50 Word Thursday – The Dearly Departed

And the words:

“Miss Wonderly murmured, “Thank you,” softly as before and sat down on the edge of the chair’s wooden seat.” – The Maltese Falcon – Dashiell Hammett.

 

Her mother had been one of those forthright people who had dominated every conversation with her authority. She always gave her opinion, whether asked for or not and seemed to take pleasure in causing upset and distress to everyone. “Don’t you think, dear, you don’t have the figure for satin?” she would say and revel as she reduced her victim to a self-conscious wreck.

She would bully anyone who was unfortunate enough to cross paths with her, even her doctors in the hospital were terrified of her, right up until her final illness. She fought them until her last breath.

She’d also planned her funeral to the last detail, which hymns were to be played, what people were allowed to wear, no bright colours, she’d stipulated Black only. She was not one of those modern ladies who specified “No flowers, donations to charity only”, she wanted Carnations and roses, no chrysanthemums, she’d detested those.

“It was karma really”, Miss Wonderly said to herself as she looked around the spacious and empty hall.

The Vicar cleared his throat and gently asked: “Would you like me to hold on a moment longer?”

She was a gentle lady who’d looked after her mother tirelessly and with patience for years, but who knew the truth.

“No, thank you, vicar. You may as well start the service. No one else is coming.” She replied very softly.

Miss Wonderly murmured, “Thank you,” softly as before and sat down on the edge of the chair’s wooden seat.

[250 Words]

 

This story was written for the 50 Word Thursday Challenge. Click on the link below if you like to take part in the challenge.

https://talesfromthemindofkristian.wordpress.com/2019/08/08/50-word-thursday-32/

All the responses will be posted in my results post on Wednesday and then a new 50 Word Thursday challenge will begin.

 

I have also included the following word prompts:

https://wordofthedaychallenge.wordpress.com/2019/08/13/lady/

https://onedailyprompt.wordpress.com/2019/08/13/your-daily-word-prompt-karma-august-13-2019/

https://ragtagcommunity.wordpress.com/2019/08/13/rdp-tuesday-spacious-2/

FOWC with Fandango — Authority