I only had the chance. He always wore a hat outdoors. And he’d take it off the moment I approached, hat in hand.”
“What happened to him?”
Her eyes suddenly veiled in visible sorrow. As she brushed away a small stray white wisp of hair, she responded in a small voice, “He up and left one day.”
“Without saying goodbye?”
“Without saying goodbye…”
“I’m so sorry.”
“I am too. What does it matter now? For here I am in this place, like a potted plant amongst many. Some shall die of thirst; others shall die of neglect. Some both. Doesn’t matter. Nothing to look forward to anymore."
I reluctantly left her for the new admission. I glanced at the name and smiled. It couldn't be, or could it? A dapper gentleman, hat in hand waited for admission into our facility.
I extended my hand, “Mr. Joshua Phelps, I’m Marie Dominique. Sir, I think you’re going to love it here...”
Based on an actual event
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