It’s time again for the 99 word challenge from Carrot Ranch. The April 2, 2020, prompt? In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes pizza. It can be an original pizza pie (or slice) or something pizza-like. Go where the prompt leads!
I had already been thinking of the date when I saw the challenge.
Your son-in-law brought pizzas up. Some of us ate at the cluttered table, some sat cheek to cheek on the sofa that would be my bed. Your grandchildren clambered or were passed around your crowded apartment, one teething on a crust.
I retold our stories; for you, but also your family.
We took turns lying with you, that even in your sleep, fitful as the late spring snow, you felt us near.
You wouldn’t die alone.
spring veiled gray mourning
rain raked windows rattle cold
shrill and sharp wind keens
unsettled birds fly scattered
like everything we once knew
It’s so hard that with this virus people must die alone. That’s a journey best taken with friends and family nearby. (K)
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Yes. That’s why this anniversary of my friend’s death of cancer five years ago is especially poignant. We were lucky to be with her to the end. Cancer. Now this.
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Lovely poignant flash – a blast from the past but nevertheless speaks to our current times as we all grieve for what has been/might be lost. I hope that anniversary wasn’t too painful.
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I think this is as much about our present and future as a past loss. That seems so long ago and far away right now.
Thank you.
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D., so very sorry for the loss of your friend.
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Thank you for that. It was a powerful time.
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I was going to say this is powerful and I love it before realizing it was based on a real loss for you. Stick to my original thoughts but I’m so sorry, D. ❤
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That was five years ago. It does get easier. And how lucky we all were to be able to be there, close and unmasked.
Thanks.
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Not sure it gets easier, just more familiar. These unsettled times rattle grief, stir up the banshees. You are good at watching over others. Glad that cat watches over you.
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It grieves me that so many will die alone during this pandemic, and that loved ones will be unable to say goodbye or offer or receive comfort. The situation you describe is how it should be, if it must be. I’m pleased you were there with your friend but sorry that it was her farewell. Five years fly fast and fly slow. Wasn’t it just yesterday? Was it only five years? The pain remains. The memories don’t fade. It is 24 years and 11 months since my sister was taken by the cruel disease. I still cry whenever I talk of her and sometimes when I don’t. Hugs to you for your loss.
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Hugs back at ya, forget the 2 meters.
You picked up all that I was laying down, Norah.
Sorry for your pain.
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Thanks, D. I appreciate our shared hugs. 💖
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Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful post. Thanks for providing these details.
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