This month’s excerpts are from my short story, “A Place to Die.”
When Libby Starr spends a summer helping out at her mom’s bed and breakfast-turned-hospice, she doesn’t expect to spend her time babysitting someone like Mr. Calloway – a young, vibrant financial planner with a mischievous streak. But Mr. Calloway is sicker than he seems, something neither he nor his family want to acknowledge. Can Libby help him accept his fate without losing her heart?
We’re skipping ahead to the Fourth of July. Libby and Mr. Calloway are stargazing while waiting for the fireworks to start.
* * * * * * * * * *
“I can only find the Big—” Coughs cut him off.
I handed him the water bottle I always carried with me now. He took a drink, then continued as if nothing had happened, “Dipper.”
“Ursa Major.”
“Doesn’t look like a bear to me; it looks like a big net to catch stars with.”
I heard him shift and out of the corner of my eye could see him watching me. The wind died down, as if the world were holding its breath, and I said, “It’ll take more than a net to catch this Starr.”
He shook his head, smiling at me, and the wind picked up again as he squeezed my hand and the first fireworks exploded above us.
* * * * * * * * * *
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Tender is the night is the first thought that came to mind. So lovely is your writing, E.D. it’s a heart breaker.
I liked the scene and the timing of the fireworks was positively movie-esque!
What a beautiful scene. I really enjoyed the dialogue between the two of them. I get the impression this is a heart wrenching story.
I agree, it doesn’t look like a bear.
His life is going to flare and fade like those fireworks, isn’t it? Sad.
Another beautiful and tender scene. As for the bear…agreed, it doesn’t look like one. But how many youngsters know what the heck a dipper is, either?
It was both cheesy and incredibly cute. :-) I really enjoyed this little snippet. The story sounds beautifully heartbreaking.
Aw, so poignant. Really nice.