The Heiress

Winner---12/4/07}

ID: 896794   (Rated: 13+) Daily Flash Fiction Challenge  Enter your story of 300 words or less. Note new starting time! by arakun the twisted raccoon

         Attorney Thornton was sitting in his office across the table from some very disappointed people. They had expected to inherit some real money only to learn that when divided among them the inheritance came to a few hundred dollars each. Apparently Granny had spent it all.

         As Arthur the eldest was getting up to leave Thornton said, “Wait. There is more.” He read on. “To my three grandchildren I further bequeath my favorite possessions. To Arthur, my grandfather clock. To Julia my diamond ring. To Laura my doll collection.”

         Arthur grumbled, “That old clock! Where would I put it? I don’t even think Margaret would allow it in the house!”

         Julia picked up the velvet ring box. There was her grandmother’s engagement ring. “I thought we buried her with this,” she commented. “It can’t be more than a eighth caret.”

         But Laura was smiling. “The dolls, the beautiful dolls! I will love having them. Thank you!”

         “Then why don’t you have the clock, too?” said Arthur.

         Julia said, “And the ring, too, while you’re at it, since you seem to be interested in worthless junk.” She slid the box toward her sister.

         Arthur and Julia left, grumbling.

         Laura tried on the ring. “It’s lovely,” she murmured. "I can’t think why Julia doesn’t want it.”

         At home she opened the ring box to put away her ring. The velvet cushion fell out, revealing a folded paper inside. In Granny’s antique handwriting, she read, “Dearest Laura. Thank you for brightening my last days with your visits. You always were a good girl. I knew Julia would turn down the ring and I was sure Arthur would not want the clock. Look inside it. My silver tea set is there. Enjoy it! Thank you for your kindness and love. Affectionately. Granny.”

298 words

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ID: 896794   (Rated: 13+) Daily Flash Fiction Challenge  Enter your story of 300 words or less. Note new starting time! by arakun the twisted raccoon

Prompt--A story that contains a ring, a grandfather clock and a doll.