Morning all. I hope you are having a fabulous day. The weather is cooler, the rain stopped and I plan to go on a really long walk as soon as I caffeinate. For now, there is the writing prompt. So let’s set those timers and see what arrives.
It took me a while to get into the story, but I like the set up and the characters. Not sure where it is going, but I have a hunch. So notes will be made and I will circle back. Not bad for a Thursday morning.
Thursday, September 19th: He extended his handkerchief with a flourish.
He extended his handkerchief with a flourish. Even through my watery eyes I could see the embroidery on it. I took it hesitantly. Held it delicately. I suspected my mascara would stain it.
“I have them made by the veritable truckloads,” he assured me when he saw the hesitation.
“My mascara,” I started.
“And I have an excellent laundry service,” he countered. “Actually if you could manage a little lipstick print on the cloth it would actually make their day. Kendra just goes all atwitter with even the hint of salacious gossip and mascara and lipstick would just send her right over the edge even as she made the cloth spotlessly white again.”
“I’m afraid I’m wearing the colorless lip gloss today,” I told him as I dabbed at my under eyes. I tried to remember if I put on waterproof mascara that morning or the regular kind. I had both and couldn’t remember. I hadn’t gotten dressed that morning with the intention of being surrounded by such a floral extravaganza. If I had I would have not only used the waterproof mascara I would have taken an antihistamine. I could feel my nose start to clog up. Somehow it always managed to feel like it swelled to twice it’s size when pollen attacked.
In the past I checked the mirror expecting to see a balloon taking up the bulk of my face but the swelling remained on the inside. It made it hard to breathe through my nose, but at least I didn’t fear attracting dart throwing clowns. My memory held a vague recollection of a kids show where a clown aimed darts at a balloon nose on a clown picture tacked to the wall. I think he had balloon ears and a hat as well. I was certain there were prizes depending on which balloon was hit.
I shook the thought away and pulled the damp handkerchief away from my face. It was damp, but no mascara was present. I had grabbed the waterproof mascara that morning. ‘So no raccoon eyes for me,’ I thought. It was a relief a I didn’t think the watery eyes were going to go away anytime soon unless I left.
“What is with all the flowers anyway,” I asked.
He blinked at me. “My dear, they are for you,” he said.
“Me?” I repeated. I stared at him uncomprehendingly. “Why would people be sentding me flowers?”
“I haven’t the foggiest,” he said. “I assumed you knew and simply hadn’t made whatever announcement it involved yet. All the cards are addressed to you thought. I haven’t opened any to see the details.”
“I suppose we had better see then,” I said. He smiled. It was a perkier look than before. “Did you think I was keeping secrets?” I asked.
“Well not secrets per say,” he said. “But I do hate being the last to know something and it seemed everyone already knew whatever it was.”
“Well as I don’t know either, maybe we could find out together,” Is said. I reached for the nearest card. Sure enough, it had my name on it.
Ten til Midnight 