Back in January, I reviewed The Doll’s House by Katherine Mansfield.  I found it to be a gem and said I wanted to read more by this author.  That is when John of The Book Mine Set recommended The Fly to me.

Mr. Woodifield is retire now because of the stroke he had however, he visits the office and his boss weekly.  On this visit he reminded his boss about the loss of his son.
Mr. Woodfield left but his boss was quite upset over the reminder of his dear son.  He tells his clerk that he is not to be disturbed for a half hour.  At first he just sits with a blank stare, thinking about his son.  His son has been dead for six years and he has not been able to cry and wonders whats wrong with him.
When he reaches for the photograph of his son he notices that there is a fly in his ink pot.  He rescues the fly and shakes him off on a peice of blotter paper.  The fly gets busy cleaning himself off and the boss pictures him rejoicing for being saved. However, then he toys around with the fly in a most disturbing way.

This very short story of about 7 pages really pack a punch.  It is one of mourning loss and the transference of emotions and power on to the defenseless.  Highly recommended.  You can read it here.

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If you would like to participate in Short Story Mondays, go to John of The Book Mine Set. He has a short story review every Monday and a place for you to link your short story review. Come join in the fun!

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