My hands shook as I set the cane in front of me and stepped inside the thrift store.
I glanced at the book section as I headed deeper into the shop. Every title was in perfect condition.
Nearby, I saw legions of coffee mugs as shiny as the day they were made.
I glanced down an aisle.
Wedding dresses, row upon row of them.
“What is this place?” I asked. “Who wants to buy an old wedding dress, anyway?”
“Old for now,” said the twentysomething behind the counter. “That’s our business, you know.”
“Repairing dresses?”
“Rewinding time,” she said.
———-
My birthday approaches…the big one zero. Yep, I’m about to turn 10. Granted, that’s in the Angosey numbering system. So what age am I about to turn in Roman numerals? I will give you a hint. It’s a perfect number. No, really. Anyway…Every Friday, writers from all around the world write 100 word (or thereabouts) flash fiction based on a photo posted that Wednesday on Rochelle Wisoff-Fields’ blog.
I welcome constructive criticism; without it I cannot grow as a writer. The weekly photo that inspired this story is below:
glossarch 
Rewinding time is a great concept–and this is a great little story!
Happy birthday! I assume it is your 28th, because the next higher perfect number is 496, and that would make you as old as Russell, aka Methuselah 😉
Thanks! You have not considered the possibility that I just turned 6, and am simply quite mature for my age.
Excuse me, Perry is Methuselah. I’m young enough to be his baby brother.
I wonder if the twentysomething can rewind time on people, perhaps on herself? Very interesting concept which I hope you explore further as I want to know what happens next! I wrote “rewinding time” in my random notes collection called my “journal” to ponder on. Thanks for the inspiration!
That’s really cool, I’m glad you liked the phrase! I found it appealing because of the – not sure what the word for it is – “internal rhyme”?
I love the idea of rewinding time, great job 🙂
Thanks!
I loved this. I found it completely mystifying, yet terribly gratifying. I love the idea of a shop dedicated to rewinding time and I would like to live in there now. However I have this to say:
“Scientists have proven that the more birthdays you have, the longer you will live.”
P.S. Happy Birthday!
Thanks, and thank you for the birthday wishes! It’s always interesting to hear the different interpretations people have of the story. I figured it could range anywhere to a magical “rewinding time” shop to simply a thrift store that’s very good at refurbishing old things.
Dear Danny,
Stay away from my territory. There’s only room in this town for one paradox. (Loved your last line.)
Aloha,
Doug
Nice! Just read your story. I like the “meet again twice.” Made me think.
Dear Danny,
If Jan’s calculation’s correct and you’re 28 I have shoes older than you. Happy birthday.
I like the concept of rewinding time.
shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks! How could a pair of shoes last 28 years? I’m lucky if my shoes last one year.
The secret’s having more than one pair at a time.;)
Happy birthday. I loved the idea of rewinding time, but I’m happy for my books to be a bit battered.
I do like a well loved book, myself.
happy birthday — 28 is about perfect – enjoy, live, love and laugh.
Thanks for stopping by and for the birthday wishes!
Ditto to all the comments. Enjoy your birthday.
Thanks!
Yes, bring on that rewinding time! It’s about time someone came up with rewinding time. (Oh, and Happy Birthday! In my case, birthdays are a principal part of that time I’m trying to rewind.)
Happy Birthday, Danny. I see Methuselah did stop by to comment. He and I could both use a little rewinding on our clocks.