Image by Lisa Shambrook (Please do not use without permission)
Robert’s shiver had nothing to do with the draughty windows. His lip curled as he brushed the greying sofa before planting his expensively suited behind onto it.
Sylvia rolled her eyes. “Just be quick,” she urged, “get it over with, then we can be gone.”
Polly glanced at her siblings and unfolded the yellowed, crinkled paper. Robert shook his head wrinkling his nose whilst Polly smoothed her hand across the page, allowing a small smile as she gazed at the authentic, but untidy handwriting. She cleared her throat.
Robert stopped her. “We don’t need this, Polly, look everything’s already been divvyed up. The bank account held exactly thirty-seven pounds and seventy-nine pence, which is twelve pounds sixty each…and that’s it. The house…” He sniffed as his eyes roamed his mother’s lounge taking in the archaic curtains and velvet cushions. He gestured dismissively at the disparate ornaments adorning the mantelpiece, the dour landscape above it, and the eclectic mix of dusty books. “The house, as…quaint as it is, is owned by the social…nothing to do with us. So why are we here?”
Polly held up her slip of paper, and dust motes danced in the single shaft of sunlight peeping through the grimy window.
Robert grimaced. “Unnecessary…” He shrugged. “There’s nothing here I want. Sylvia?”
Sylvia’s fingers played with her pearls as she perched on the sofa beside him. She shook her head. “I’ve got all I need. Mother gave me a few bits and I don’t want anything else.”
“It’s all charity shop stuff now. Look, Polly, if you want anything…it’s all yours. I don’t have time to sort through it all, and since you’re happy sorting, feel free. It’s all cheap tat anyway.”
As her brother and sister left, Polly glanced at the folded document in her hands, an old, time-stained docket. The shaft of light grazed across the painting above the fireplace, a smile from beyond the grave, and a wry smile played on Polly’s lips.
(328 Words)
This is the first time I’ve tried a Trifecta prompt, I’ve always felt just a little intimidated by the huge popularity of this writing challenge, but always wanted to join in!
Pop over and take a look at the other entries. This week, Week 110, the prompt word is ‘Quaint’ and must be included in your piece which is to be between 33 and 333 words.
The Last Krystallos 
Very enjoyable and well written; absolutely no reason for such a talented author to ever feel intimidated, looking forward to future posts…
Well done…and welcome to the fun of Trifecta!
Aha! I think something very nice and very unexpected is coming their way. I love all the details and descriptions you put into this one. Well done and welcome to Trifecta!
Lisa, that was beautifully written and well crafted!
I love the “a smile from beyond the grave.”
Glad to see you here! Nice write – Great description. The dividing up of an estate is usually so difficult. Glad to see the dumb siblings made it easy for her.
Lisa, your writing is so delicate and yet so strong…and that seems very appropriate to me. So pleased you joined in Trifecta :))))
Don’t be intimidated! We’re a welcoming bunch and very glad to have you here! Especially with such great writes like this. Thoroughly enjoyed it, though not quite as much as Polly will be it seems! Thanks for joining us!
Thank you all! The standard is so high, I really appreciate your comments!
Lovely. Can we have some more? Please?
Welcome to Trifecta! It seems Polly got what she wanted when her siblings opted out. Its funny how differently families react to death and the handling of the estate.
Nicely played, Polly!
Welcolme, Lisa, and intimidation? Please.
You are certainly up to the standard of Trifecta. This is terrific. I loved the details, the dust motes, that smile at the end, Robert’s impatience. I felt I was in the room. Well done!
Very well crafted and welcome to the family:-)
I like the details of the house. Great work.
A well crafted piece, it had that very important element that all stories need. It had me hooked and wanting to know what happened next. Enjoyed.
I can totally feel the family dynamic, you brought me right into it, Lisa. Well done! And I love the ending!!
Congratulations and welcome! I am so glad you joined and hope for more.