Station Wagon
Sister laughed at my joke like she always did—her laugh was one that could forever unsnarl me. I never took the time to appreciate it… I never realized just how much I needed it. She leaned back in the station wagon seat. “You’re such a nerd, Farah. Do you know what would be better than this, though?”
“No I don’t.” I tried to contain my emotions, but reality unfairly bubbled up my esophagus. Gulping wouldn’t push it back to where I wished it would remain. “What would be better?”
“If I were actually here right now,” my sister muttered morosely.
She dissipated, before I was given the chance to digest her words. The old station wagon seats seemed incredibly empty, even as my brothers took over all the available space within it. The air too… its oxygen seemed to be unapologetically ripped from the heart of it. Or perhaps I just noticed how cold everything had become.
I forgot she had died two years ago on this day.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleA very moving story, told with great tenderness. I especially liked the descriptions of physical reactions to the painful memory – “… unfairly bubbled up my esophagus.” Brilliant.
Thank you for your comment, Preston. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Merry Christmas!
Melissa, I love “reality unfairly bubbled up my esophagus” and how you explore the relationship between the sibling and her sister. You actually unnerved me when you said the sister was dead.
Love reading your stories and how you never fail to surprise and please me as a reader with your eloquence, wit and creativity.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI appreciate your comment, Margarida. I’m happy to hear that my stories surprise you! I always shoot for that type of response. These words mean so much coming from you! Thanks again.
I like the way you put your readers into the mind of your protagonist, Melissa. The short down-to-earth dialogue gives the scene in the station wagon a very realistic touch and I would have loved to stay there, inside the car (or inside Farrah’s mind) a few minutes more.
Thanks for the comment, Christer. There happens to be many projects I have on the go currently– this is one story I’d like to expand on at some point! I am in need of more hours. I would also love to revisit the inside of Farrah’s mind soon.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleAn exceptional story, Melissa. I love the way you use the Station Wagon as a central point. I could imagine that for most of us the “station wagon” is a huge symbol of family. Your use of indirect imagery has become honed over years of writing on this site, and you are one of my favorite writers now. I always look forward to new stories from you.
Station wagon is a vehicle of family, Fuji! Thanks for mentioning that. I sincerely appreciate your very kind words. I believe I have now been rendered speechless!
You are a very talented writer, Melissa. I love every word you put in this story. And the end makes me very emotional. Well written.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you, Lotchie, I’m glad you enjoyed it ?
You’re welcome, Melissa.