You all said it was good to cry last week and nobody wells me up like my favourite recurring character, Melanie, so here she is again. If you enjoy her story, click here for many more snippets from her world.
Get Well Soon
You’re allowed to lie when you’re sick. Mummy always says “I’m fine” even when she hasn’t got out of bed all day. She used to tell me we had to say “Thank you, it was delicious” when we gave back casserole dishes, even when it really wasn’t. Mummy said it was delicious and I had to learn to be less picky, but that was another lie.
When she first got sick, people sent casseroles all the time. Casseroles and flowers. Once we got a balloon, like it was her birthday, but it said Get Well Soon. The balloon lied too.
elmowrites 
poignant story. i’m not going to lie but what’s left unsaid says it all.
Thanks plaridel
Expertly done.
THANK YOU!
I wonder how it is we learn the rules about when it’s alright (and sometimes obligatory) to lie
It’s complicated, isn’t it. I suppose we just feel our way into it, like so many nuances. And learn the hard way when we get it wrong.
A sorrowful but often real tale. Very well done.
Thanks Forestwood. There’s hope for Mummy yet, but perhaps not ‘soon’ enough.
Dear Jen,
From the mouths of babes. Touching story from the child’s POV.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you, Rochelle. I do like this POV. It’s full of truth.
Oh, how sad. Children often see things adults don’t.
I agree. I think that’s why I enjoy writing this character so much.
Well done, Jen. Kids pick up on things much faster than adults give them credit for. Hoping Mum pulls through.
She might well, Russell, but not in a seven-year-old’s version of Soon.
Thanks for stopping by
What a conspiracy it is when even the damn balloons are part of it. Well done, Jen.
haha! Frustrating indeed, Bill
It’s sometimes wise to tell white lies. A delightful tale of childish innocence..
Thanks Keith!
Very well written
Thank you!
Sometimes the drive to sound upbeat and positive can be the hindrance to accepting the moments we actually have.
Yes, I don’t love the phrase ‘toxic positivity’ but there are definitely times when it gets in the way.
Melanie’s learning. I hope she doesn’t have to learn the ways of the world too soon – fingers crossed Mummy gets better eventually. Lovely story.
I share your hope, Margaret. Thanks
Real life through the eyes of a child. I wish mummy’s words and those on the balloon had been truthful. Such a poignant story, Jen.
Thanks Ms J, hopeful the truth will catch up eventually.
You’re welcome.