Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt

~ John W. Howell

Finger Point Prompt

 

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.”

 

 

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Published by John W. Howell

I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.

43 thoughts on “Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt”

  13. 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! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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