"Think she’s coming downstairs anytime soon?”
“Who knows - you know she’s got to get them cleaned up. Make ‘em presentable.”
“But dinner is ready. I’m going to go ahead and set the table.”
It was already six and Sandra had not once come out of her room. Between her primping and getting those two ready, it’s a miracle she ever got out of the room at all.
Stanley and Rose, her anxious parents, sat at the table waiting. The food cooled. The whipped potatoes looked whipped alright and the gravy had developed a second skin. Stanley opened the newspaper and muttered, "No wonder the husband divorced her. She’s fanatical about them. Must have driven him crazy. I know it's starting to annoy me and she's only been back home a month.”
Just then, Sandra appeared. The two were behind her as she walked slowly to the table.
Her mother said. “You must be hungry.”
Sandra nodded. “You think they look okay for dinner, Ma?” She pushed them forward so her mother could see them better.
“Oh sure honey. They look just fine.And you look very nice too honey.” They clapped.
“Daddy?”
Rose gave him a nudge under the table and he said, “Sure Sandy honey. Just fine.”
They settled in to eat. Just then Sandra noticed a spot of something on one of them. She stood abruptly and took them back upstairs.
Her father just shook his head. How, he thought, could he and Rose have produced a person who washed her hands all day long? How the Hell could that be?
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Comments: 30
Richard-you crack me up!
Jaden -You might be right, although I know nothing much about psychological disorder other than what I read.
Pamela
I am certain you are right.
P
It makes you feel sad that there are folks who get somehow "stuck" in these routines. Thanks for sharing.
I really enjoyed reading this! What a great 'flash fiction.'
I loved the way you used your talent to unfold the mystery of the story in such brevity and treat the reader with just the right enticements (food, waiting, etc.) to
whirl them around. Great Job!
Thanks so much for the read and for the support. It's greatly appreciated.
P
What a great feeling to know you liked this short short piece. This includes all the previous folks who have commented. I appreciate your read and your support.
Also MHN P-"compulsive" read? Clever!
P
Pamela
Glad to hear that. Thanks for the read.
P
U
* I was glad to see this featured at the Poets and Writers Group, Pamela!
Now you are telling me something...I never knew it was featured. Thanks for reading and, asalways, for your kind support.
P