Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Wine/Crackers

~ John W. Howell

You know the drill. I open a book to a random page and then, without looking, point to the page. The word or words closest to the pointing finger will be the prompt. Today I opened Eternal Road to page 111. There are two words under my finger; wine and crackers. So let’s go with those.

Wine/Crackers by John W. Howell © 2023

The old man sits on the bench and uses his two hands on the cane to hold himself upright. Tired would not even come close to describing how he is feeling. The years of work and worry have evaporated any remaining moisture of youth. The cane shakes in response to the hands upon it. His interest in continuing another day is about the same as taking a ten-mile walk home. He might like to do it, but the effort seems overwhelming right now. He wishes he could remember how he got to this bench, but like most of the fog of his days, the mystery is not worth taking time to solve.

Squinting to avoid the sun’s glare, he sees a group of men ambling up the middle of the street, raising small dust clouds with each step. He thinks maybe they will be able to help him get back to his house. He wants to wait until they draw closer since his old man’s voice sounds like a cracking whisper. Repeating what he says has become an annoyance and another drain on what little resources he has left.

The men are abreast of his position, and he calls out, “Hey can anyone help me?” The men stop and look in his direction. One pulls away from the group and approaches the old man. “What’s the matter, pops? Lose your wine and crackers?” The others chuckle and shift on their feet.

“When I was your age, I had a little more respect for old people.”

“Aw, pops, I meant no disrespect. I’m sorry. What can I do to help you?”

The old man explains that he doesn’t know how he got on this bench and would like to go home but has no way to get there. The young man uses his thumb and pushes his wide-brim hat back on his head. “You have any family?”

“I think I used to, but I can’t rightly tell you if they are still around. I live alone.”

“I see. Well, we will be glad to help, but we have a job to do first. Are you going to be okay until we get back? Shouldn’t take more than a half hour.”

“Mighty obliged to you. Yes, I can wait a half hour.”

“Alright then. You stay here in the shade, and we’ll be going over to that corral there to arrest some rustlers.”

“You a lawman?”

“Yup, I’m the marshall hereabouts. Name’s Earp. Wyatt Earp. Them’s my deputies.”

“Pleased to meet you, Wyatt. I’ll be right here awaitin’.”

“Good for you, pops. Don’t you worry; everything’s going to be alright.”

“Bless you, son.”

 

 

77 thoughts on “Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Wine/Crackers”

  5. John, I don’t know how you come up with your story lines but they’re terrific. This one has so many visuals, like a snippet from a movie. I want to know, did they get the old guy home? Dumb question, of course they did, it’s Wyatt Earp!

    Liked by 3 people

      1. That was the ‘ol West’. I really liked it. Your description of the old man was spot on. I was thinking, ‘that could be me someday’. I read your stories and witness your imagination and I’m honored to be in your circle of writing friends. It makes me realize how much room I have for improvement. Writing is such a creative challenge which is what I enjoy about it. And, of course, 1 ‘Like’ and I’m on the proverbial Cloud 9.

        Liked by 2 people

  6. John, what a multiple-emotional ride…l went from “Oh boy, here comes trouble” to “Thank God, they’re not punks after all”. So good l read the last part again just to support my good feelings. 🐳

    Liked by 2 people

  7. That’s quite a bit of business that needs taking care of (For Wyatt, I mean)!
    I love where you went with this! Your imagination is not lacking, tell you what! And of course they (whoever is left) will get him home!

    Liked by 2 people

      1. Those who use the Reader won’t know you changed it. I, on the other hand, use the email system so I see the true blog and all the work put into its design 😉
        I love that you did this! You are a most creative and prolific retiree!

        Liked by 1 person

  17. Sad for the old guy, but pleased he’ll be helped home by the Earps. With Virgil getting wounded, it may take more than a half hour for them to help him, but he’ll have to wait.

    Liked by 2 people

  18. I was very touched by the old man’s plight. I hope Wyatt Earp was the real one and not some creep poking fun at him. I meant to tell you before that I really like your new header.

    Liked by 2 people

  19. There is so much in this little tale! The differences between the young and the old, issues of respect and compassion. The horrors of the fading self and the chances that we don’t see coming. He waited a long time…

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Hmm. “This comment cannot be posted.” Trying again.
    All I said was: I had no idea there were so many Earps. Such a sweet story. That old man…there but for the grace of God…

    Liked by 1 person

  22. I love your ability to create a fun story out of just two random words! This is why you’re a published author and I’m not, for I’d still be sitting, pen in hand, staring at a blank piece of paper a week from now! Good one, John!

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks, John! I have tried to write fiction and it just falls flat … completely on its face. I just don’t have an imagination, I think! You, on the other hand, have a great one!

        Liked by 1 person

        2. I just checked and found that as of today, I have written 6,888 posts! If one assumes an average of 650 words per post, that’s … more than 4.4 million words! Heck, I could have written War and Peace!!!

          Liked by 1 person

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