Before The Coroner Was Called

I take my coffee out onto the front porch to watch the neighborhood go about its morning.

I don’t know my neighbors’ names, but I know their weekday routine.

The red Volvo full of kids, the bike commuter with the metal clips on his trouser-legs, the old woman across the street feeding the swarm of cats.

Except today she’s late.

The cats wind around the front door, waiting for her to open her screen and set out the paper plates.

I finish my coffee and go inside.

Throughout the day I peer through the front window.

The cats are still there, waiting.

Friday Fictioneers

NOTE: The virtual host where this site is located is having some major issues today connecting to the WordPress website, so the comments aren’t working. Thanks for coming by, though. -JHC

16 comments

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  1. Anonymous

    And really felt like I was there in the neighborhood – almost reminded me of a scene from The Truman Show
    –priorhouse

  2. rochellewisoff

    Dear Josh,

    It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor, won’t you be mine…I can just imagine the stench. You certainly stepped outside the litter box and did it well. (and himself as well ;) )

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

  3. Dale

    Must be the first time Randy goes first on the FF Squares… Love what you did here.
    And yes, there has to be that neighbour looking out for the others…

  4. ellenbest24

    Oh the intrigue, how could you be impassive so detached, she could have fallen or drowned in the bath. You would have been complicit in her demise … watching from a distance with cold heart and unwilling eyes. Great take I loved it.

  5. jillyfunnell

    I don’t see the cats waiting much longer – they’ll be scavenging in everyone’s bins soon. Sinister tale. Well done.

Don't just stand there.