Nice Things

Boxes of unopened perfume and powder line the top shelf of her armoire. She adored gifts in her latest favorite scent, White Diamonds. I sigh as I wonder what to do with each of them.

“Keep the packages nice and save your perfume for a special occasion,” she often told me when I was a little girl. Back then, she wore the iconic scent Channel Number 5.

I trusted my mom’s wisdom. To me, she was the most classy and beautiful woman in the world. She had impeccable style, beautiful clothes, was an amazing chef and could decorate a home rivaling Better Homes and Gardens.

Now, as I stare at the unused products my question is, ‘Why?’

Why did she save it? Why did she regard ‘nice things’ with such reverence?

I conclude because she grew up during The Depression she knew the difficulties of acquiring daily necessities. A great bottle of perfume was out of the question back then. She knew what it meant to work and save hard. Instant gratification was a foreign concept.

Maybe it was faith, maybe perseverance, maybe something else, but she religiously saved items for ‘special occasions.’ Now, I have a house full of beautiful pieces sitting on shelves waiting to be enjoyed. I’m determined to use them – crystal martini glasses – I could use for my morning orange juice. Wearing my ‘good perfume’ even on my sweatpants days.

Missing her feels like she missed some fun, waiting for a special occasion.

I deposited several of the items in a box for Good Will. I can’t let all of them go, though. I keep a pretty container of White Diamonds powder. When I’m particularly missing her, I open it and take in the scent. It brings her back to me if only for a moment.

Note: I have joined a writing group that is a bunch of fun! Requirements are that the story has to be exactly 300 words. There are also three required words that the moderator of the group chooses – the very first word of the story and two others. I’ll put those words in bold. Enjoy!