Hope delays reality.
There. That shadow leaning over the rail. Was it?
She stirred from the shelter she’d sought.
Abandoned. Waiting her knight.(Beulah PynterUSPD:pub.date/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Was it him?
Oh, a quick brush with her fingers. Presentable?
She fretted.
He mustn’t see how hurt she was. Her disappointment.
Sparkle. Had to sparkle.
He’d expect that.
And for her accept his casual return without explanation. Always.
It had been their way.
Ground rules established early.
Pretty is as pretty does.(1946.Karl Swenson/USPD:pub.date/Commons.wikimedia.org)
The silhouette was so still. He hadn’t seen her.
But he was making no effort.
Not a singe glance towards where he’d walked away leaving her broken.
She faltered.
Something held her arms from waving to him.
What if she was wrong.
What if he had only returned to make sure she was…..gone.
No longer a worry – or a problem – for him.
The shadow seemed frozen in time and place – just like the chill stealing over her.
The eyes see what they wish to see. (The image of a guy leaning on a rail – suspended belief works really well here)©
Suddenly the ground beneath her felt more solid.
What was real?
Alone she might be frail, but she could stand.
She could rise and take a seat at life’s table on her own terms.
Or she could relinquish herself to him. Again. Bent to his requirements.
Be content with being shelved and forgotten from time to time.
Hidden away unless he had no choice but to bring her.
Could she once again welcome him into her arms?
Despite the cost?
(and we’re not talking shoe shopping)
Illusion at what cost. Are you still reading this?(1930/USPD:pub.date/Commons.wikimedia.org
She made her choice.
Closed into herself.
Wrapped her tattered gown close.
Much to offer. Still worthy.
Others had noticed her.
She had waved them off. Confident he’d come to his senses.
But instead she came to hers.
To him she’d only been a placeholder. An insignificant zero.
She was going where she would be appreciated.
Boldly proclaim, “Hey, World. I’m available. Take some initiative and I’m yours!”
Don’t worry. She’s just resting. Her new family just drove up.©
Reality sits well with her.
Funny how being wanted can heal any dents.
(She asked to let you know she was OK, so let her update her story.
Besides the weather was nice and the other post isn’t done yet anyway….
But please don’t tell her that. You know how she feels about being a placeholder.)
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Hope they hurry and load her before she sees the shadows and changes her mind. A bit vulnerable still.
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22 Comments
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Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge 
Very touching and interesting technique. You pull your audience in to find out it’s all about a ………..
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Weathers too nice to take/writing anything thoughtful right now. Thanks for pulling up a chair
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Chairy Ho!
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Not sittin’ still!
(Too nice weather this weekend to stay inside and write…so when she offered to guest post…)
Thanks for unfolding a comment to leave
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Oh, this is clever… I can’t wait to read the next installment! Already I see her evolving… so much emotion in this one – a realization if you will! EXCELLENT!!
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She’s standing on better footing now – and around those who support her. Hope she doesn’t fold under the pressure of a new life. Never too late to reinvent yourself, according to her. Thanks for sticking along
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You’re damn good at this…. is this to continue as now I’m intrigued…
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I think I’ve always lived in Wonderland. Glad you got a giggle. (Will have to drop by and see how she’s adapting to her new home…but she may have other plans…rather fickle) Thanks for sitting down to chat
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My hope is that she finds a fanny worthy of her!!!
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She’ll hold up her end! Fingers crossed. Thanks for folding up a comment to leave
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“Hope delays reality”… True that!… Going further I’d say it might quash it too… Sigh….
I love your post here and enjoyed the way you have mixed up ready-witted thoughts with eloquent images. Thanks for sharing. All the very best to you, Aquileana 😀
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Interesting your comment about “delays”. Actually I had played with other quash-like verbs there, but decided that might make the title a bit harsh….and the poor thing was already struggling with life’s dents and depression. Cheered you got a giggle. Thanks for a-musing along.
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As a dedicated rehomer of found lovelies, it just takes right person, place and time 🙂
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See. You get it. Little is beyond usefulness. It does take an eye and a willingness to adapt. Thanks for recycling some words into a comment
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I like how I can’t really tell where your tales are going until I read further in. Every chair needs a home!
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AS you know, those odd endings are intriguing. O Henry, Poe, Hitchcock, and Twilight Zone. Twist is a fun dance. Thanks for wandering to the end.
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Discarded or waiting to be found? Possibly both. Another blogger found a ‘z’ on her walk, and you have a chair. Hmmm. I think I’m going exploring.
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Funny things happen when paths cross…it is a strange world out there – You just never know what you’ll find when wandering (and not texting as you go….the only things that seem to jump out then are curbs and large invisible cracks in the sidewalk to trip over.) Thanks for sitting down a spell in the comment chair.
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just knowing someone notices you and takes the time to care…that makes for a better world and definitely starts the healing. so nice to come out from hibernation and read a clever story.
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Small acts of kindness make big differences. Might even keep a chair from taking final leap. A place for every little thing and every thing in a properly useful place. Thanks for folding up a comment to leave
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I think we can all learn a thing or two from this one’s experience. 🙂
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It’s never too late! (She’s really found herself – and a new cause, if not a new identity….) Thanks for folding in an astute comment
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