A Thousand

Originally written 11/1/2018 for the 2018 Swinburne Microfiction Challenge (writing prompt: SPOKE). Revised for Yeah Write Challenge #395 required plot element: "catalyst."

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In the seventh century BC, legend says Helen of Troy had a face that launched a thousand ships.

In the twenty-first century AD, Helen of Seattle spoke a single sentence that launched a thousand actions.

When Mr. Harris heard it, he telephoned an attorney.

Gemma Smith wrote a beautiful essay about a woman who’d been her mentor and role model.

Travel agent Jan Bartholomew arranged a 5-star, all-inclusive vacation in the Greek islands for one of her favorite clients.

James Porter sighed and shook his head, momentarily adrift in memory.

Melinda Harris burst into tears.

Several dozen people spread the word on social media, and several hundred read about it and shared their own stories.

Seventy-four people sent emails. Another fifty-two wrote letters or mailed cards.

John Harris, estranged from his family for decades, felt both sadness and relief.

Mike Moore at Northview College drafted an entry for the "faculty updates" section of the website.

Mrs. Harris, who had expected the news, nodded and started thinking.

On November 1, 2018, her thumping heart belying her outward calm, Dr. Helen Ortega delivered the news to Mrs. Angela Harris, retired professor.

“I’m afraid it’s inoperable.”