"The Fact of the Matter" - Free Short Story

by Madeleine L 'Engle

Genres: General Fiction; Short Stories

Synopsis

Enjoy this free short story from award-winning author Madeleine L'Engle's newest book, The Moment of Tenderness, a collection of 18 short stories, some never before published. It was a frigid winter day when Old Mrs. Campbell stormed into the Franklins' general store, decrying the devilish nature of her daughter-in-law-a sentiment that deeply disturbed Mrs. Franklin, considering the woman in question, Alicia, was oft described as "saintly" by everyone around her. When she leaves the store in a huff, Mrs. Franklin thinks she's done with Mrs. Campbell's ravings for the day-until the woman calls her late in the night, urgently demanding to see her. Blending elements of fantasy and horror, what transpires between the two women over the course of the evening will test the boundaries of reason, faith, and family-and prove that, in times of great danger, even strangers can come together to help one another in need. For more stories by Madeleine L'Engle, read The Moment of Tenderness, available now.

Release date: April 21, 2020

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Print pages: 21

Sample

The Fact of the Matter

Old Mrs. Campbell leaned over the counter towards me, first looking towards the back of the store to make sure we were alone, then to the door to see that no one was coming up the steps. “How she would love to be an Eskimo just for one night!” she said softly.

“An Eskimo? Who?” I asked, stupidly, for Mrs. Campbell had been on one of her long monologues and I had only been half listening.

“Alicia. My daughter-in-law.”

“But why an Eskimo?” I asked.

“Eskimos put old people like me out on an ice floe to freeze to death. Of course it wouldn’t bother me too much if she did try something like that. I have my connections and I’d get off.” But she sounded very agitated.

Old Mrs. Campbell talked at length to me when she came into the store, and on almost any subject, but she had never before made me wonder whether her mind might be affected. I said soothingly, “Anyhow, there aren’t any ice floes around here.”

Mrs. Campbell looked down at the little girl who was clinging to her. “You help Granny now, Sylvie,” she said. “We’ll start with the Camp. . .