I haven’t participated in a Carrot Ranch challenge in a bit. Hopefully I’ll get this one in under the wire. (I didn’t; ah well!) Thanks, Charli!

Empty (99 words)

The kids moved away, texts were infrequent. When she called, an impatient voice begged off quickly.

She stopped picking up her paint brush.

And walking through the woods with the dogs.

And volunteering at the women’s shelter.

Some mornings it took everything to feed the dogs and let them out in the yard. The sunshine failed to lift her spirits. The rain gave an excuse for staying in bed.

When her neighbor, Dixie, appeared at her door, she stenciled a smile on her lips.

“Don’t see you about much anymore.”

“I’m fine,” she lied.

“Been there. Let me help.”

end

Sascha Darlington