I’d watched her work her magic many times, and was always enthralled by her talent . She was the consummate actress. Her every performance brought the audience to a new place, brought them to tears, brought them to their feet. The many awards on her mantle attested to her skill and popularity.
But most of all, I was enthralled by the way she looked on stage. Every detail was always perfect. My appreciation is no surprise, of course. It’s what I do. I'm a dresser For decades, it’s been my job and my honor to dress her, and I humbly take some credit for that perfection.
And now it was time to dress her for her final performance. I slipped the gown over her head. It was one of the most beautiful she’d ever worn. After cloaking her shoulders to protect the creamy satin and lace, I gently stoked her face with foundation and fluffed some powder over it. A little eye shadow, mascara, and a touch of lipstick finished the job. I ran the soft bristle brush through her silver hair, and we were done. Perfection! She was ready to meet her public.
“There you are, my dear. You’ve never looked lovelier.”
Reverently, I wheeled the casket on its gurney into the viewing room.
“It’s show time!”
“It’s show time!”
This was written for Magpie Tales. For more, go here.
those feelings of love we carry for someone else never die and that's why love is eternal.
ReplyDeleteso well written!
i am sure it was a stunning final performance...when my MIL passed away my oldest held his neices hand and told her that gramma looked like sleeping beauty...
ReplyDeleteHow poignant, and precious.
ReplyDeleteLovely, Patti. How loving to help her make her final appearance.
ReplyDeleteWell done! I have a hard time participating in those final performances. I still remember my first, my grandfather when I was little. I remember thinking how he looked so 'normal' that he would wake up anytime.
ReplyDeleteBrava!! A charming, scintillating piece. And now, I can't get it out of my head.
ReplyDeleteGoddess: You are so right.
ReplyDeleteBrian: That is so sweet. I can just picture that poignant scene.
Helen: Thank you!
Grandmother: Thank you. I suspect a similar scene is happening everyday.
Cowboy: The toughest for me was my dad. I couldn't find "him" anywhere but in his hands. Looking at his hands brought back so many wonderful memories.
Lou: Thank you, dear friend.
I was surprised by the ending, but it was sweet and endearing. :) Nice Magpie.
ReplyDeleteAmazing ending.....and so beautifully presented...bkm
ReplyDeleteMarvelous. You caught me totally by surprise.
ReplyDeleteAoife, bkm, Catalyst: Thank you for your kind words. It's good to hear that the ending was a surprise.
ReplyDeleteI like how you held a positive, even uplifting tone all the way through your piece. I find it hard to see the person in the body after the soul is gone. Akin to what you noted about hands. Thanks for stopping by my world
ReplyDeleteNice story. Sweet and gentle, old friends. Your ending took me by surprise though.
ReplyDeleteIts interesting to think of it from that perspective. And comforting to imagine someone in that role caring so much. Great job.
ReplyDeletethe ending caught me totally by surprise..nice magpie wonderfully written!
ReplyDeleteWell crafted magpie!
ReplyDeleteloved the twist at the end, I totally didn't see that coming! This was a great flash fiction, I love it when people write stories for their magpie response. good job on this one!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a good friend! Lovely Magpie.
ReplyDeleteHah! This one fooled me twice. Love it.
ReplyDelete