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PEDDLER’S MARKET

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

The young man hunched over a table in Peddler’s Market Consignment Store, diligently sifting through the odds and ends in an old wooden box. He was clearly searching for something. After a while he stood straight up, took a look around and started to leave.

“Excuse me, young man” a woman’s voice called out. “Can I help you find something?” The woman introduced herself as Winnie Pierce, manager of the store and the young man said his name was Harry Dawson.

“Well, Harry Dawson. What is it you’re looking for today?” Winnie asked.

Harry told her that he was going to ask his girl to marry him. He hoped someone had brought an inexpensive engagement ring and wedding band set into the consignment shop that he could buy.

“You’re not going to find any rings in that box, Harry; there’s nothing in there except buttons, cuff links and tie tacks. The rings are over here” and Winnie pointed to a glass-enclosed display case.

Harry thanked her and walked over to where the rings were kept. Winnie finished up with another customer and came back to see if Harry had found anything he liked.

“These rings are real pretty, Winnie, but they’re way out of my range. ” Harry responded glumly. “My girl Betty said we didn’t need rings but I wanted to surprise her.”

“I’ll be right back, Harry” and Winnie disappeared into a back room; she returned a few minutes later, gaily humming. “I just remembered these! An old woman brought them in about a year ago, a widow with no children or grandchildren. She told me to get as much as I could for them.”

From behind her back Winnie produced a little black ring box; inside was a delicate engagement ring with a tiny diamond and a matching band. Harry’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.

“I know they’re quite small, Harry but…”

Harry interrupted. “They’re beautiful and Betty would love them – but they’re probably out of my range, too.”

“Well, Harry. The old lady who brought them in passed away last month. When she dropped them off, she said I should get as much as I could for them. So how much can you given me for them, Harry.”

Harry checked his wallet. “All I got is $60, Winnie. Pay day is the end of the week.”

“I’ll take $50, Harry. How’s that?”

“Really, Winnie? That’s incredibly generous of you! How can I ever thank you?”

“Just make Betty happy, Harry. That’s all the thanks I need.”

NAR © 2023

Fandango’s Flash Fiction Challenge #226

26 thoughts on “PEDDLER’S MARKET”

  1. Pingback: The Week in Review – Iris Carden, Author

  5. Based on your preceding ink reputation, I was also waiting for the luretothebackroom scene… only for different action than D expected 😆

    Needed break from MEDIC!

    Now all Harry needs is a couple of best men

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    1. See? My reputation precedes me! It was time for something a little lighthearted so I put the shivs and garrotes away, at least temporarily. 😂
      I actually knew a “Winnie Pierce”; she wasn’t nearly as nice as the one in my story! 🤣

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        1. One of my friends is dating a woman from the DR; she makes the best fried platanos and does a lot of baking with plantain flour. It’s an interesting taste. Now you’ve got something new to play around with. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!

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