Two weeks ago, my grandmother passed away. I loved her with all my heart
and for the last three years I've been taking care of her. Last night, I was
reminiscing about all the good times we've had, when I heard a noise coming
from the spare bedroom she had stayed in. I slowly opened the door and saw
her rocking chair softly rocking. I never believed in ghosts...until I saw my dead
grandmother materialize.
"Grandma?" My eyes swelled with tears.
"Yes, dear, it's me. Come sit with me, sweetie."
It never dawned on me to ask her how she was here. I was just so happy to
see her. I walked to the edge of the bed by her. She was smiling when she
reached her hand out. My fingers went through her like smoke. I sat down
weeping.
"You mustn't cry, dear. I just wanted to see you one last time to say goodbye.
Just think of all our happy times together and shed no tears for my passing."
Instantly, I thought of my fondest memory of her. "I remember when I was
young and I would lay my head in your lap. You would sing me to sleep with
that soft lullaby. Please, Grandma, sing it to me again."
"Okay, baby. You start and I'll join in."
I closed my eyes and thought about the words, then softly started singing. After
the first verse, Grandma started humming along with me. Perhaps she had forgotten
the words from so long ago.
"Do you remember those long walks we used to take in the park? Where
we would talk for hours, about nothing?"
"Yes, sweetie. I will never forget," she replied.
"And do you remember those beautiful flowers you arranged for my wedding?"
"Yes, oh yes, the white roses."
"No, Grandma, they were light blue lilies, to match the bridesmaids' dresses."
"Oh, that's right. I remember now."
"I'll never forget the joy in your face the first time you held your first great-grandchild."
"Your boy was so precious."
"No, Grandma, I'm talking about Wendy."
"Oh, that's right. Yes, such a darling baby girl."
"Anytime life had me down, you would be there to lift me up."
"Always." She smiled at me and said, "My time here is nearly over. I must return."
"I love you so much, Grandma. Before you go, please, please tell me...
what's heaven like?"
There was a long pause then Grandma said, "Okay, I have to admit,
I don't know. You see, I'm not really your grandma. My name is Wilbur.
I briefly met your grandmother in purgatory. She moved on to the pearly
gates. I, on the other hand, must have some "unresolved issues" because
I'm still stuck in this dumb place...and this is how I get my kicks to pass the time."
My jaw dropped open in shock and disappointment. The tears were coming
again. Wilbur was still bent over laughing and pointing at me as he vanished
from my grandmother's rocking chair.
Writing Prompt |
Write a story where one of the characters is in a disguise. |
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Disguised Contest Winner
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