Keith Channing is still away on holiday so I created another finger point prompt. This time I used Ian McEwan’s book Saturday. I opened it to page 165 and pointed at a sentence. The sentence reads, “Look,” he says. “It’s an orchid for your room.”
The Orchid by John W. Howell © 2019
“So where are you from?”
“I live in Toledo, Ohio but am originally from North Dakota.”
“Wow. North Dakota can get cold, can’t it?”
“That is for sure. Sometimes it is twenty degrees below zero in the winter.”
“How did you find your way to Ohio?”
“I prefer to say I was pilfered from North Dakota.”
“That’s a strange word to use.”
“It is one of the words brought to my attention by my friend Marc. I use it because I was only a young boy when my parents moved to Ohio.”
“So here you are checking into a hotel in Florida.”
“I know. It is funny how life treats us, isn’t it?”
“Do you have any luggage?”
“I only have this urn and my valise.”
“An urn?”
“Yes. You see my parents asked me to take them to a warm spot after they passed. They are both with me here.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you. I don’t see it as a loss. I have the memories of them in my heart so I think they will be with me forever. I will be spreading them out in the warm water tomorrow.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
“You have already done it.”
“I don’t think I understand.”
“You have blessed me with your concern and that is the finest gift you could give.”
“I-I’m speechless.”
“Please believe me. Kindness and concern for others is a rare commodity today. You have a gift and I might even say you are blessed as well.
“I want you to have something. Look. It’s an orchid for your room.”
“How lovely. Thank you. Why the tears?”
“I’m not sure. Erm if you need anything just call the front desk.”
“I will. Thank you again.”
“Your room is down the hall.”
“We both know I’m not staying.”
“You’re a spirit aren’t you?”
“Yes. Yes, I am.”
“You have come for me, haven’t you?”
“I have. It’s time.”
“Should I be afraid?”
“Are you?”
“No.”
“There’s your answer. Take my hand. Walk with me.”
Fiction Favorites 
As usual, a really fascinating twist to the prompt.
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Thank you, Charles
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I love the final six words, “Take my hand. Walk with me.” How beautiful, John. 🙂
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Thank you,Gwen. My favorite words.
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At least it’s an upgrade from a lily.
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That is one way to look at it. 😊
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Lovely finger point, John.
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Thank you, Jill. A soft side.
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You did it again, John. (Though I knew you would!)
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Thank you, GP 😀
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Such a beautiful and charming response to the prompt, John. Never saw that ending coming.
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Thank you, Hugh. 😊
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Thant snapping sound was my neck, I did not see that twist coming. Very nicely done, John.
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Thank you, Dan. Thanks also for the laugh 😂
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That was powerful, John. I just learned of the passing of a dear blogger friend last night. This was just what I needed today. Thank you.
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I’m so sorry for your loss Mae. I’m glad it helped. I’ve found the idea of guiding spirits comforting as well.
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Yikes, that was unexpected! By the way, I see you’re still trying to process Bailey’s death. Writing is an excellent way to do that. Lucky for us, too!
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Thank you, Debbie. You are so right.
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Hugs and prayers, my friend. Time is a great healer. Focus on the happy days.
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Good advice. There were tons of happy times. Thanks, Debbie.
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If it’s any consolation, I miss her, and I never even got to meet her!
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Aw. Thank you. What you saw in the photos was pretty much what you got with Bailey. A very sweet girl.
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Knock it off! I’m not ready yet! Well, yeah, it’s beautiful, but… ♥
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Ha ha ha thank you, Billy Ray.
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I wasn’t expecting that ending! Reminded me of the show Touched by an Angel:)
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Thank you, Denise.
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This gave me chills, John! Wow! I did not see that coming at all. Amazingly well done!
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Thank you, Jan. You are so nice to let me know that you enjoyed it.
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John,
My bad . . you didn’t pilfer our pilfer. You perfected it! So thrilled to have been tucked into this chill inducing piece of work. Gracias . . . much. And really, you can pilfer ANY time! 🙂
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Oh thank you. (I now have a license to pilfer.)
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All hell is about to break loose . . .
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Let me at ’em
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Go on slugger!
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Put me in coach I’m ready to play.
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And a new song moves into the rotation of my mind . . . .
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Center field. https://youtu.be/UnWQd70br9g
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WOOT! You da best!
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🙂
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John, this was wonderful. Really. I read it twice.
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I’m so glad you liked it, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, John. 🙂
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Oh, that ending was unexpected, John. Well done.
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Ouch, seems like orchid and being kind is a bad signs…thats when they’ll come for you.
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