Steven French

Steven's micro story Arthur took out the Peoples Choice Award in 2008 Tasmanian Living Writers Week.

ARTHUR

“Arthur, what are you doing up there? Are you all right? Can you get down? Do you need help?”

Sister Lillas, Matron of Tidal Lakes Retirement Home, had been searching for her favourite resident for ten minutes and she had just found him, up a tree.

“I am fine thank you Sister,” replied Arthur, gazing happily through the branches into the distance.

“What on earth are you doing?” asked Sister Lillas.

I haven’t climbed a tree since I was a boy and I decided that I wanted to do it just one more time. Today seems a good day.”

“For heavens sakes Arthur, you are eighty nine.  Get down or I will climb up and push you down,” said Sister Lillas, trying not to let amusement peek through concern.

"You will be killed Arthur."

I am pretty sure I won't be."

 “I am pretty sure you will be because I intend to murder you when you get down.”

Arthur looked at Sister Lillas and they shared a smile.

Sister Lillas knew exactly why Arthur felt the urge to climb a tree - one last time. She wished she was unbound enough to be up there with him, legs swinging, chatting about things that are of concern only to the carefree. Instead Sister Lillas’s life had been one of prudence and responsibility. She now itched to be sharing a branch with Arthur. 

Arthur’s attention turned back to the horizon. Memories, no, more than memories; eleven year old Arthur was there, back in time, at the farm and in the old pine tree, looking over the paddocks to his dad’s sheep and cattle. And there was dad cutting hay, and mum, feeding the chooks.   

Looking down at Matron Lillas Arthur smiled and said, “What a remarkable day.” Then Arthur flew away.