The Lost Postcard from Charlotte's Web
Dear Wilbur,
You left your key at the cottage this weekend after we napped one last time before you marched off into the mountains for your vision quest only I never slept and instead counted the flutter of your eyelids while I rested my head on the rise and fall of your chest and remembered nothing lasts forever. Not even a pet spider in protective custody in Fern's barn.
You meant for me to find the key, right?
I've left it under the rain spout in back of the cottage. I'm patient, I'll wait. Never know what's around the corner, what hides in the jagged bend.
Love,
Charlotte
You left your key at the cottage this weekend after we napped one last time before you marched off into the mountains for your vision quest only I never slept and instead counted the flutter of your eyelids while I rested my head on the rise and fall of your chest and remembered nothing lasts forever. Not even a pet spider in protective custody in Fern's barn.
You meant for me to find the key, right?
I've left it under the rain spout in back of the cottage. I'm patient, I'll wait. Never know what's around the corner, what hides in the jagged bend.
Love,
Charlotte
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Author's Note
I always look for what's missing, what's lost or unspoken.
Other stories by Deborah Jiang Stein
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This is just magical. What a web you've woven.
Thanks Rene, I've missed posting here. Good to be back on fictionaut.
Good.
yes!
So risky, even in homage, to try to match E.B. But I like this a lot--how she watches his eyes when he's asleep. Thumbs up--all eight of them.
The word "jagged" caught me by surprise, but it's a perfect choice. Well done.
love.
Great twist on an old classic. Loved the line "…counted the flutter of your eyelids while I rested my head on the rise and fall of your chest and remembered nothing lasts forever.” Emotionally layered and yet economical. Nice!