I had always loved the old set and hated to see it go, particularly the chair with Michael’s name carved in the back. But the ancient card table and four chairs took up too much space after the move.
By the side of the road with a “Free!” sign on them, the set sat there for less than a day.
Except for one chair.
For a month I put the chair out every day it wasn’t snowing, but no luck.
I finally gave up.
Michael, you may be gone, but, for better or worse, your chair is here to stay.
***
Yes, 2nd story – the first just bugged me too much. I wrote it trying to be silly, but coming back to it I read it as abusive. Not my intention at all! So I am takign it down and putting this in it’s place.
(Edit) – OK, I am putting the first back up as well… I’m sure people know I wouldn’t put something up that made humor of a disability and understand it was just being silly.
***
word count = 100
Friday Fictioneers is hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. This week’s prompt is here and uses a photo by @ Dale Rogerson. If you want to join or see other stories, go to the inlinkz linkup.
Trent's World (the Blog) 
I really like this – it’s as if Michael is just not ready to leave!
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Thanks! That’s my thought, somehow Michael wants that part of him to stay.
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The chair (Michael) is definitely getting his way! As he should. Some things just cannot be given away ;-) An excellent second story (very different and just as good as the first.)
I love how my chair has inspired such a variety of stories.
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Michael, and his chair, did make it known they were not going to be given away! Thanks, Dale. There is something about the textures in the photo that draws in the attention.
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That they did! I love it.
And I am rather glad you appreciate the photo, too :)
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The chair wins.
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Yes. or perhaps it is Michael that wins…
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Well done, Trent. You certainly found inspiration with a chair in the snow. :-) :-(
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Thanks, Bill. Some pretty good stories out there, so I think that chair did inspire a lot :)
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It did. :-)
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Dear Trent,
I think at that point I would bring the chair back in as Michael’s memorial. Sweet story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m surprised it took them so long to make that decision… Thanks.
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Interesting. The story could be read as an allegory about the indelible mark some people leave on those around them – but maybe that’s to overstretch a 100 word piece of flash fiction.
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I can see an allegory in 100 words, though maybe a slight overstretch for this particular story, though a lot of it is there.
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Gone in body, but still here in spirit perhaps. The chair stays!
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I think he is still there in spirit, which is one reason the chair stayed!
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A memory and its chair are seated with you forever. perhaps people did not want to part you from it.
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Maybe it was the “vandalism” of his name, or they knew the significance, or… Maybe “we” didn’t want to part with it and sent those vibes. Or maybe…
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I think anyone can relate to a particular chair or place where a friend, relative, etc. liked to sit. I feel sad nobody wanted Michael’s chair but I do see it as a sign that Michael wasn’t ready to let go.
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I think Michael had a lot of influence on nobody wanting his chair… We do often identify objects (places, foods, etc.) people use with those people, and those objects (places, foods, etc.) gain a special significance when those people are gone.
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The obvious question is if Michael is somehow not allowing the chair to leave… Nice one.
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I had tried to fit in that the chair just seemed too heavy for some people who wanted it… Or perhaps wouldn’t fold properly. Just couldn’t fit that in the 100 words, so people will just have to wonder if Michael kept others from takign it.
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I’m glad they kept the chair.
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I think they were meant to keep it…
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I like this one too. I’m glad the other one is up too.
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Thanks, Sadje, on both counts :)
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My pleasure
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I just read and commented on post 1.
This one has a sad tone. Well, written. I enjoyed it as well as post 1.
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Maybe I’ll put it back… Yeah, I went from silly to sad. Thanks.
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There are both great posts, and well written.
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Thanks :)
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