
Welcome
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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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI 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!
Thank you for your kind comment, Greene. I’m happy that you liked it ?
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 🙂
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you so much, Carrie! Your comment really means a lot to me. I appreciate it ?
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.
Thank you so much for your positive feedback, Linda. Your response put a smile on my face ☺️ I’m so happy that you liked it.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI love this story. Personifying a door mat is great. I was confused at first until I arrived at the end.
Thompson, I am happy that you liked the idea of personifying a door mat. I was worried I might have given the ‘twist’ away too soon in the story. Thank you for your comment, I appreciate it.
A very humorous piece of writing, Marianna. Very accomplished writing to reveal only in the last line that the protagonist is a welcome mat.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you very much for your kind comment, Margarida. As I mentioned to Thompson, I was a bit concerned that I might have given too much away too early, but I’m glad that it doesn’t seem to be the case. I’m happy that you liked it ?
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 »
Thank you so much for your comment, Sandra! I’m glad you enjoyed reading it. Your doormat that your daughter gave you sounds beautiful! ❤️
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI 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!
Thank you for your lovely comment, Melissa. I appreciate it ?
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!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThanks, Bella! I was hoping it wouldn’t be obvious from the start that it was an inanimate object ☺️
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.
Thank you so much for your kind comment, Lotchie! I’m really happy that you liked it ?
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