Mother’s Chair

A small white cup of water is waiting beside the narrator's bed at dawn, and another by sister Betsy's. Their parents insist neither of them left either cup.

house

The first cup appeared beside my bed in October.

It was small and white, with a thin blue line around the rim. I noticed it as soon as I opened my eyes because my nightstand had been empty when I went to sleep.

For several seconds, I simply stared at it.

Grey morning light slipped through the curtains, touching the cup without warming it. I reached out and wrapped my fingers around its sides. The china felt cool. Inside was a little water—only a few mouthfuls—but enough to make me wonder who had left it there.

I carried it across the hall to Betsy’s room.

She was still beneath her quilt, with only the top of her hair visible.

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Quick answers about Mother’s Chair

What is Mother’s Chair about?

A small white cup of water is waiting beside the narrator's bed at dawn, and another by sister Betsy's. Their parents insist neither of them left either cup.

Is Mother’s Chair free to read?

Yes. Every story on RapidTale is free to read in the browser, with no sign-up and nothing to install.

How long does it take to read?

This story runs 1 chapter — most readers finish in one sitting, and you can stop and return to any chapter using the contents list.

Who wrote it?

Nimra Khan — original fiction published on RapidTale.