Ted studied the dust motes in the beam that slipped through the chink in the curtains. He had been up three times during the night, but soon he would have to greet the morning properly.
Confused, he reached out into the empty space beside him.
He fumbled with the clock to silence the alarm and his bones complaining, he wriggled his bottom along the mattress; then with monumental effort got to his feet.
The floorboards creaked beneath the worn carpet as he shuffled to the bathroom. He sprinkled around the bowl and forgot to take his pills. He shambled down the stairs towards the welcoming light in the kitchen.
He drooped at the table, head bobbing. His beautiful granddaughter appeared and fussed over him. ‘Sleep well? Do you want cereal or a full English?’ Her caring green eyes dazzled in the morning sun and through her kind mouth she purred, ‘It’s going to be a lovely day. Let’s go to the park, or do you prefer the beach? There are so many wonderful things we can do today.’
Ted closed his eyes, better to enjoy the aromas of sizzling bacon and expensive, fresh-brewed coffee. Already he tasted the grilled tomato on his tongue as he luxuriated in his granddaughter’s fussing.
Suddenly, the sun hid behind a cloud and bing-bong the doorbell rang. Ted winced at the disturbance. His granddaughter vanished and he fought to steady himself for the trek across the hall to let his care assistant into the house.
Words: Richard Rooney
Illustration: A.I.
Flash Fiction 250
Flash Fiction 250 