THE ASSIGNATION

WWHB 13 June 2013

Here are the rules:

1) Use the photo and the 5 words provided in your story

2) Keep your word count 500 words or less.

3) You have until next Tuesday to link up your post.

4) Link up with your blog hostess (Nicole, Carrie, Tena or Leanne)

5) Have fun, don’t stress, let those creative juices flow.

(Randomly generated) Mandatory words

Potato, magazine, carrot, day, cough

THE ASSIGNATION

Norman stretched out his back and heard his bones creak and crack.  That’s not good he thought but then what could he expect at 80 years of age.  He was lucky he could still do a morning’s work on his allotment growing potatoes and carrots.

It was a lovely day, a slight breeze but no rain, the clouds had dispersed leaving a brightness that had been missing for quite a while.   He would take a leisurely stroll down to the corner shop and browse the newsstand and see if the current gardening magazine had come in yet.

The shopkeeper, Mr. Brown and his wife had recently taken over their village shop and were desperately trying to make a go of it by adding a personal touch to the shopping experience.  It was so hard competing against the large supermarkets and the internet these days. 

Norman admired the middle aged couple for their hard work and dedication and supported them whenever he could. 

He took his basket with a few items in it, a box of chocolates, a bunch of flowers and his gardening magazine to the till.

‘Good afternoon, Norman,’ said Bill Brown, ‘it’s turned out nice again.  Would you like me to wrap the flowers in some paper for you?’

‘Yes, thank you, if you would be so kind,’ replied Norman.

Glenda Brown smiled as she spoke to Norman.  ‘Flowers?  Who is the lucky lady?’

Glenda was surprised to see the elderly gentleman turn a gentle shade of pink.  He cleared his throat with a little cough.

‘I am rather hoping to meet someone shortly,’ he replied with a smile in his voice.

Glenda nudged Bill as if to say, see you could learn something from Norman. 

Bill surreptitiously winked at Norman.  ‘Have a lovely afternoon.’

Norman tipped his hand at his hat and made his way out of the shop.

It wasn’t far to the river walk, probably ten minutes from the shop as Norman ambled along taking in the sights and sounds.  As he neared the river walk the hum of the traffic lessened to a dull roar rather than whipping by frenetically along the motorway.

It was a little haven of peace on the edge of the old railway and market town that was showing signs of neglect since its heyday in the late 1890’s.   He reached the bench and thankfully rested his weary legs.  He placed the bouquet of flowers next to him and the box of chocolates on his other side.

He closed his eyes and remembered back.  Alice was smiling at him as he handed her the flowers and chocolates.  Her eyes shone with love and he thought he was the luckiest man alive. 

A group of youngsters swooped past him on their skateboards, jolting him out of his reverie. He missed her so much every minute of the day.  He picked up the flowers and chocolates and continued on his way to the small private crematorium.

Word Count: 496