Short Story - 1998 Words

Madison Knight read the insignificant bank balance for the second time. Dead broke. Until now, holidays in the Colorado Rocky Mountains had always been her favorite time of the year, but that was before the money ran out—before the likelihood of eviction. Her one chance to pay her bills rested on the New Year’s bonus from Once Again Antiques. Today, December 24th, starting at 9 a.m. until the close of business, twenty percent of all sales generated from the client wish list contributed to the bonus—if she held on to her job until the end of the year. One more misstep, one more unsatisfied customer, and there’d be no ifs, ands, or buts—the owner, Savannah Charm, would terminate her employment. Madison slid a quilt over her shoulders and†¦show more content†¦Let me check our records.† She placed the phone on the table next to the laptop and as the inventory screen opened, her stomach muscles tightened bit by bit. Seller’s remorse represented an undesirable side of the business. Certain heirlooms were too precious to part with, and now and then, the previous owner realized it too late. â€Å"My grandmother had an estate sale last week, and she didn’t want it sold, unfortu—† â€Å"Oh?† She should’ve kept quiet. Run-ins with greedy family members happened in the antique business, and a judging attitude didn’t increase revenues. â€Å"It wasn’t on purpose,† he said. â€Å"The day was chaotic and someone had shuffled around the artwork. We didn’t realize it was missing until a couple of days ago, and it took this long to sort out the mix-up and discover your shop bought it.† She felt guilty for jumping to the wrong conclusion. â€Å"I see how that could happen. It’s obvious the piece is important to your grandmother. If it becomes necessary, we have the resources to find a similar style. Is there a special artist or significance?† Held hostage by the slow computer response and trying not to rush him, she picked up one of the hand weights, intending to fit in a few curls. â€Å"Keep in mind Gran’s ninety-two, and she thinks . . .† â€Å"Uh-huh.† With her free hand, she grabbed the latte and took a sip. â€Å"Gran thinks it holds a special power.† Madison chose that moment to swallow and the creamy espresso went down the wrong pipe. A dry, hacking cough followed,Show MoreRelatedshort story1018 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Short Stories:  Ã‚  Characteristics †¢Short  - Can usually be read in one sitting. †¢Concise:  Ã‚  Information offered in the story is relevant to the tale being told.  Ã‚  This is unlike a novel, where the story can diverge from the main plot †¢Usually tries to leave behind a  single impression  or effect.  Ã‚  Usually, though not always built around one character, place, idea, or act. †¢Because they are concise, writers depend on the reader bringing  personal experiences  and  prior knowledge  to the story. Four MajorRead MoreThe Short Stories Ideas For Writing A Short Story Essay1097 Words   |  5 Pageswriting a short story. Many a time, writers run out of these short story ideas upon exhausting their sources of short story ideas. 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