The rules are simple:
- Write a story, complete in itself.
- Check spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- Copy and paste your Story URL to the inLinkz list.
- The story should be up to 250 words.
- Add this line < #TellTaleThursday with Anshu & Priya > at the end of the post.
- Read, comment and share – spread the love.
Here’s the prompt:

Word count – 243 Words
Missing Mom
“You are 18 today, I think you are old enough to take care of what is rightfully yours?” Said grandmother placing a shoe-size cardboard box on Joe’s bed.
“What is this, mammy?” Joe asked all curious.
“Some old pictures,” she replied with a flick of her hand as if it was unimportant.
“Does it have mom in it?” There was excitement in his voice.
“Sure. That gold digger who left your father and abandoned her 4-year old when the going became tough,” she gave a snort of disgust.
Joe opened the box. He had never seen his mother before, didn’t remember what she looked like.
He picked up some sepia tinted photos of a couple much in love. He recognized his father immediately, though he was lean and had a fuller head of hair. The woman was in her early twenties, love and happiness shining from her face. He looked closely at his mother. Thick shapely brows, doe eyes, full lips and a pert little nose, she was a timeless beauty. Then he looked at the crescent shaped scar on the side of her cheek.
“That was impossible. How could it be?” Joe shook his head in denial.
This was the same woman he had seen every day outside his school. He thought she waited for her child. Now, he knew why she always stood under the sycamore tree at the other side of the road.
It was time he confronted his mammy.
The kid needs his mother. He deserves to know. Good one, Anshu
So true, Priya. A child is big enough to know the back story.
That was a great twist at the end Anshu.. every child needs his mom
Thank you Akshata! I agree every child needs his mom.
Really great twist at the end. Didn’t expect that ! Nicely done Anshu.
Thank you Shilpa!
It is difficult for a mother to live without seeing her child. Nicely done.
So true Abhijit. Thank you.
Thank you for reading.
Nice one Anshu. Awesome twist. So what’s the mom’s story? Was mammy wrong or did mom change her ways?
Kanika, the truth is even when a relationship fails between a man and wife, the mother cannot forget the child.
yes but why did she keep away? I mean why did she not insist on a more active role? Did someone blackmail her? Was she bullied in some way? Was she too sick? Was she a drug addict? I see many possibilities. You should write a longer version. Loads of potential.
Good idea, one of these days I am going to take a stock of all the stories I have written in these last few months and decide which ones can be turned into full blown stories. 🙂
Wonderfully written di…
Thank you Neethu, why don’t you try this prompt and ask your MIL to try her hand too! I am sure she will love it!
A well narrated story capturing some lovely moments between the child and his grandmother and equally awesome twist at the end, Anshu. Keep it coming!