Strange Meeting
A Story Every Day in 2024 Oct 5th 279/366
Luke startles at the feel of a hand on his shoulder. He doesn't like being this jumpy but circumstances are contriving to make him this way. He needs something to steady himself. Just a little something. He won't drink the whole bottle...
The shock of pink shellac in his peripheral vision doesn't register until he'd turns to see an older woman, smiling weakly but warmly at him. He recognises the face but he can't wholly place it. Lines around the eyes and mouth speak of hardship but there is kindness in their depth and Luke is presented with a flash of something from memory: sitting at the table in a small kitchen; a plate of crackers and cheese being placed in front of him; a feeling of warmth and care that dissipates like steam with the sound of a key in the front door and the fierce slam shortly afterwards.
"I thought it was you but wasn't sure. Luke, isn't it?"
He examines her, his scrutiny bemusing to her, until her eyebrows knit and she goes to tell him her name but he beats her to it, the momentary pause perceived by her as forgetfulness, but for Luke, it's the tremor of remembering that has caused him to falter.
"Mrs Wright! How are you?" He manages to throw the words out.
It is Mark's mum. Luke has never met her in this supermarket, in all his years of coming here. He feels like this is coincidence in its darkest manifestation.
"Not too bad, love. And you?"
They exchange the pleasantries of small talk, circling around the subject by which they are linked inextricably, her son, his friend, Mark.
The queue has moved and it is Luke's turn to have his items scanned. It's a welcome reprieve to empty his basket. He is suddenly ashamed of its contents. It speaks of an empty life. He wishes he'd put the Scotch back but it's too late now.
He pays and turns, blurting impulsively, "And how's Mark doing?"
Her face shrinks, whitens and she looks stricken, like she may faint.
Luke reaches for her to steady her and without her saying anything he knows that Mark is with Laney.
***
366 words
So, what happened to Mark? And does this change things?
This started here:
Yesterday's story is here:
Thanks for stopping by! If you do read this, please leave a comment as I love to interact with my readers.
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By Shannon Hilsonabout 5 hours ago in Fiction
Comments (15)
Just a little lol, yeah right Ooo setting the atmosphere again, I like how that seamlessly blend in with the features of the lady. It makes me want to know who she is… I thought this chapter would have mark in it, but I am glad it only had a piece of him instead… his mom. I love how you’re keeping us waiting and wanting. ‘…blurting impulsively’ amazing attention to detail, after he felt uncomfortable about his purchase. Mark is with…who… what?! ♥️👏🏽👌🏽
Oh I felt the shock of that revelation!
Oh I will have to read the others rach! Is this connected to the one where the girl is mysterious killed and the two guys or is this another one.?? I liked this line a lot, “He is suddenly ashamed of its contents. It speaks of an empty life. He wishes he'd put the Scotch back but it's too late now.” How are you travelling? I’ve been on vocal hiatus for almost two weeks. Nice be back. Just been struggling a lot and this affects my cognition and thus concentration. Woke up today like the universe just decided to give someone else a hard time today instead haha .. joking, but for that I’m thankful. ☺️
OH!!!!!!! I did not see that coming!! Another twist from the devious Ms. Deeming!!
Oh no!
Oh dear… poor Mark.
Oh my goodness!! I feel like I keep saying this but honestly, I can’t wait for the next story.
I love the slow reveal in a story. It builds anticipation and suspense in the rising action within the story. In this case, the action is mostly psychological with micro reveals in th action. Really, really, well done, Rachel!
😱😱😱 what a shock!
I haven't read these all in order, but no matter where I happen in the narrative, I immediately understand the disposition of the respective characters from the context, the way you present the story. I think this story-a-day thing you've been doing has honed your skill at packing information into smaller bites, at making the characters stark and real. There's not a time since I started reading your work that I thought there was any need of improvement, but I'm reminded of the way virtuoso musicians will still improve up to the end of their lives just by playing consistently. Neil Peart and Howlin' Wolf immediately come to mind. Well-wrought!
What!?! Didn’t see that coming!!
Oh. My. God.
Whoa, as Dharrsheena said. But how did the news of Mark’s death escape Luke? The word usually travels fast in small towns.
Whoa whoa whoaaaa, Mark is dead too??? Like whatttttt????
Rachel, you are so talented! I hope you publish and others get the chance to enjoy your works.