Welcome to Flash Fiction February 2025. I’m interested to see what happens today, day 1. Hello subscribers; to Troubled Minds Radio, and hello Auckland, NZ, 88.4 Underground Radio. Hello to everyone listening, or reading. Here is a link to my website, where my book of flash fiction from last year is available. It’s called, You Couldn’t Resist: 85 Flash Fiction Stories. Or simply go to YCR.INFO. Have a free, full Substack Account when you buy my book.
So let’s see what happens today, as today I will write about something to do with ranch work.
Marigold was strong headed. When she put her mind to something, things happened. It might not be the thing she had in mind, but there would be some kind of movement, when she put her head into something.
She had an idea about a neighbor. She knew Mrs. Ball had recently lost her husband, and that there were physical and also mental issues that she was dealing with. There were some people who said that Mrs. Ball should really not be by herself, in her house or on her land with her horses and donkeys by herself. There were too many issues with her that made the situation dangerous.
Many people had made the attempts to help the old widow. Caretakers came, would stay for a while, and then have to leave for the difficulty in dealing with the sad old woman. Marigold was determined to find someone who could manage the situation. She didn’t want to see Mrs. Ball get injured, let the property get run down, or for anything to happen to the animals. She would do it herself, but the problem with that is she lives too far away.
One day, as Marigold was coming up the driveway to see Mrs. Ball, the most recent caretaker was apparently making the decision to leave, like several before. The young woman was packing her things and hurriedly getting into her vehicle. As she passed by Marigold, she held up her hand and shook her head, indicating she had no interest in communicating. This was certainly not the first time a person with a helpful personality type had to make a quick exit from old Mrs. Ball’s place.
Mrs. Ball was in the garage when Marigold pulled up.
“This garage is a mess.” Mrs. Ball said. “That girl really messed it all up.”
Marigold responded. “It looks immaculate to me, certainly far more organized and swept out than the last time I was here. Are those new shelves?”
“Ahhgggghh.” Mrs. Ball howled, as though she was in pain.
Marigold inquired about the Caretaker she saw had left.
“I noticed the gal you just had in was leaving, she had all of her things with her. What happened?”
“She tried to burn may garage down. That is really dangerous. Aaauugh!” Mrs. Ball said.
“What do you mean?” Marigold asked.
“I don’t know, but there was gas all over the place and the whole house smells like gas, she was trying to burn my house down! Aaauughh!”
Marigold didn’t smell any gas, and she wasn’t sure what had happened. “When did this happen?” She asked.
“About an hour ago.” Mrs.Ball responded. They were in the garage together so Marigold cold see for herself. There was no sign or smell of gas fumes.
“Right there!” Mrs. Ball pointed. Next to the lawnmower, there were two small piles of clay. Apparently, when the caretaker was preparing to mow the lawn, a couple of drops of gas got onto the floor. Then, she must have piled some clay there to absorb the fluid and the odor. There was a faint smell of gas near the mower.
“I didn’t know I hired an arsonist! Aaaauughhh!”
The End606 Words.
