Saturday, June 11, 2011

Saturday Centus - The Wall


Good morning Fellow Centusians! Yes, it's time for Saturday Centus, hosted by the always gracious Jenny Matlock at Off on My Tangent. Sorry I've been MIA for so long, but apparently someone changed my name to Job while I wasn't looking. Let's just say it's been an interesting 6 weeks and leave it at that. I hope you forgive me for abandoning ship for awhile, but life does get in the way sometimes, doesn't it? I thought I had remembered the rules for Saturday Centus, but something has changed. We have 200 words this week! Maybe I should take a break more often. This week's prompt was provided by Miss Nonna Beach at Tasty Tales. Miss Nonna is also responsible for us having an extra hundred words this week, so make sure to visit and give her some love! In case you've forgotten, Jenny or one of her cohorts gives us a prompt. Then we create a very short story of 100 words or less, exclusive of the prompt. No pictures, profanity or other things that you wouldn't want your grandchildren to see. Which probably explains why Anthony Weiner doesn't join us every week. But I digress....

This week's prompt is in bold italics. Hope you enjoy my take on it!

Cindy crept across the attic, floorboards groaning like an old drunk. If mama knew she was up here, she'd tan her hide. Jumped as a shadow flitted across the wall, laughing in relief when she saw it was just her reflection in the wavy glass of an old mirror. Brushing aside cobweb curtains, she knelt in front of the old trunk. Snitching the key from mama had been tricky, but she'd managed. Busy making pies for tomorrow's church supper, mama hadn't even noticed. Dust rose in clouds as Cindy slowly raised the lid. There it was, the packet of letters from great grandpa Cole. Reading the faded ink, she searched desperately for a clue, finally finding it. Slipping out of the house, Cindy ran across the back pasture until she saw the landmark. The wall was built long ago, the stones leaning from frost heave. Running her hands along the bottom row, she found the one she was looking for. Pushing with all her might, Cindy moved the stone, revealing an oilcloth wrapped bundle. Cindy opened the package with trembling hands, staring in amazement. The family legend was true! Just like great grandpa promised. More than enough to pay off the bank and keep the farm.