| General Fiction posted November 23, 2021 |
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Choosing ...
The right gift
by Wendy G
~Family Story ~ Fiction Contest Winner
The sad decision was made.
Most of Jenny's books would be given to a second-hand book store.
They would still be much loved by other book-lovers, but for Jenny it was like parting with family members.
She was down-sizing; the children had all grown up and had their own families. The eldest grand-child, Tim, was nearly fourteen already, and an avid reader like his Nan, but his mother had a very stream-lined, uncluttered home – no room for all Nan's books. Jenny was a little sad that the books could not go to Tim.
At the second-hand book store Jenny was given a credit voucher in exchange for all her books. A clever scheme: there would be a stream of recurring customers to use their credit, and books would be returned for re-sale.
Jenny dared not use it to buy more books. No room in her new cottage, she told herself sternly, and she must not be tempted.
Jenny had an idea. Tim's birthday was coming. So, together with his card was a voucher for morning tea with her at a special café – and the credit voucher given by the second-hand book store. Tim had always felt very close to his Nan because of their shared love of books and they frequently discussed their favourite authors.
With that amount he could buy several books, then return them and get just a little more credit to be used for other books. They wouldn't clutter his home. The credit amount would diminish, and eventually run out, but in the meantime it was the perfect gift! It would be the gift that kept on giving. Tim was thrilled.
The day arrived. They enjoyed their delicious morning tea, then excitedly proceeded to the book-store.
Tim was directed by the owner to shelves with his favourite authors, and chose several books – but there was still plenty more credit for later.
Time passed. He went a second, and then a third time to the book store, delighted with the pleasing range of reading material.
However, life changed. Jenny became ill, and quite suddenly passed away. The family mourned.
Weeks later, Tim's mother took him back to the book-store. He returned his books and the owner gave him a little more credit, which then made enough for three more books. These would be the last ones he could get with Nan's gift voucher.
"Mum, what a great present Nan thought of – I have been able to buy about fourteen books! I will never forget Nan and this birthday present! I have really enjoyed it over the last few months!"
On returning home he curled up on his bed with the books.
Suddenly he sprang up, and ran to his mother. Opening the books he showed her what he had discovered. Inside each cover was Nan's name – Jenny Smith.
"Mum, these were Nan's books! She has held and loved these books! They will be my special and treasured memory of her. These ones I have to keep!"
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Writing Prompt *Read All Rules* Write a FICTIONAL story that involves a human family. The word length is minimum of 400 words with 600 words maximum. NO 'blood & guts" gory story, such as murder of people. Do NOT include time travel among characters, or 'Dear John' letters. This isn't a Thanksgiving story. Christmas may be mentioned, but it isn't a Christmas story. Do NOT have any music that automatically plays when story begins. You may use 1 picture that has no words, animation, or music, one color font with one color background, dedication line (optional) which doesn't count in word length, and author notes that may include 1 video (may have vocal sound/music). |
~Family Story ~ Fiction Contest Winner |
 Recognized |
(Approximately 500 words)
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. 
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