Tuesday Tales: Writing Blue

Tuesday Tales is a weekly blog featuring diverse authors who post excerpts from their works in progress based on word and picture prompts. We’re a dedicated group that enjoys reading as much as you do. Today our word is blue. My snippet is from a light paranormal set in the 1950s. The heroine works hard to make a living in her restaurant and raise her little daughter while awaiting the return of her husband from the Korean War. Please visit the other fabulous authors at Tuesday Tales.

Still no word from Jeffrey. Sour butterflies fluttered in her stomach. Tightening her lips, she banged shut the tiny postal box. Only good thing about no mail was no past due bills. Yet anyway. She hurried to the post office service window. “Excuse me, Mr. Henry?”

“Afternoon, Mrs. Reynolds. What can I do for you?”

“H—has all the mail been posted?”

An apologetic expression settled over his features. “Yes, Ma’am. I’m afraid it has. None for you today. I know you are anxious to hear from the mister. A few weeks now it’s been?”

“Oh, Mr. Henry. It’s been a month. Jeff has always been good about writing. He’s never missed this long. And in his last letter he spoke of a change in orders.”

“Don’t let a blue funk take over, Mrs. Reynolds. Your little girl needs you to be strong.”

“I wouldn’t frighten Gwennie for the world. But it’s…”

“It’s hard. I know.”

“Of course. Your younger brother is overseas.”

“Stationed back in the States now. An adjunct to some big shot. I can contact him to make inquiries about your husband, if you wish, Ma’am.”

Her heart swelled at his kindness. “Oh, would you, Mr. Henry? I’d be so appreciative. It would mean the world to find out if there’s some reason…I mean…I just want Jeffrey to be safe. We’d love him home for the New Year, for Gwennie’s sake in particular, but he’s not due for discharge until February. I’m starting to feel frightened at not hearing.”

“Let me get in touch with my brother. It may take some time for him to look into it. I’ll keep you apprised.”

“That would be splendid. Thank you.”

Back at the restaurant she pitched herself into work, focusing on making customers happy, which included an extra spate of pie baking. She always felt better with dough in her hands. Soon the sheer activity and tantalizing aromas of nutmeg and cinnamon lightened her spirits. Mr. Henry’s brother would find out that Jeffrey was safe. Safe and coming home soon.

I hope you enjoyed my take on blue. Thanks a bunch for stopping by. Return to Tuesday Tales. 

Cheers & Happy Reading!

Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic in Romance