Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Drabble: How To Live Forever

How To Live Forever

Her fingers are stiff and arthritic. But for this task they are nimble. And her eyes, myopic and cataract-clouded as they are, easily make out the fine detail, even without her glasses.

For an hour each day, no more, no less, she stitches. She has loudly told the children and grandchildren that she will be gone when she finally finishes her project. They smile uncomfortably when she talks like this. But she says it often, and loud enough, to be heard.

For she knows the secret wisdom of Penelope. She does what it takes to avoid that final stitch.

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