That Knock #carrotranch #99words

Posted on Feb 2, 2020 by TanGental

Jem hated his left foot. Clubbed, they called it. ‘It’s okay, son,’ they said. ‘You’re useful. Post has got to be delivered.’

He’d got at white feather, too, from the woman he’d given the telegram to. ‘We’re sorry to inform you…’

Couldn’t blame her being bitter. Might have been him if they’d let him go.

And now there were two telegrams for Mrs Cutts. The ‘sorry’ one and one saying Petey’d got the Military Medal. Petey Cutts used to tease him about his foot. She took both, hands shaking like she’d the palsy. Petey didn’t seem so cruel now.

This was written for this week’s #carrotranch prompt:

January 30, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a postal carrier in an extreme situation. Even if you base your story on a true one, focus on the core trait of this postal carrier. Go where the prompt leads!

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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19 Responses to That Knock #carrotranch #99words

  1. Susan Zutautas says:
    Feb 2, 2020 at 3:11 pm

    How sad. Great flash!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Darlene says:
    Feb 2, 2020 at 4:49 pm

    Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Ritu says:
    Feb 2, 2020 at 4:49 pm

    Such a sad story… 😢

    Liked by 1 person

  4. willowdot21 says:
    Feb 2, 2020 at 5:57 pm

    Well written Geoff💜

    Liked by 1 person

  6. D. Avery @shiftnshake says:
    Feb 2, 2020 at 7:56 pm

    I’m sure he has all kinds of emotions around this situation. Relief and guilt, sympathy and empathy. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. arlingwoman says:
    Feb 2, 2020 at 10:31 pm

    Sad, but likely played out in real life…

    Liked by 1 person

  8. robertawrites235681907 says:
    Feb 6, 2020 at 4:47 am

    Clever, Geoff, but he was still cruel to tease.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Jennie says:
    Feb 10, 2020 at 1:52 pm

    Wow! Quite a story, Geoff.

    Liked by 1 person

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