Really, this was my only Z song that didn't come from a Zumba CD.
When she woke up this morning, it was
not to the expected feelings. This the W-day, when her daughter put
on a white dress and walked down the aisle. She should be a proud
mama, not a lazy lump of black lard.
It's not that she wasn’t happy Asia
was getting hitched. Lord knows it was high time she and Jefferson
settle down and started a family all official like. But Martha had
celebrated their union years ago when she saw how in love they were.
And then her baby announced a child on the way. Thus the wedding.
Jefferson refused to have a child without a legal marriage.
No, today was just about symbolism for
a thing that was old.
What really made her want to stay in
bed was that this day could possible be the last she'd see her
daughter. Asia and Jefferson were gonna honeymoon on the moon, and
then head straight out for the colony on Ceres. Asia had been
transferred there and Jefferson was following.
Another reason for the wedding
actually. You could only bring family with you if you were
transferred, and that was limited to your spouse or child.
Martha, she was going to be left here
on Earth. Soon to be alone because her mother wasn't gonna last much
longer and her world revolved around Asia.
She knew this would be her last time to
see her daughter, for she doubted Asia would be coming back before
she passed. She would never see her granddaughter. Martha knew she
needed to go to the wedding, but all she wanted to do was stay a lump
under the covers. Maybe get up only to grab a bottle of gin.
Instead, she dragged herself to the
mood chamber. The computer took one look at her and knew what she
needed. When Martha opened the door, she was meet with green rolling
hills and a flower lined path through them. The sun was bright, the
birds were singing, and as she stepped onto the cobblestones a
butterfly flapped by her.
Martha held out her hand and the small
creature landed on her palm, wings fluttering to reveal the orange
and black pattern. As she watched, three more came to settle on her
hand.
A breeze ruffled her hair, the scent of
lilies and the sea on it though she couldn't see any water. Martha
knew though that if she followed the path she'd find an ocean.
So she walked and found herself on a
rocky beach. The butterflies were still in her hand and there were
starfish in the tidal pools.
Really, who could be unhappy here?
When Martha exited the mood chamber her
face was smiling and her eyes bright. Today was the day of her
daughter's wedding, she had every reason to be as happy and excited
as the bride. She sung to herself, full out so the sound bounced
around the room as she picked out a dress and started doing her
make-up.
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Some times I feel like I need one of those chambers.
Goodness, that was the last one! I loved doing the A-Z challenge this year, and if you liked my short stories, why not by my novelette, Flicker, on Kindle?
Goodness, that was the last one! I loved doing the A-Z challenge this year, and if you liked my short stories, why not by my novelette, Flicker, on Kindle?
Yeah, those chambers sound nice.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for reaching the end of the challenge. Your stories were awesome.