Being Known Prompt

Imaginary Friends

100-word microfiction

“Mama, you forgot Ruby!”

Reluctantly, another dish was served. A week of chats and school lunches for invisible Ruby had Alice’s mother on edge.

“Do you think we should see a doctor?”

“She has an imaginary friend; I wish you wouldn’t worry so much,” said Alice’s father in a reassuring tone.

“You’re not here when Ruby’s here!” she replied in agitation.

Hoping for a peaceful night by the fire, he lit a match and startled as the headline on the newspaper unfurled against the heat, “Local Schoolgirl, Ruby, Hit By Train.”

“What’s the matter?”

“Nothing, my dear, nothing at all.”

Thank you to Galit Birk, PhD, for the prompt and inspirational Haiku, “You Lifted Me.”