I sat on the bathroom stool and opened the laundry basket. It had been a fabulous day out, just the two of us.
The twin’s PJ’s lay on the top, they’d been for a sleep-over at my mum and dad’s. I scooped them up and put them in the wash bag.
My blue jeans, which should read size 12 but now the label on the elasticated waistband reads medium.
The chiffon scarf I had worn, wouldn’t have normally gone in the wash, but he’d bought me perfume the day before…and it wasn’t my preferred choice.
My new top was next, and I smiled at the grass stains all down the back.
His linen jacket bore the tell-tale signs of our ice-cream game.
Towels and more towels, he’d been showering twice a day lately.
His new designer denim jeans, a present to himself for losing two stone and shaping up.
My skirt was next. A present from him. Wrong size; but it was ok after I altered the button.
His chinos, all crumpled now but he’d looked so good in them. In one of the pockets a return rail ticket to London dated last Friday… when I was at Mum’s.
His shirt was right at the bottom. A frisson of excitement rippled through me as I saw the lipstick smudge…But it wasn’t my shade.
(c) 2024 Lillian Bradbury.
“The Laundry Basket” is a poignant story that takes us on an emotional journey through time and memory. As the narrator sorts through the laundry, each item becomes a portal to the past, evoking bittersweet memories of a relationship. From grass-stained clothes that recall playful moments to a shirt bearing the telltale signs of infidelity, the story weaves a tapestry of love, loss, and the complexities of human connections. It’s a beautifully crafted piece that reminds us how even the most mundane objects can hold profound meaning and stir deep emotions.
This touching story is part of Lillian Bradbury’s collection “Welcome to my World,” a delightful anthology of short stories and poems inspired by life in the picturesque Yorkshire town of Pickering. Bradbury’s writing is both whimsical and provocative, offering readers a glimpse into her world and the deeper fantasies of what might have been. If you enjoy stories that blend everyday experiences with profound insights, you’ll find yourself captivated by Bradbury’s unique voice and perspective. Why not treat yourself to this charming collection and explore the other gems it holds?
