Welcome to Tuesday Tales, powered by a small group of authors, where word prompts inspire passages in the books we’re writing. Today’s word is quick. This snippet is from a cozy mystery set in fictional Glisten, Georgia. When you finish reading, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
To my surprise the little library I knew from childhood no longer existed. The building still stood but was now a community food bank. The energetic lady behind the counter introduced herself to me as Millie Westover. During our conversation, I learned that Glisten library needs were now being met by a modern regional facility in neighboring Blairsville. It served several surrounding communities both in and outside the county, including Glisten. As with libraries in Florida, many expanded resources were available to library patrons online.
She handed me a pamphlet from a display of community informational brochures and pointed out a small plaque on the wall that denoted the current food bank’s historic significance. I thanked her and was looking around the room, visualizing Miss Jean’s weekly story hour from years back, when I felt eyes on me.
A small woman had entered the room carrying a precarious load. Iron gray hair resembling pick-up sticks stuck up around a wizened, sun-baked face. Cardboard boxes overloaded sinewy arms. I moved to help, taking the top box. Dark eyes plastered on mine. The eyes were quick and shrewd in their appraisal.
I blinked. There was no mistaking who it was. Although I hadn’t seen her in years, I instantly recognized the town fixture known as Granny Ledbetter.
She took a step toward me and squinted. “Irene and Clant Nash’s girl, ain’t you? What was your name? Something green. Jade? Emerald? No, Peridot!”
I nodded with a smile. “Peri for short. It’s nice to see you, Mrs. Ledbetter. How’ve you been?”
“Right as can be for a body near as old as them stone giants over yonder.” She nodded a gesture in the general vicinity beyond Glisten’s foothills to the hazy blue mountain range. “No rain today, though, so not so bad. Storm yesterday set my old bones to achin’. It’ll be worse when cold weather sets in.” Her black eyes pierced me. “You back in Glisten, are you?”
I set my box on the table in front of Millie. “I came up to help my godfather, Jack Douglas, with Tea Thyme. He bought the place. Can I help you with the rest of the boxes?”
“No need.” She moved forward and shoved them onto the counter. Millie offered a broad smile. “More squash, Mrs. Ledbetter? Folks will be happy about that. Yours beats the grocery stores every time.”
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the piece inspired by the word quick. If you haven’t done so already, check out the other excerpts at Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Spirited Stories
All rights reserved, copyright @ 2024 Flossie Benton Rogers
Curious to know how Granny fits into the story. Great job introducing the character.
Thank you, Susanne.
When I was a child, I knew a
Granny Ledbetter. Ironically, you have captured her to a tee. A fun read.
Love Granny! I love the description of her and the brief banter between them. I can’t wait to see how she adds to the story. Great job!