Copyright Rowena Curtin
She sees the best in everyone,” he said.
“Lucky for you then,” I snapped, coldly.
He blushed. “You couldn’t just be happy for us, I suppose?”
“You’re so right.”
In a shower of rose-petals, silver horseshoes and rice, he and my sister drove away,
He turned out to be the no-hoper I’d always anticipated, but he made her happy, and he nursed her right to the end.
Today, in the same church-yard, pansies flourish in the grass.
“I’m nothing without her,” he sighs.
“Don’t put yourself down,” I say, awkwardly.
There’ll always be someone like me to do that, I guess.
Time ran out on me again this week, so it’s a repeat from 8 years ago I’m afraid. Thanks to Rochelle, for all that she does for Friday Fictioneers.
castelsarrasin 
Dear Sandra,
A good rerun, I’d say. At this stage, you’re allowed and there’s virtually a new audience. 😉 The last line made me laugh out loud. It reminds me of what a friend of my mine said to me recently, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, come sit by me.” 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes after all these years there’s practically a library of 100 word stories to choose from. Thanks for reading Rochelle, I like the sound of your friend.
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Repeat or not, it was great to read.
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Many thanks!
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Beautifully awkward, Sandra
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Thanks for reading, Neil.
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In the end, the important thing is he made her happy; how the sister felt about him is a non-issue. I love this (not that I remember from eight years ago, so… feels new!)
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That’s true, Dale. Thanks for reading.
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😊
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Sounds like the narrator learned a thing or two along the way; you’re drawn three distinct characters here and it comes together well.
Jen
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Thanks for reading, Jen.
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I don’t remember it, Sandra, so I enjoyed it for the first time. Great irony here.
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Thanks for reading, Linda.
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Do siblings (or offspring) ever choose anyone good enough for us to accept whole-heartedly? In the end it seems he was a good one, even if sister doesn’t believe it.
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Yes, siblings do feel they have a right to sit in judgement. Thanks for reading,
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Such a good story, Sandra. Nice to see it delivered direct also 🙂
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Thanks for reading Li.
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You’re very welcome.
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At least he cared, whilst it seems like her sister? neglected her
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Thanks for reading Michael.
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So many layers to this. I love how you’ve built these characters. She was right about him, but also wrong, and he was right in the advice he gave her to ‘see the best’. And she knows herself perfectly at the end, but also knows she’ll probably go on being her own, critical self. Brilliant.
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Self awareness, if only belatedly developed, can be a two way sword. :) Thanks for reading Margaret.
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It’s a new one for me. Loved the varied nuances in this.
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Thanks for reading.
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For an 8 year old tale, it sure reads well!
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Thanks for reading.
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Reminds me how everyone needs different things from relationships. I enjoyed the layers of this story seen over time.
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Thanks for reading, Angela
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i don’t remember reading this. has it been that long time ago? anyway, thanks for reposting this gem. much appreciated.
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Time flies, hey? Thanks for reading.
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Yes, shifting your opinion of someone after a long time can be awkward. Lizy
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The ending had me laughing out loud. When all else fails, it’s always good to have someone there to point out your faults.
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I’ve never lacked for those people. :) Thanks for reading, Russell.
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Oh dear, there are couples out there just like that… both needing each other. Cute story.
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Thanks for reading, Fleur.
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You are welcome 😊
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Lovely story.
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Thanks for reading, Dale.
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This was a first read through for me and I enjoyed it. Thank you. At least her sister was happy and he was with her until the end.
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Thanks for reading, Heather.
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At least the sister learned a thing or two about herself, and she even admits it to herself. A wonderful story.
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Thanks for reading.
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Hi Sandra, I couldn’t help laughing. I know some families who act this way, forever putting each other in there place.
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Yes, I’ve never wanted for advice on how I’m getting things wrong. :)
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Well done. At least he stuck by her.
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He was a keeper. Until he wasn’t. Thanks for reading.
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A bit of self-reflection is never a bad thing. It ended up good that she was wrong about him. There’s no perfect. Wonderful layered story as always, Sandra!
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Yes, self-reflection can be an enlightening experience. Thanks for reading.
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When push comes to shove, it really doesn’t matter how she felt, now does it?
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Not really. Provided she doesn’t feel the need to share it. Thanks for reading.
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Awkward is right. I hope she doesn’t have to care for him now.
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There is that. Thanks for reading.
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The beauty of these short pieces is when a complete story is told and that’s not always easy. You did that very well here while sharing an important (at least I thought it was important) message on shame and shaming others. The sister-in-law realized, sadly too late, but at least she eventually realized.
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Sometimes the sharp response becomes a habit. And like many habits, it becomes more pronounced. Thanks for reading.
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Some people just don’t get along, and nothing can change that, not even time or death. Or is she just a curmudgeon?
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