The classified ad was very succinct. It didn’t use the word employee, it specifically used the word companion. I wasn’t in the position to be picky about my job prospects or possible accommodation so I made the call.
I rang the bell and could hear the shuffling beyond the door frame. It took her several minutes to reach the entrance and when the door swung open I was shocked by the state of her physical being. She stood all of four feet tall, hunched and emaciated, and her skin could pass for a road map. An oxygen tank hung haphazardly from a metal pole and she spun the wheels around to move it out of my path so I could enter the house.
Unsure of what I was about to face, I stepped across the threshold and closed the door. The house was warm and smelled of cinnamon – nothing at all what I expected. The walls were adorned with black and white photos and an old phonograph was scratching out “In The Mood” by Glenn Miller. Her demeanor was welcoming and she ushered me into the living room where the smiling faces of Clark Gable, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers and Joan Crawford watched as I took my place on the settee. I felt like I had gone back in time.
The service required of me was simple. I was to transcribe her life as an understudy in the 1930’s and make sure the world read her story and, not only knew her but, remembered her.
The official age on her death certificate was 106 years. She had lived over a century and only through her words did I understand the vast world she had seen change over her lifetime. As I write this preface to her story, I am reminded of her spirit and her failure to relinquish her dream of fame. It came too late but she finally got her wish.
~
Word count -323. Image Credit – health.howstuffworks.com
Written for the Trifecta Challenge: On to the weekly prompt.
– See more at: http://www.trifectawritingchallenge.com/#sthash.bNnsoN4o.dpuf
polysyllabic profundities 
I paused a few moments before commenting as I was picturing the whole setting. Then I thought what it would be like to live so very long. See so much in this world change. In some ways it would be exciting. In others, disappointing. I enjoyed the woman’s purpose for a companion and your story very much.
Thank you very much. I really appreciate that.
How amazing it would be to live those years through her eyes while transcribing her story.
It would be a great journey, for sure.
What a wonderful story. It left me wanting to read the about the interactions between your narrator and this grand lady.
Aw….thank you. This one really spoke to me – I may have to extend the story someday.
What a great story so far. Makes me want to read more too. I loved this line: her skin could pass for a road map
Thank you so much. 🙂
I hope you win this week. This is one of your finest things I’ve ever read from you. The setting is simple but intricately displayed. Most of all, it’s all very interesting. I love it.
Wow….thank you. I was really connected to this piece for some reason. I want to follow it up and give it the words it deserves. I really appreciate your comment!
Not even a blip on the Trifecta radar. 😦 But it’s one of my favorite pieces of writing, so that’s something.
meh…I never win place or show but I still love the place…you did good, yo
Lol….thanks. I guess we’ll both just have to keep trying!
I love that road map line. Great work!
thank you….it’s one of my favorite things that I have written. This challenge really spoke to me.
There’s a spareness to this that belies the rich layers of imagery you’ve created. Compelling piece.
Thank you very much.
There’s a great contrast between the opening lines of the strong narrator and the elbowing in of the protagonist who ‘quietly’ takes over.
Also love the road map skin!
Thank you….it’s definitely one of my favorites.