I’d like to share this with you all. It’s the winner of the 2010 Fish one page short story competition. I think it’s stunning – brilliantly crafted, very visual, and a wonderful example of what can be done with just 300 words. As for the ending – totally unforgettable. Cheers, Tony
Well, the big day is here at last! I do so wish you and Daddy could be here, but it’s a terribly long drive down from Yorkshire and it’ll all be over so quickly that it hardly seems worth the trip. So you’re not to fret, and besides, Bobby is here. She popped in last night, and she’s promised faithfully to tell you everything just as soon as she gets back. Anyway, everything is ready. I feel very calm, which is nice, because when I married Archie I was in a fearful flap, wasn’t I? Oh, mummy, I know you and Daddy wanted me to stay married to Archie for ever but really, I couldn’t. Anyway, Archie’s dead now, and there’s nothing to be done about it. I’m sorry I couldn’t get to the funeral, though I do see it would have been rather odd-looking, but Bobby said it all went off splendidly. I hear they had “The Son of God Goes Forth to War” which I think is bad taste given that the poor old chap took it between the eyes from his service revolver. The vicar’s been trying to get me into a suitable frame of mind for this morning, even talking about Archie and saying I’ll see him in Heaven. In that case, I hope I’m going the other way (sorry, mummy) because it was bad enough being Mrs Archie on earth, let alone for all eternity.
Gosh! There’s the bell. Now, mummy, you’re not to worry about me, because I’m not a bit nervous. You know I’ve always been brave – remember the time I fell off Pippin? I didn’t squeak then, even when they set my arm. It didn’t hurt a bit. And I don’t suppose being hanged will, either.
All my love
Belinda
Girona Writers 