She sat in the dayroom, warmed by morning sun through the picture window. Her pink sweater mounded over her shriveled form and stick-thin arms, pooled around her bony thighs. Mostly unresponsive, she seemed content in her isolation. But perhaps her mind swooped, hawk’s wings over her long and verdant life, or trembled, a butterfly over nectar-sweet memories with family and friends.

We couldn’t tell. We wanted reassurance.

We researched and assembled our tools: tiny jars of oil infused with essences of everything.

“Smell, bring memories!” we prayed, gathered around her chair.

She smiled, silent and vague, appreciating the attention.

© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2017)

Carrot Ranch Prompt (04/27/2017): In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes oil. It can be an oil refinery, the raw product or used as a commodity. How does oil fit into a plot or a genre? Go where the prompt leads.

Midtown Writer’s Group Prompt: “Smell, bring memories” Write for 4 minutes.