Tuesday Tales 2023-5-16 Picture Apples

It’s time for Tuesday Tales, May 16, 2023, where we use word and picture prompts in the stories we’re writing. I am working on a cozy mystery. The picture prompt I chose from a small selection depicts apples. Peri has arrived at the hotel in Glisten, Georgia. When you finish reading my snippet, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.

The woman switched off the vacuum and straightened, tucking a wayward curl beneath a colorful, apple-print kerchief. Though small and fine-boned, she pulsed with vitality. Gold hair, red print clothing, and hot pink toenail polish and flip flops created a dynamic picture. She looked out of place among the muted pastels of the gracious, old-fashioned bedroom.

“I thought this room was already done, Kitty.”

“I figured I should make double sure, seeing as how the goddaughter was arriving today.” Her gaze flicked toward me.

Dovie’s hand trembled as she gestured. “Kitty, this is Jack’s goddaughter, Peri Nash, and, of course, you know Robin. Peri, meet Kitty Varner of Twinkle Cleaning.”

“Hello, Kitty,” I said.

“Nice to meet you.” Her gaze finished taking me in, moved to hover on Robin for a moment, who had clammed up, and then settled again on Dovie. “How is Jack?” she asked.

Dovie swallowed forcefully, as if her mouth were dry. “His condition is critical, but I’ll know more tonight.”

Kitty gave a little shake of the head and made a commiserating sound. She sauntered to the wall socket, unplugged the cord, and began winding it around the machine. “You could have blown me over with my feather duster when I heard the news.”

Dovie’s brows shot up. “Luella told you?”

“No, Luella wouldn’t tell me if the house was on fire. Brady Pryce told me when I drove up. He said Jack was pretty bad.”

Dovie blanched. “I’m sure the doctors will take good care of him.”

“Of course, but what happened to cause it?”

“They think he had a seizure of some sort and fell and hit his head or maybe the seizure came as a result of the fall.”

“Or maybe someone conked him on the head.”

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the snippet inspired by the picture prompt, apples.

If you haven’t done so already, check out the other excerpts at Tuesday Tales.