As many of you know, I have a passion for prompts to spark my writing Muse. The last writers meeting’s homework was to write a story using these parameters: Setting: A Haunted house, Character: A police officer, Theme: Friendship POV: An inanimate object. This is my story, I hope you enjoy it.

A Reflection of Life

I’m grateful for the swipe of the duster as it clears my view of the living room. However, the spray of chemical followed by rigorous rubbing is less welcome, although it does make my view exceptionally clear. It has been a long time since I have seen this clearly. A lot has happened during my time above the mantel. A place I have hung for decades. I have watched the inhabitants of this structure move in, multiple and grow old together – their lives reflected in my mirrored glass. I was witness to many comings and goings, but now it is a quiet and sedate dwelling, my original owner grown old.

The familiar chime of the doorbell echoes along the hallway. Frederick’s telltale slipper shuffle on the tiled floor announces his approach. The front door opens with a creak and a deep toned voice says “Hello, Fred, thought I’d drop by and see how you are doing.”

Frederick’s raspy reply is full of delight. “Well, what a great surprise, do come in, Samuel.”

I know the visitor’s voice and await his reflection along with Frederick’s to appear in my domain. Samuel is in his police officer’s uniform looking smart and tall against the shrunken old man. Years ago, I saw Frederick as a young man in a similar uniform, fussed over by Mable prior to his leaving for the day. They always shared a long and loving kiss prior to his departure.

“Come and sit down, Samuel, I will ask Mable to make tea…”

Frederick’s voice stuttered to a halt and Samuel put one hand on the old man’s arm.

“Now, now, no need to trouble yourself, Fred. Let’s sit and talk, I don’t need to be catered to. I’m here for my friend and past colleague, and mentor.”

Tears brimming, Frederick sits on the sagging sofa. His shoulders drop and his hands rise to his face.

“I still can’t believe it, Sam, she’s gone. How will I cope?”

“It was a shock to us all, Fred, Mable was such a kind and gentle soul. She is missed in the community, but I can only imagine your heartbreak. How long were you married?”

“Forty-eight years. We should have had longer, Sam, really we should have. I was supposed to go first, I mean every day I was on the force, she would kiss me and ask me to come home, every single day. And I did.”

“She looked after you so well, Fred, and was such a gem in the community with her volunteerism. I don’t know how she fit it all in with your kids, you and the house and garden.”

“Yes, she was…now I rattle around in this place like a leaf in the wind.”

“That’s why I try to drop by as much as I can, Fred. As my partner for years you shared your words of wisdom and I’m truly grateful for our friendship. Alice tells me you have a cleaner service once a month and your meals delivered every day. Do you have any other visitors?”

“A few come by now and again and the kids drag me out for Sunday dinner occasionally, but there is a big hole in my life where Mabel used to be.” He looks up at me, his lined and weathered face reflecting back and then peers out the window before continuing. “You might think I’m imagining it but sometimes I hear her at night. She’s down here cooking and cleaning. Do you think she’s haunting me?”

I see Samuel’s eyes widen then a slow grin creases his face. “If anyone can come back to cook and clean it would be Mabel. She’s probably inspecting the cleaners work and shaking her head at the ready-meals.”

I see Frederick’s back straightening and a smile brighten his face. He puts a hand on Samuel’s arm and nods. “You are right, Sam, she is still looking after me from beyond.”