Page 26 - Living Gems Thrive | April 2023

The Old Wallet
by Maddy Harris

The old wallet lay at the back of the dresser drawer, in the dark recesses
where all old things went. If only he could talk…
Short story and I remember when I was new and shiny and had that wonderful leathery

poems by Quills smell. Everyone admired me as I was presented to the young master
as a Christmas present. I’d been useful on that very first day as all
members Christmas money received had gone straight into my sections – notes in
the notes, coins in the coins, and later, photos in the pocket. The young
master had been eighteen years old that Christmas.

In the following April, the master and I had gone overseas to fight the Hun.
Life was terrifying but we managed to survive and even spent a few bob in
London, then Paris. I’d been cleaned up and I shone, and life was good.

After Paris we’d gone to Flanders, a place that neither I nor the master
referred to very much - too difficult.

Eventually peace was declared, and we went back home where the
master settled back into some degree of normality.
On his first Christmas home, he was given a new wallet, as I was
regarded as too ragged and worn.

He never threw me away but tucked me into the back of the drawer.

Sometimes when he’s alone he takes me out, holds me to his cheek and
weeps silently.
Then he puts me back again, our memories just for each other.

26 Thrive