Before you found me, people would pause and stare. Some seemed pleasant. Some were a bit too picky in my opinion. I fervently wished that someone would take me home with them, to a place where I could make others feel welcome. I was good at welcoming people, after all. Every time someone stopped to look at me, I waited patiently while secretly hoping that this would be the day. It wasn’t meant to be. Up until that day you entered, wearing a blue denim dress and black pumps. It was raining and you had forgotten your umbrella. Your shoes were a mess! You initially didn’t notice me and continued walking past, but as you turned around, I knew it was fate. Perhaps I had the rain to thank for the meeting.

We went home and at first, when you entered the house, you smiled when you saw me. I have never felt so cherished. Over time, save from on rainy days – like the day we met, you stopped seeing me altogether. I eagerly awaited when I heard visitors were coming. I loved to welcome them, but every visitor hardly noticed my presence as they came and went.

I was always within earshot when you and your friends were having a BBQ on the front lawn; or when you and your best friend were having a conversation on the patio, I wished I could tell you to forget about those who wronged you. I liked your friends, yet, the way I tried to make them feel welcome went unnoticed. I had become nothing more than an object for people to wipe the soles of their shoes.

“Look over here! Look at me! Welcome to our humble abode!” I would have shouted if I had voice. But I don’t, and all I can do is wait for the day that someone notices me. I’m lying here, ready to do what I do best, welcoming your guests. That is the lot of a welcome-doormat, I suppose.

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    Greene M Wills
    Greene M Wills(@greene-m-wills)
    1 year ago

    I like the idea of an object having feelings too… I guess the doormat’s wish was just to be noticed and feel useful… Just like some people wish too. I love a different point of view, great job, Marianna!

    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    1 year ago

    This is such a touching story, Marianna, and I love the really fun twist at the end. I shan’t say any more here, as I don’t want to give anything away. A very original take on the prompt and point of view. I think this has to be my favourite of your stories so far. Very nicely done 🙂

    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    1 year ago

    I agree with Carrie, this is my favourite of all your stories too. I love your original take on the prompt and the twist at the end. I will never look at a doormat the same way again, Marianna! Heartwarming and a really good read.

    Thompson Emate
    Thompson Emate(@thompson-emate)
    1 year ago

    I love this story. Personifying a door mat is great. I was confused at first until I arrived at the end.

    Margarida Brei
    Margarida Brei(@margarida-brei)
    1 year ago

    A very humorous piece of writing, Marianna. Very accomplished writing to reveal only in the last line that the protagonist is a welcome mat.

    Sandra James
    Sandra James(@sandra-james)
    1 year ago

    I’ll never enter my house again without smiling and appreciating my doormat! My daughter gave me a lovely one years ago with a picture of a Dachshund on it (I’ve had several as pets!) I still love it even though it’s faded a lot but I think, like owner in your story, I don’t smile at it as much as I used to  ?  A lovely story, Marianna, you really… Read more »

    Melissa Taggart
    Melissa Taggart(@melissa-taggart)
    Reply to  Sandra James
    1 year ago

    I came here to say this exact thing, Sandra. I’ll smile every time now!

    Marianna, you’ve done it again. Great work! Love the twist at the end!

    Bella Minyo
    Bella Minyo(@bella-minyo)
    1 year ago

    That was a wonderful personification of a doormat in your story, Marianna! I enjoyed the humorous aspect of it and the twist at the end that the main character, whom I thought at first was a neglected child or animal waiting to be adopted but instead is a doormat!

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    1 year ago

    I agree with Bella. At first, I also thought it was a neglected child or animal, but your ending surprised me. That’s humorous but a heartfelt read. It is so beautiful, Marianna. 

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