Post 1605. Wednesday September 20
She’d wave her stick as we ran away giggling about our latest prank. We were horrible kids and taunted Hilda repeatedly.
I clear houses now. Someone dies, nobody cares, so I empty them. I went to Hilda’s dilapidated house. I pushed open the door, sweeping aside junk mail and some cobweb covered shoes. On a dusty dresser stood photos of children. One holding a certificate, another dancing, one in a wheelchair. I found a letter from a hospice. Thank you, Mrs. Hodges, it said, and below were dozens of children’s names; big, small, wobbly, neat, the way kid's signatures are. And kisses. Lots of kisses.
I hope we’ll meet again Hilda, up there. There’s something I need to say.
Thanks to Rochelle for hosting and Sarah Potter for the photo.
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Hilda was a nice person. So poignantly written, Keith.Maybe the protagonist wants to apologize to Hilda in Heaven .
ReplyDeletehttps://ideasolsi65.blogspot.in/2017/09/walk.html
He does indeed. Thnks Kalpana.
DeleteDear Keith,
ReplyDeleteI hope he can make amends with Hilda. Nicely written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Mine is here: https://rochellewisoff.com/2017/09/20/22-september-2017/
Indeed. Thanks so much Rochelle.
DeleteThis reminds me so much of Boo Radley... how kids be terrible sometimes. Part of growing up is to feel the guilt and change.
ReplyDeleteIt's all part of life's education. I'm sure we all did things we shouldn't and learned from them.
DeleteIt happens to all kids at some point - they realise how badly they have treated others without realising it. If they're lucky they realise when there is still time to make amends.
ReplyDeleteA bit late in this chap's case, but you never know, he may get the chance. Thanks Iain
DeleteA sensitively written piece.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much YS
DeleteHave been trying so hard to comment . With no success.The comments are not going through. I hope it will , this time .🙂
ReplyDeleteMrs. Hodges was a great lady and a dream teacher-affectionate and approachable. I love the love between the children and her.
I don't think she would have been upset with kids taunting her, the repository of love that she was . It's likely she will only give you a hug .
Beautiful story, Keith .
Thanks so much for your comment and for battling with whatever it was that you came up against! I'd like to think she understood kids well enough not to hold their actions against them. Cheers moon.
DeleteI think you're exactly right, Moon!
DeleteThat's exactly how I imagined it. Thanks for dropping by Penny
DeleteI really like this. The person sees now they have amends to make. So many would just brush it off as "kid stuff."
ReplyDeleteIt just seems like innocent fun when you are twelve years old. I'd like to think that some realise what they did was wrong. Thanks Christine
DeleteYes, you were a rotten kid and owe Hilda a big apology.
ReplyDeleteI was. I do. I will. I think.
DeleteYears and years ago we had some teens who tormented the neighbors. Every time their was property damage this group got called in by the cops. Many years later one of them moved back to his now-deceased mother's home. He actually did come over and apologize. And then started flirting. THE NERVE!!! Lol.
ReplyDeleteHaha! Cheeky devil! I trust you didn't fall for his charms Denise!
DeleteThere were no charms.
DeleteAh, that's very sweet. I'm glas he saw the other side of Hilda, though sad he never had the chance to say sorry! Nice tale Keith
ReplyDeleteBetter late than never. Thanks so much Lynn
DeleteI love this story. It's beautifully written, delicate and precise.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words Penny
DeleteA very touching story, Keith.
ReplyDeleteMuch appreciated Sandra
DeleteTouching tale!
ReplyDeleteThanks Reena
DeleteYou certainly caught the nature of kids with your tale. It made me a little bit happy and a little bit sad. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteMission accomplished! Thanks Alicia
DeleteWhat the eyes see might really be not the truth. That holds especially true for kids. This was a fantastic bit of writing, Keith. I enjoyed reading it.
ReplyDeleteSo true Varad. Thanks so much for your kind words
DeleteA wonderful fable!
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased you liked it Dawn.
DeleteIt's like discovering a whole secret life.
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is. Thank you Alice.
DeleteKeith, this is lovely. Things just aren't always as they seem.
ReplyDeleteThey are certainly not Linda! Thanks so much.
DeleteI love this well written story. You are a very wonderful writer. I love to read your thoughtful moorings. Here's mine https://neelwritesblog.wordpress.com/2017/09/21/neelwriteshangingonffflashfiction100words21092017/
ReplyDeleteThat is so kind of you neel - it makes it all worthwhile!
DeleteThis is lovely Keith.
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased you liked it Louise. Thank you.
DeleteSo beautifully written... you brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for taking the time to read it Sheena
DeleteMany realize some things only when it is too late. But I hope they both have a chat in heaven and say, "water under the bridge now, after so long!"
ReplyDeleteI would like to think so. Thanks Vinay
DeleteBeautifully told. At least he realised that he had to make amends, not everyone does. Maybe he will find a way to do something worthy in Hilda's honour even if he can't make amends directly
ReplyDeleteA lovely idea Siobhan, thank you.
DeleteWell done, Keith.
ReplyDeleteVery kind of you, thanks.
DeleteThis is truly moving, Keith. A touch of truth, perhaps?
ReplyDeleteJust a touch liz!Thanks so much.
DeleteMy father used to tell us about how they tormented the local store owners, surivors of the Holocaust, no less. They called them Schtunks (Stinker) as their last name was Stringer. Thankfully, when he brought us to meet Mrs. Stringer, all had been forgiven (though not forgotten, I assure you!)
ReplyDeleteThat was all the more unpleasant given their situation, but thankfully, like in my account the Stringers knew that kids will be kids. Thanks so much Dale.
DeleteGreat take on the prompt!
ReplyDeleteVery kind of you, thanks.
Deletethis story of yours did pull at my heart strings. please pass the tissues.
ReplyDeleteCatch! Cheers p[laridel.
DeleteSuch a nice lady. Kids can be cruel, but hopefully he will meet her again up there so he can apologise.
ReplyDeleteI would like to think so Alstair.
DeleteAt least Hilda got plenty of thanks from other ex-pupils. Many people get no thanks at all. Let's hope she's due for some belated thanks from yet another pupil.
ReplyDeleteThe letter was actually from the children's hospice which, unknown to the narrator she assisted in and supported over the years. Thanks for dropping by Sarah.
DeleteKeith, A wonderfully narrated story there. As always! This is so relatable....and what I loved the most is the growing up or manning up as they call it. From an immature brat to a sensitive gentleman! It was beautifully portrayed! I invite you to read my take on the prompt as well - https://thetinaedit.com/. Keep writing! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment Tina, it's much appreciated.
DeleteThis was done beautifully Keith
ReplyDeleteVery kind of you Dahlia.
DeleteSo well written. I'm sure she'll forgive you. Kids will be kids!
ReplyDeleteShe understood kids so I'm sure you are right. Thanks Vivian
DeleteLooks like he has grown up all of a sudden. Nice one.
ReplyDeleteA little late, but yes. Thanks so much Subroto
DeleteVery poignant, Keith.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Sascha
DeleteSo effectively touching, Keith. I read bunches of these last night but fell asleep before getting to yours. Would have missed a good one!! Thanks for the nudge.
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted you dropped by. Thanks so much for your generous words.
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