Nice disclaimer at the very beginning. I had no problems with spelling as I learned B.E. in school, yet non-UKers might be irritated by the spelling.

You set yourself quite a challenge here. To squeeze a story - or at least a coherent scene - into 500 words isn't easy.

You have quite a surprising little piece here.

First I thought that Emily has the habit to give her plants names and talk to them. Yes, it's crazy , but I think you intended that ambiguous moment.

However, the plot pretty quickly turned more serious and I had an idea to whom Emily is talking while replacing the plants. Her inner uproar rang very true and the dialogue matched that of a woman who seemingly has lost someone beloved. She talks to him to keep the memory fresh and wants to incorporate him in the family's daily life.

Her "announcement" appeared as if after a very long time she decided to face life again with someone new. David would always be there, no matter what, alone because of the existence of their son who reminds Emily of him each day and to whom she has a close and loving relationship.

The truth in the end not only was a punch out of the blue, but gave the story both something tragic and also a brutal touch. It shows how far someone can go for someone they love.

Also you are capable of something I wholeheartedly envy you for : you can establish a vivid setting with a minimum of words and Emily's garden was wonderful to imagine. I literally saw her in there, gardening and talking to David.

Except for those little things here:

1) ... and the crisp(no comma) spring air...
2) ... she transferred a dozen new seedlings across. => across what?
3) "Mom?... You okay? ("OK" is no word.)

... the technical execution was great.

I really felt involved and... my hair stood on end at with last few paragraphs as my dark twisted mind went into overdrive! Sometimes the end just justifies the means... however how explain to your son where his father has "vanished" to?

Thank you for sharing this.

My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Go Noticed" .

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