Flash Fiction: The Donation

I stumbled upon this little flash fiction fun at Rach Writes and decided to give it a go... here are the rules:

via Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “The door swung open” These four words will be included in the word count.

If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), use the same beginning words and end with the words: "the door swung shut." (also included in the word count)


Story after the jump!

The Donation

The door swung open and an elderly woman walked into the library.

“Excuse me,” she said, “Do you take donations?”

“Yes, we do,” I said, “Although we can not say if they will be included in the collection.  More often than not we put them in the book sale to benefit the Friends of the Library.”

“Oh, that’s fine,” she said.

“Do you need help bringing them in, or a donation form for your taxes?”

“The help would be nice, they are heavy, but don’t worry about the taxes.”

As we brought the books in I noticed they were quite old but in very good condition.  

When I asked, she told me they were first editions of many American authors.

“They were my husband’s,” she said, one hand caressing the box, “They deserve more than these old eyes.”

I asked her to wait so I could get the director who could thank her in person for her generous donation.  She said she would, but her voice broke as she stroked the box.  

When we returned she had left.  Only the pile of books remained.  She had taken the box.  

We could just see her outline as the door swung shut.