18 Comments
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Heather Brebaugh's avatar

A sad look at the plight of women. If John had felt the same way, he would have just walked out.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

You know... I don't reckon John is the problem. I am guessing it is the geography and boredom and loneliness...

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Kate Henry's avatar

Sounds like a bus ticket to me....

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Yes. I am guessing you are right. She just needs to get way for a bit.

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Sharon's avatar

yes I too thought bus ticket. But Sharon you have painted a glorious picture with words, and when I am there, I have left my ordinary life for a few minutes.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I think those of us fortunate enough to live on the California coast would find living in that flat, rural geography very challenging... don't you?

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Sharon's avatar

correction: Sharron

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Wade's avatar

Another enticing opening.. can’t wait for the follow on story.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

This one, I am afraid, may be the whole story. Though I can see her on a train heading down east. Thanks Wade!

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James Ron's avatar

$119.00 in those days is a lot of money. Wonder what for??

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Well... traveling money comes to mind, doesn't it.

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Oh wow, Sharron, such an intriguing tale. Desperate times.

This line took me back forty years, to when I was helping Dad deal with some geese for the first time: 'A chicken needs to be scalded, cleaned and plucked for supper. Lord, how she dreaded the disgusting smell of hot, wet feathers and innards.'

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Right. I had easily recalled to mind my grandmother laying that rooster's head down on the chopping block and having at it. And then the terrible smell of the boiling water on feathers and the slimy guts... eeeuuuuw! That was sure a great dinner, but please, let me just run down to TESCO and buy it wrapped in plastic...

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Jim Cummings's avatar

You set up the semi-desolate scene so perfectly. You cant blame her for wanting to return home, especially to the beautiful pond in Maine. I agree, John is probably not the problem here but neither is he the solution for Myrtle. Well done, Sharron.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, my friend. I think it is another case of making a decision and later realizing that one CAN re-decide sometimes.

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Janice Walton's avatar

The lady hass plans.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I hope she makes them come true. She does not like the life she chose.

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