photo by Rachel Crowe
‘And this was my great-grandfather’s.’ She opens the pocket watch as if it’s a reliquary, but instead of pin sharp bone slivers or locks of dull dead hair, she points to a dent in the case.
‘This saved his life the morning of November the 11th 1918,’ she says, emotion cracking her voice. ‘A German sniper bullet just missed his heart.’
Tears well, a warm blanket of sympathy flows from the encircling crowd. She’s told the tale so often she almost believes it herself.
Written for Sonya at Only 100 Words’ Three Line Tales. See the photo and write a story of three lines to match. See here to play along and to read the other stories.
A lovely companion piece (or maybe timepiece) for your next post, Lynn. There’s a real skill in producing well-honed miniatures and you certainly have that skill in spades. Inspirational.
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Ah, thank you so much, Chris – that’s really lovely of you 🙂 I was tempted to make this a part two of the first watch inspired piece, but it’s nice to have stand alones for prompts, so people don’t have to read them all to make sense of one. Thanks so much for reading 🙂
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Your stories always leave me with a question, I’m not sure if I love that, or hate it, but i always enjoy them 😁😊
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Haha! That’s the joy of flash fiction isn’t it? It’s the tiniest snapshot of a scene – usually the bit building to action or a turning point – and then it’s gone again. I know what you mean – they can be a little frustrating I think. Thanks so much for reading – especially with your emotions battling as they are 🙂
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Your words are so captivating and enjoyable to read, I will always come back even when I’m extremely frustrated! 😉 😊
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Aw, thank you so much. I really value your comments and you continuing to read. Thank you 🙂
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Intriguing — makes me wonder what prompted her to tell this particular tale.
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Well, I imagined that she got the watch in a junk shop and that she’s a bit of a dreamer who likes to be centre of attention and having the watch with its invented back story makes her feel special. People with very vivid imaginations can almost convince themselves they’re telling the truth, can’t they? Thanks for reading 🙂
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Loved the ending! Very intriguing! One wonders what compels people to tell such extraordinary untruths. Great tale! ☺
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I’ve met the odd person like this – manipulative, coersive, able to spin the world around themselves, to their own advantage. Worrying and dangerous people. Thanks so much for the lovely comments 🙂
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The last line is simply amazing! Takes the story onto a hairpin bend!
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Thanks so much Sonali! I was hoping it would have that effect. You never know what people are thinking, do you? Thanks for reading 🙂
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Tales we tell ourselves….interesting story 🙂
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Thanks. Some people are good at believing their own lies. 🙂
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Indeed 😉
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