It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week we were in the fortune-telling shop when Micki Lee told Larry Dunfee that she had a discussion with his deceased wife, Gloria. Larry was not convinced until she mentioned the Sandusky case. This was a super-secret case that Larry was working on. With the mention, Larry bought into a séance with Micki and Gloria. I think we should get back to the shop and see how this goes.
“You have a seat there, Larry.”
“Do I need to do anything?”
“No just sit comfortably. I will ask you to close your eyes and concentrate on my voice.”
“You going to hypnotize me?”
“Not at all, Larry. If I was going to hypnotize you I would have already done it. Just relax and let me ask you if you’re willing to talk to Gloria?”
“Y-yes I’m willing?”
“Do you have any concerns?”
“No. I have no concerns about Gloria. I am nervous about this whole thing though.”
“Your cup of tea should help about now.”
“Um. I think I may go to sleep.”
“No, Larry. You are just super-relaxed. You won’t go to sleep. I’m going to call Gloria now. Are you receptive to seeing her?”
“I’m going to cry I’m sure.”
“That’s okay, Larry. She will understand. Okay, take a deep breath. Here goes. G-L-O-R-I-A.”
“That is her favorite song.”
“Sing it then.”
“G-L-O-R-I-A. Gloria. G-L-O-R-I-A. I think they got your number.
I think they got the alias that you’ve been living under.”
“Please stop, Larry. You are so far off-key it hurts.”
“Gloria. Oh, my God. It is your voice.”
“If you will open your eyes you’ll see it’s me in the flesh…er…so to speak.”
“Gloria, are you really here? Am I dreaming? I can’t believe it.”
“You need to stop crying, Larry. You are the worst crier. Your nose gets all red.”
“I can’t help it, Gloria. I have missed you so much. My heart was crushed when you left.”
“I know sweetheart. It crushed me to leave you as well. As you can see though, we can talk now.”
“You are so beautiful. Are you happy where ever you are? For heaven’s sake where are you now?”
“All in good time, dear. We need to discuss the Sandusky case.”
“The case can wait. How long can you stay?”
“Only a few minutes, my darling. That’s why you have to listen to me.”
“I’m trying my love. I’m just at a disadvantage. Do you know how much I’ve missed you?”
“That is another point of discussion but let’s get to Sandusky. You are looking at the case in the wrong way.”
“Wrong way. What does that mean?”
“You are trying to find a murderer. You need to look for a motive first and then the murderer will follow.”
“Do you know who did it?”
“Of course, but I’m forbidden to share the information. You need to build a case so that it would stick. I could see you barging in and arresting the murderer with no evidence. They would walk free.”
“They? There is more than one?”
“That’s all I can say now. As far as you missing me, you have to get over it. I’m gone and in a better place. You need to move on with your life.”
“You were my life, Gloria.”
“Now you need to start over. I love you with all my heart, Larry and never had a moment of unhappiness with you. That counts for something. You have to rid yourself of the idea that you didn’t give me enough. We were happy and there isn’t enough money in the world to buy the life of love we shared. I want you to be free. I want you to open your heart and accept and love yourself. You deserve it.”
“How did you know I was beating myself to a pulp.”
“I know you, Larry. It is so nice seeing you and now I must go.”
“Will I see you again?”
“I’m not sure, my love.”
“Can we have one hug.”
“In the heart, Larry. Goodbye.”
“Gloria, please.”
“She’s gone. Larry.”
“Oh, Micki. I don’t think I can stand it without Gloria one more minute.”
“Think about what she told you.”
“Was that real?”
“What do you think, Larry?”
Fiction Favorites 
Poor Larry. Let’s just hope he can get past this, accept his situation and throw himself into his work with renewed purpose and vigour.
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I think he’ll come to see that he needs to do just that, Keith. Thanks.
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Very sweet scene. Fingers crossed that Larry can focus on the case though.
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I think he can do it. He is still a little tender is all. Thanks, Charles.
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I’m not used to getting emotional during Wednesday story time. Poor Larry…
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He really misses her. Thanks, Jill.
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I feel bad for the guy. However, I’m a little suspicious of Micki, and that tea. Probably just John Howell syndrome, but… I’ll try to relax.
I hope he takes the advice and works this case the right way.
Nicely done, John. Sorry for the cynicism.
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I think I’m responsible for the cynicism and I love it. No apologies needed. Thanks, Dan
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I think you are, too and I’m not surprised 😉
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Ha ha ha.
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Excellent use of dialogue, John. I enjoyed following the story through the conversation via Larry and Gloria. I happen to believe it all…..
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Thank you, Pamela. 🙂
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Hats off to Larry… sorry, John, I couldn’t resist. He’s a very sensitive man who is still grieving. Hopefully, Gloria’s tip will help him.
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Loving it.
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You encouraged me to do it. We’ll see. I feel like I’m in no man’s land without shoes on.
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You’re doing a fantastic job.
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Aw. Thank you, Craig.
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I chuckled out loud at Larry singing G-L-O-R-I-A. 🙂 Great scene and I hope Larry will listen to her advice. I am loving this story!
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Thank you, Jan. I can just hear a spirit telling her husband to knock it off. 😀
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Exactly! 🙂
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😀
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I’m loving the spiritual encounters and revelations. Now I look forward to Hump Day — and the great photos of Twiggy. 😀
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Thanks, Gwen. 😀
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My heart breaks for Larry. He sounds like he’s so lonely without his beloved Gloria. Hopefully, he can take her advice and find happiness in his life.
I’m looking forward to learning about the mysterious Sandusky case!
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Do you remember the Mystery Writer’s term for a central core of the story? The McGuffin. I think The Sandusky case will be the McGuffin here.
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I feel so bad for Larry – but he’d better listen to Gloria. I’m anxious to see what this Sandusky case involves.
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It should be interesting if a spirit is interested.
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Very emotional I really felt the pain of his loss. I hope he is pointed in the right direction now.
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I think so.
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Not sure I could handle seeing a loved one like that again. It would bring all the pain of loss right back again.
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You are so right Jacquie. I could have gone longer on arry being pained but Gloria would have none of it.
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Aw, you did good with this segment, John! I’m feeling sorry for poor Larry and hoping he finds a renewed energy to tackle his job. (Though if experience has taught me anything, you’ve probably created a “monster” in that Micki character!!)
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Ha ha ha. We’ll see how Micki behaves.
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Could I have some of that tea, please? A cup… or 700 cups… Sounds like good stuff.
I really liked this episode, John. You’ve really brought these two characters to life.
Thanks for the adorable meme. Lucy and Twiggy look so sweet together.
Hugs!
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Thank you, Teagan. I can get you a gallon of the tea. I have run out of Family suitable Memes on the internet. After three years I’m not surprised.
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I realize it’s extra work for you (and you are supposed to be enjoying retirement, after all)… but I love the ones you’ve done with the dogs — and I’m a cat person, so big compliment there. 😉
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Thank you, Teagan. A super compliment which warms my heart.
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Do I detect an interesting twist about to happen? Why do I feel not so sure about Micki? I hope Larry takes Gloria’s advice on the Sandusky case. Can you tell I really like this? You write terrific “who done it” stories, John.
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Thank you Jennie. All good thoughts by the way.
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Good to know, and even more intriguing. You’re welcome, John.
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😀
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I don’t know about Micki. But I do know that Larry sings like me, lol.
This is getting interestinger and interestinger . . .
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I took him straight out of my shower rendition of Gloria.
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Hahaha!
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🙂
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I’m not sure I could have done what Larry did. Hope he find something to occupy his mind for awhile.
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Well he has a case to work so I think he will get on it.
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Good 🙂
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😀
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*finds 🤔
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Reblogged this on DSM Publications and commented:
Check out this short story from author John Howell from this post on his Fiction Favorites blog.
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Thank you , Don.
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You’re welcome.
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Great, believable dialogue, John, that I got a little teary-eyed. Poor Larry, but I hope he can move forward with his life, while still holding Gloria in his heart…
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I think he will. Thanks, Lauren
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Hm was it real…and what was in that tea? 😂😂
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I’ll take some tea not even knowing what is in it. 😀
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Haha me too 🙂 but not from the stranger 😂
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😀
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This is a good beginning for a mystery, John. We’ll be waiting for the next installment. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you, Suzanne. I hope you enjoy it.
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