It was warm when I left home this morning. The sky was a clear blue, the birds were singing, and I felt that the day would turn out to be a good one. I always enjoyed walking down the main street looking at window displays and browsing through the stores. Today was the first day of my vacation and nothing could take away that pleasure.
I stopped by the bakery to eat one of their homemade pies for breakfast. Spinach and feta. Yum! I know, not a breakfast type of meal. But when on holiday why not eat what you enjoy? I love the flakiness of Anita’s pastry, and the creamy-filled pie always hit the spot. She wasn’t too busy yet, so my new-found friend sat down with me for a while to pass away the time chatting a bit about my plans for the next month.
I stepped out into the road and noticed that storm clouds had gathered while I was inside. I sent up a fervent wish that I would not get caught in the storm. I decided to head along to the market to pick up some fruit and vegetables before heading on home – getting drenched is not my idea of fun. No sooner had I made my decision, the heavens opened. A summer deluge, fast and wet. With no thought at all, I ran from the edge of the sidewalk to the nearest door – that of a store I had not yet visited since my arrival to this town.
As I opened the door, I heard the tinkle of bells. Water was dripping off my hair and running down my back. I hoped the store owner did not mind me seeking refuge here. I looked around and saw that I had entered what looked like an antiques store. Graceful tables were cluttered with objects d’art, shelves were filled with bound tomes, and every nook and cranny was filled with relics of the past. As I glanced around the dimly lit interior, an old man walked towards me. His appearance suited the environment: his face was well-worn with the passing of time, his slight stoop indicating the passing of years.
“Hope you don’t mind me coming in like this.”
“Not at all young lady. I could do with a bit of company. Wait a bit, let me fetch you a towel to dry yourself off.”
I smiled gratefully as he shuffled to the back. Such a gentleman. And he looked exactly that dressed in his bow tie and waistcoat.
“Here you are. Afterwards come to the back and I shall make you a warm cup of tea.”
This is what I loved about vacation. There was no need to rush off somewhere, so I could satisfy my curiosity a little about this man whom I had not yet seen around town. Moving towards the back of the store, my steps were halted by a beautiful silver candelabra that had been hidden by an armoire.
“How beautiful it is!” I breathed.
The old man smiled. “You have an eye for beauty and history, that is for sure. I have always found the story behind this candelabra intriguing.”
Lifting the silver candlestick holder, he placed it carefully in my hands.
“This story is intertwined with both love and sadness. It began 200 years ago when this candelabra was given to a young couple getting married.”
I followed him to the table on which there were the makings of tea. I settled into the chair he offered, placing the silverware I held in my hands carefully in front of me. I love listening to stories from the past, and this one looked like it was going to be a treat!
What do you think is the story of the candelabra?
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2014
(Inspired by the WordPress daily prompt: Sudden Downpour)
No idea but can’t wait to hear!
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I think I will need to sleep on it to come up with an unusual idea 🙂
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🙂
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Lovely writing, Colline. I don’t know what the story of the candelabra is, but i imagine it’s quite sad, and involves the death of one of the engaged couple.
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I think it would be sad too. There must be a reason why the candelabra is now in an antique shop and not in a lovely home somewhere.
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200 years ago is a long time. I’m going to connect it to the French Revolution.
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Or the Napoleonic wars! 🙂
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🙂
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*gloomily* It burnt the place down?
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That would definitely be the cause of great sadness. I don’t think, though that the candelabra would have survived the heat of the fire.
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I don’t know, but I’m looking forward to finding out! 🙂
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I will try and satisfy your curiosity Robin 🙂
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Maybe they did have a long and happy life, but no children, so the heirloom was no longer a valued treasure to anyone.
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That would be an unhappy occurrence – especially during a time when having children was an integral part of marriage.
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What a great setting for a story, Colline. I’ve no idea where you should take us. Surprise me. 🙂
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I am thiking carefully John as I do not want the story to be too obvious 🙂
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I love the intro, and can’t wait to hear what the story is.
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Thank you Angeline 🙂
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Fabulous writing Colline, as usual, you really do take the reader with you. I think I got soaked too:) as for the candelabra, who knows, wouldn’t it be wonderful if by some twist of fate it belonged to the family of the shopper – stranger things have happened!
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That would lead to a beautiful story I think 🙂
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… Over to you!
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🙂
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Oh Colline I’m useless I’ve just written a reply and I don’t know where it’s gone! Did you get it?
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Don’t worry – I have received it 🙂
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🙂
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Enjoyed your story Colline. Hope you can bring in a happy twist to the sad tale 🙂
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Thank you Madhu 🙂
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I bet it’s a mixture of love, loss, sadness, hope and new beginnings. Wonderful post.
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I think it would be – that would be the makings of a beautiful story.
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Oh, I love spinach and feta pies! That shop sounds like just the kind of place I love to visit. I wouldn’t mind being there and listen to the old man’s tales as well. I am sure I will enjoy your version of the story more Colline. Mine would be too gruesome. 😆
Excellent post and writing as usual hon. ♥ Hugs ♥
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These pies are my favourite too – and something I don’t get to eat here 🙂
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