This story is a short, short story ( also called Flash Fiction) Hope you enjoy it!
Sophie
My cabin, while snug, was beautifully appointed. Standing on the compact balcony I breathed deeply of the fresh salt air. The ship rode on emerald green waves that seemed to stretch forever.
Pinch me, I thought, anticipating a whole seven days away from phones, emails and text messages. I felt released from the shackles of being connected every hour of every day to my job, my family, my prying neighbors, demanding in-laws and the problems of everyday life.
Stretching out on the bed, I felt the rhythm of the ocean lull me to sleep like a baby in her mother’s arms. An hour later, I woke feeling fully refreshed.
“Hey¾let’s get some lunch,” my husband said, sitting on the end of the bed and massaging my feet.
“Stop that or you’ll have to go hungry!”
“On a cruise ship? Are you kidding? I doubt that’s ever happened.” His chuckle was a deep rumble.
I quickly dressed in the business casual attire that was de rigueur in the various dining rooms onboard.
Soon we were settled on the seventh deck open dining area. The ocean breeze caressed us. I virtuously dug into the plate of cottage cheese and lettuce I had chosen from the abundant buffet, planning the dessert I would have later.
Then I spotted her.
The cruise line uniform did nothing to enhance her thin frame. She pushed an errant hair back into a bedraggled pony tail. Smiling wanly, she scurried through a double door marked “crew only.” Soon she reappeared, wearing baby blue rubber gloves and proceeded to collect cups, glasses and soiled plates and methodically stacked them in a large grey bin.
“Oh my God!” I sucked my breath in sharply. “Is that my sister Sophie?”I nudged my husband.
He looked up from his third dessert and almost swallowed his spoon.
How long had it been since we had seen her? She was the golden girl, Mom and Dad’s favorite. They had died with broken hearts, never knowing what had happened to their favorite daughter.
Sophie looked up and our eyes met. A wave of recognition washed over her face.
And then she was gone.
Don’t leave me like that!!!! I want to read more of the story. Hope this is the beginning of a book you’re writing.
I agree with you Barbara. This blog has left me wanting more!
I’m with Barbara & Donna —- more please!
Insteresting how you “suckered” us in my Friend. When it comes to sisters anything can happen. We are left wanting to know what happened. Keep writing. Send us the next flash.
I want more too!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Waiiting to find out who Sophie really is
and if you will spend time with her.
Anxious to know
Bobbi Mastrangelo