Ergo, the Ogre

A large, sprawling oak tree with thick branches covered in green moss, surrounded by lush greenery in a natural setting.

This week at Friday Fictioneers, Rochelle has chosen the photo below as or writing prompt. 100 words.

Sylvia was one of those people who made friends wherever she went. Real friends — not the superficial kind in which one outgrows the other.

After Sylvia started a couple of kitchen fires, her children decided it was time for a nursing home.

Truth be known, Sylvia was terribly lonely. And then one morning, a bird perched on her windowsill as she ate her breakfast. She slowly cracked the window and shared some toast crumbs with him.

Soon, the bird began showing up every day at 7:45am.

One morning, the bird found the window closed.

He waited, but Sylvia never came.

 

 

 

 

© Douglas M. MacIlroy
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Ergo, the Ogre

Susan Marie Shuman is an author and freelance writer/editor who currently resides in the wilds of Birmingham, AL. She shares her life with two spoiled cats, several friends (not all of them imaginary) and one husband. When she’s not working, Susan enjoys horseback riding, reading, taking her cats for a spin in their pet stroller, and taking naps. An ex-bartender, recovering crash test dummy, and all-around late bloomer, Susan graduated from the University of South Alabama in 2004 with a BA in English. She minored in Russian. Long-range goals include visiting Israel, the Czech Republic and Liechtenstein. Susan is also planning to launch a micronation which would be called either Suzannistan or Eastern Suzanorovia.

25 responses to “Breakfast for Two”

  1. granonine Avatar
    granonine

    awww, poor birdie. Poor Sylvia. Really good writing :)

    Reply
  2. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Avatar
    Björn Rudberg (brudberg)

    This is such a sad tale, but at least Sylvia had someone to keep her company to the end.

    Reply
  3. theministryofshrawleywalks Avatar
    theministryofshrawleywalks

    I took a similar tack to you, but different. Its a sad and familiar tale I guess, well written

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Thank you!

      Reply
  4. michaelwynnauthor Avatar
    michaelwynnauthor

    Poor Sylvia, but at least she wasn’t alone in her last days. Very emotive story, well done

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Thanks so much, Michael!

      Reply
  5. susanmehr Avatar
    susanmehr

    Touching, beautifully written.

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Thank you, Susan!

      Reply
  6. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    Awwwww :(

    Reply
  7. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Susan,

    This is a heartbreaker. Well told.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Reply
  8. Doug Jacquier Avatar
    Doug Jacquier

    Nailed it this week, Susan. Well structured.

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Thank you Doug. Much appreciated!

      Reply
  9. pensitivity101 Avatar
    pensitivity101

    Oh, I teared up at this. So sad.

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Me too. The story sort of wrote itself. I had no intention of going that route.

      Reply
  10. Iain Kelly Avatar
    Iain Kelly

    How lovely that the bird offered that last bit of companionship. Nicely done.

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Thank you so much, Iain!

      Reply
  11. draliman Avatar
    draliman

    Such a sad ending, lovely piece!

    Reply
  12. msjadeli Avatar
    msjadeli

    I hope Sylvia makes new friends at her new place.

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      I’m sure she will. :-)

      Reply
  13. Nobbinmaug Avatar
    Nobbinmaug

    She even made real friends with the bird. I feel bad for the bird.

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Me too. Poor little guy would never have understood.

      Reply
  14. Mike Avatar
    Mike

    I enjoyed this slice of life as seen by the creature of nature.

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Thank you, Mike!

      Reply
  15. tedstrutz Avatar
    tedstrutz

    right to the heart

    Reply
    1. The Abject Muse Avatar
      The Abject Muse

      Yeah, it made me sad too.

      Reply

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