Hi, Richard—
This is a very well-developed character sketch of a tough, old woman facing death all alone. I thought at first that the “instructions to the masons” for her epitaph suggested suicide, but that does not seem consistent with the pride she takes in having “never, ever quit.” I decided that “the Scare” from ten years earlier returned and she is preparing herself for her final moments. Perfect title.
I find myself writing pieces like this that can’t seem to decide whether they want to be poems or flash fiction. I think there is enough meat to this character to warrant developing it into a short story. I would be interested in getting the responses of Junior and her ex-husband to her death. With so few possessions, would she have left a will? Would her son, husband, and maybe sister fight over the trailer home and her few treasures?
Hope this is helpful.
Glenn
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