Post 1628. Wednesday November 1
'Make sure you behave yourself' said mum as she handed Tommy over to grandpa for a couple of hours.
He only left him for a few moments to take a telephone call in the hall. He cut his conversation short when he heard clattering coming from the lounge. A look of horror came over his face when he saw Tommy playing ten-pins on the floor with his precious vases. He said nothing, just knelt down beside him.
'Why are you crying?' asked Tommy. 'They aren't broken'. Grandpa traced the shape of a heart in the scattered ashes on the carpet.
'Kids will be kids my darling' he whispered.
He only left him for a few moments to take a telephone call in the hall. He cut his conversation short when he heard clattering coming from the lounge. A look of horror came over his face when he saw Tommy playing ten-pins on the floor with his precious vases. He said nothing, just knelt down beside him.
'Why are you crying?' asked Tommy. 'They aren't broken'. Grandpa traced the shape of a heart in the scattered ashes on the carpet.
'Kids will be kids my darling' he whispered.
Thanks to Rochelle for hosting and Sarah Ann Hill tor the photograph.
If there is something in a room that is valuable and must not be touched, children are attracted to it like a heat-seeking missile. One of the fundamental truths of life and parenting. Excellent take Keith.
ReplyDeleteSo they are as I'm sure we'e all encountered! Cheers Iain
DeleteI think you might be missing 'to' before Grandpa. And I'm a bit confused about how if they fell over they didn't break? A sweet story.
ReplyDeleteDuly corrected! So often even after proof reading several times silly little errors creep through! Thanks Claire
DeleteNicely done, Keith, touchingly realistic.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much CE
DeleteHah. Nearly everything I own of any value is crammed into the china cabinet, except for the tea cart.
ReplyDeleteOh wait. Ashes? Like human ashes? Ewww.
DeleteYes, Denise, his wife's ashes! Should have kept then behind closed doors like your pieces of value.
DeleteAnother argument for not keeping the ashes of loved ones around, at least where they're accessible to children. Oy.
ReplyDeleteVery true! Thanks James.
DeleteBeautiful story, Keith. Maybe Grandpa should've used the attic.
ReplyDeleteMaybe. too late now though. Cheers Varad.
DeleteGrandpa could neither reprimand the child, nor repair the damage. He must have only blamed himself.
ReplyDeleteI'm certain his late wife won't blame him or the kids. Thanks Reena.
DeleteOnly Grandpa's heart is broken, i think.
ReplyDeleteI believe so. Thanks mimi
DeleteI think this is in reality a good reminder that life goes on... maybe there's a lesson for him
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing to be gained by dwelling in the past. Cheers brudberg.
DeleteDear Keith
ReplyDeleteSad but charming story. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Kind of you to say so Rochelle, thank you.
DeleteOuch. I liked his reaction, though. Quite sad.
ReplyDeleteCheers Alistair
DeleteI love how grandparents are ever kind and patient with their grandchildren, no matter what.
ReplyDeleteLovely story!
We are - now I'm showing my age! Cheers moon.
DeleteI'm sure Grandma would understand. Very poignant scene. - Russell
ReplyDeleteOf that. I have no doubt! Thanks for your comment Russell
DeleteOh no, oh no! The innocence of a child and the pain of the old one!
ReplyDeleteThey usually cancel one another out! Thanks for dropping by,
DeleteYou made me smile .... lovely read.
ReplyDeleteI hoped I might! Cheers YS
DeleteOne does take a risk in keeping such items within the reach of children (even if only over for a visit!)
ReplyDeleteI think it is a good sign for him to embrace the rest of his life. Kind of like Vianne in "Chocolat" had to do when her mother's ashes were knocked over by her daughter...
One of my favourite books and not a bad film either! Thanks for your insightful comment Dale
DeleteOh dear. Perhaps that vase should have been kept hidden in preparation for Tommy's arrival!
ReplyDeleteGood idea in retrospect! Cheers Vinay
DeleteI guess it was Grandma who had collected the vases, so of course that's where he wanted her ashes. Good tale, Keith.
ReplyDeleteShe could well have done Penny! Thanks so much.
DeleteIt's amazing the number of fictioneers that thought of these as good urns. Good tale- I'm sure gandma won't mind :)
ReplyDeleteOne good urn deserves another! Cheers Vivian.
DeleteOMG! What a final line. You really got me.
ReplyDeleteIn a good way I hope Alice! Thanks so much.
DeleteScattered ashes. Two stunning words make this story memorable.
ReplyDeleteMost kind of you liz.
DeleteBeautiful story but gosh he had a lot of dearly departed on display. I liked Grandpa's reaction. Despite his hurt and despair he didn't lash out and make the kid feel bad.
ReplyDeleteIt didn't even occur to me that he might have ashes in all of his vases! As for 'lashing out' I don't think his dearly departed wife would have liked him to have done that. Thank you Irene.
DeleteGreat take on this prompt. I actually thought about making one of them an urn for ashes, but couldn't seem to make it work. You did a terrific job of it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra, I'm pleased you liked it.
DeleteLovely, poignant story, Keith. Of course he forgave his grandson!
ReplyDeleteSusan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Of course. Thank you Susan
DeleteOuch! I'm so glad he didn't get angry with the boy and I love the heart drawn into the ashes. I bet grandma is smiling.
ReplyDeletei'm sure she is. Thanks Alicia
DeleteDamn, Keith. Gave me chills.
ReplyDeleteIn a good way I hope! Cheers .
DeleteNever keep a deceased loved one within reach of a small child, is my motto. Nicely done Keith
ReplyDeleteI'll bear that in mund! Thanks Lynn
DeleteTouching and poignant. Poor grandpa, and Tommy. That is going to be one difficult explanation.
ReplyDeleteAwww...i expect Grandma would have understood.
ReplyDeleteGood one, Keith.