Tessa caught the look on Michael’s face when he opened the package. She commented, “My son thought you would like a U.S. flag flying out front. Was he wrong?”
“I’m sorry. The flag reminds me of the number of draped caskets I’ve escorted and the families who paid the price.” Tears formed. He let her see them. “Now that pink baby blanket you are knitting gives me hope and helps me focus on the future.”
“I’ll explain to Brent and we’ll pass the flag to my parents. Theirs is quite faded.”
“Thank you, for understanding and backing me up.”
Written in response to Charli Mills May 28, 2020, prompt at Carrot Ranch Literary: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using two words that contradict. Examples include champagne and hard-rock; rosemary and sewage; duck down and firecrackers; sleep and square-dancing. Use one of these or make up your own. Go where the prompt leads!
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Sue Spitulnik 
06/01/2020 at 10:42
Oh, such a sentimental post, Susan. Well done!
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06/02/2020 at 19:41
I’ve watched several ration reviewing videos online, and in a lot of them there’s an item called “patriotic cookies”. Some of them are of the flag, and apparently some soldiers don’t like sugar cookies because of a similar effect as you’ve mentioned here. A very astute observation, and a good use of the prompt, Susan!
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06/03/2020 at 09:03
Thanks H.
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06/03/2020 at 02:02
That’s a great example of how powerful contradictions can be, Sue. Love goe this story is taking shape.
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06/03/2020 at 09:04
Thanks Charli. Some of my family members can now tell me Michael and Tessa’s names. It’s a fun exercise.
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