ELLIE

~ Iain Kelly

Ellie struggled along the icy path to the children’s hospital, two full bags in either hand.

‘Morning, Ellie. What are you donating today? More hats?’

Ellie nodded. Bill took the bags from her. ‘Thank you, Ellie. You have a nice Christmas.’

Ellie left silently. Bill handed the bags to Beth. ‘Put these with the rest.’

Beth emptied the knitted hats onto the table, joining the stacks of hundreds more.

‘Why does she do it?’ Beth asked Bill.

‘She lost her own child in the ice storm of ’82. Ever since, she knits hats.’

Beth watched the lonely figure shuffling away, hunched against the cold.

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Copyright Bjorn Rudberg

Happy Holidays to all the Friday Fictioneers and those that visit my blog. As always I am eternally grateful for everyone who takes the time to read my offerings. I hope you all have a wonderful break and a Happy New Year.

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

Published by Iain Kelly

39 year old writer, avid film viewer and book reader, employed in the media industry as a television editor.

103 thoughts on “ELLIE”

  1. Pingback: ELLIE – The Militant Negro™

  19. What a beautifully touching story. No child should have to be so cold, and every child should have a beautiful hat knit with pure love, too. 🙂 ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

      1. That’s what I thought when I read yours! Wow, love when that happens, don’t you? Merry Christmas, lain.

        Liked by 1 person

  21. I’m in a knitting group (I don’t knit, I embroider, but it’s the camaraderie that counts.) More than half the ladies knit hats for cancer patients or baby clothes for children that die at birth ~ so the parents have something beautiful to put their child in or layettes for children of military men and women. It warms the cockles of my heart. You brought that feeling to the surface with your story. Thank you and Merry Christmas.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you Alicia – it was based on my twins who spent time in hospital when born premature and wore clothes that were knitted and donated to the hospital as shop clothes didn’t come in sizes small enough. Those little sort of things become massive gestures when in that situation. Glad it gave you that same feeling 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  29. A very sad but well told tale. Her coping mechanism doesn’t seem to be working too well, but how many of us would fare better under the circumstances?

    Wishing you all the best as you celebrate Christmas!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  32. A very believable tale, Iain. Your dialogue is lovely, really well judged, telling the story without ever stepping out of character. A sad story, but one with an undercurrent of hope.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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