Shelter #microcosms #shortstory

Posted on Dec 30, 2016 by TanGental

Microcosms this week is a picture prompt 

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Picture courtesy of @TheShakes72

Norman thought of himself as meticulous; Daphne thought him slow. He started many jobs always intending completion. Rarely did it happen. However the construction of an air-raid shelter was one project Daphne determined Norman would finish.
Norman’s problem was a Victorian urge to over-engineer. The neighbours dug a simple pit which they covered in corrugated iron. Norman hunted out precious bricks, while assessing ground conditions and the best prospect – east-facing he thought.
Progress was slow. Bombing raids came and went. Daphne and the boys sheltered with the neighbours. Meanwhile Norman pottered and pointed and pontificated.
The boys joined up and still Norman built. VE Day passed in a blur for Daphne as she imbibed more oak leaf wine than was recommended.
When she returned, as the rain blew away, Norman was waiting. ‘It’s done.’ At the top of the steps, he added, ‘Pity it’s over really.’
Maybe it was the worry about her boys, off to the Far East, maybe it was the year’s of using the neighbours, maybe it was just the drink but Daphne saw red. She ran at Norman’s back gurgling incoherently and pushed.
The combination of wet steps and the force exerted sent Norman tumbling. He lay inside the door, clearly dead.
Daphne sighed. She made herself tea and then some concrete. In a surprisingly quick time she bricked up the entrance and begun filling in the steps with soil. If anyone asked about Norman she said, ‘He’s decided on a fresh start.’
No one questioned Daphne. When, 60 years later the shelter was opened, none of the family still lived. The dead man was assumed to be a vagrant.
Indeed it wasn’t the body that caused the stir but Norman’s magnificent shelter. In death, at least his precise handiwork had been appreciated.

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
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28 Responses to Shelter #microcosms #shortstory

  1. Teagan Geneviene says:
    Dec 30, 2016 at 4:12 pm

    LOL. You know… that probably happened somewhere. Well told, Geoff. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. thecontentedcrafter says:
    Dec 30, 2016 at 6:53 pm

    Yes indeedy – I once knew a Norman and had I been wed to him, I imagine that may have been his fate!! 🙂 Happy New Year Geoff, we cross over in 16 hours………

    Liked by 1 person

  3. willowdot21 says:
    Dec 30, 2016 at 8:03 pm

    Brill as ever!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Anabel Marsh says:
    Dec 30, 2016 at 10:33 pm

    I believe you must have met my brother-in-law 😉

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Charli Mills says:
    Dec 31, 2016 at 2:03 am

    Fantastic tale and this is an awesome line: “She made herself tea and then some concrete.”

    Liked by 2 people

  6. leslcm8 says:
    Dec 31, 2016 at 8:46 am

    Enjoyed that, Geoff. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  7. derrickjknight says:
    Dec 31, 2016 at 12:00 pm

    Good one, Geoff

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Rowena says:
    Jan 1, 2017 at 1:13 pm

    Very English to make yourself a cup of tea before mixing the concrete. In Australia, we have a handyman franchise called “Hire A Hubby” because evidently Norman isn’t alone. A few years later, an interesting ad appeared about the handyman doing more than household repairs and suggesting the husband might need to take up DIY instead.
    Well written, Geoff and very plausible.
    xx Ro

    Liked by 2 people

    • TanGental says:
      Jan 1, 2017 at 2:29 pm

      Thanks Ro, and yes sadly it seems to resonate a lot!!. Love the idea of a hired hubby. There was a children’s book when my two were younger called the Dad Library where you could borrow the sort of dad you needed that week – sporty, good at physics, understanding, ready for fun etc. My two were always debating which one they wanted…

      Liked by 2 people

      • Rowena says:
        Jan 2, 2017 at 10:19 am

        That Dad Library sounds like a great idea. I bet they didn’t have the ATM Dad in there. There’s at shirt you can buy here with ATM Dad on the front. I didn’t dare buy it for my Dad or Geoff. I’m trying to keep my ATM activities quiet…under the radar.

        Liked by 1 person

      • TanGental says:
        Jan 2, 2017 at 10:14 pm

        Yes it’s still the more formal Bank of Mum and Dad here but some extortion racket. Not wishing to depress but this one is still paying out to the two customers agreed 23 and 26.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Rowena says:
        Jan 3, 2017 at 12:38 am

        Not meaning to depress you but my parents have gained two new customers…the grandchildren. Our isn’t a high volume user but our daughter would empty the bank given half a chance. A lot of her requests are cheap by themselves but they add up. My parents cover their activities are Miss is a dancer. The classes are cheap compared to an instrument but there are a lot of extras. Still, we’re happy to support us and are hoping that Miss Bank will be supporting us in old age.

        Liked by 1 person

      • TanGental says:
        Jan 3, 2017 at 7:01 am

        No ooooooooooo!!! Not fair!! Still you can’t take it with you

        Liked by 1 person

      • Rowena says:
        Jan 5, 2017 at 2:42 am

        Yes, but I don’t want my kids to spend it before I get a turn!

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Eileen says:
    Jan 1, 2017 at 2:45 pm

    Oh! How delightful. Your imagination is amazing, but your combination of clarity and subtlety of expression just wipes me out. That’s the best laugh I’ve had in a long time. You are so good at describing the foibles of human nature. This was a lovely start to my New Year. Lots of good wishes coming your way. Keep on keepin on.

    Liked by 1 person

    • TanGental says:
      Jan 1, 2017 at 4:52 pm

      You are far too generous. I’m very grateful to all you readers. And I hope I’ll continue to entertain this year. Happy new year!!

      Like

  10. Eileen says:
    Jan 1, 2017 at 2:47 pm

    Reblogged this on Laughter: Carbonated Grace and commented:
    Too good to not share.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. lucciagray says:
    Jan 1, 2017 at 10:42 pm

    Terrifying😨 Poor Norman…

    Liked by 1 person

  12. livelytwist says:
    Jan 14, 2017 at 4:23 pm

    Brilliant storytelling.
    Eileen’s reblog brought me here.

    Liked by 1 person

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