M is for Mildred

Mildred is the most boring person you will ever meet. That is, if you were one to believe in idle gossip. In the outback town of Morton with a population of only 103, there is one leaning stop sign, a single rusty windmill, and no traffic lights. Morton is a place that is not visited anymore, only born into. At 40 years old, Mildred is one of the 103 folk of Morton and so the gossip goes, Mildred truly is the most unbelievably boring person in town. They say the funeral notices are more exciting than Mildred. That one could not fall asleep in the presence of Mildred, because the entire time you are thinking about how insanely dull she is, whilst concocting an excuse to leave. Again, this is only gossip.

To add to the boredom of Mildred and Morton, everyone in the town has a name starting with the letter M. Mark the local priest, Matthew the butcher, Margaret at the corner store, Matilda at the post office and Meghan the bar tender, the local copper, and handy woman. No one knows why everyone’s name begins with the letter M in Morton. It’s just the way it is...

Mildred has the two sweetest friends, Macy and Mable, both in their mid forties. Macy and Mable believe that Mildred is the most exciting, creative, and generous person they know. This leaves one to question the town gossip. Are good friends simply sticking up for one another? Or have the people of Morton got Mildred wrong?

It was the usual 200-meter stroll on Sunday down to church for Mildred, Macy and Mabel. Mildred was dressed in her favourite long brown skirt and polka dot top when a button popped off her shirt. Mildred suggested the two walk ahead as she ducked into the local store to pick up a needle and thread. Upon entering the store, Mildred noticed a man in a back suit and top hat. He was holding a little black book that reminded her of a notebook her father would scribble his pictures and plans in for the family farm years ago. Mildred questioned his choice of clothing due to the soaring heat of summer that Morton was always baking in. At the same time, she appreciated a handsomely dressed man. The man’s face was one Mildred had never seen before. He wandered up and down the store aisle. Mildred attended to looking for her needle and thread and could overhear Margaret at the checkout talking to Marilyn, the banker’s wife and biggest gossiper of town. Attempting to talk softly, Mildred could still hear them.

“Look, it’s Mildred. I can’t get over how dull she is. Come on, get another outfit.” Whispered Marilyn.

Margaret cackled to herself. “Some clothes from this century” said Margaret, as Marilyn held her hand over her mouth trying to hide her laughter.

The man in the black suit watched as Mildred’s’ shoulders slumped, and one tear ran down her face. Mildred dropped the needle and thread she had picked up and ran. Rushing to the church, Mildred wiped away her tears and puffed out her chest, trying not to let it affect her already diminished confidence.

“Mam! Wait!” Came a voice in the distance.

Mildred turned around to find the stranger in the black suit waving her down. Mildred stopped to let the man in the tall hat catch her.

“G’day Mam. You forgot something.” Said the man who was in fact incredibly handsome and young, with broad shoulders, dark eyes, and thick brown hair. Mildred’s mouth dropped open as the man handed her a needle and thread.

“Thank you young man.” Mildred said as she smiled at the dark-haired stranger, who was still holding a little black book.

“You don’t know me, but I would love to escort you to your destination this morning Miss… Mildred?” said the stranger as he offered out his bent arm.

Mildred hesitated. “Church… and I would be honoured. However, I do apologise that I am not dressed to match the formality of your attire.” Said Mildred as her voice trailed off.

“Not a problem. By the way, my name is Taase” (pronounced Ta-Seh). He said with a smile as he took her arm in his.

Mildred thought his name was incredibly exotic and she wished she had an exciting name like his, as he led her down a small lane between the church and the bank. Taase pulled out the little black book and started drawing.

“Can you walk in heels?” Taase asked Mildred looking up from his notebook.

“I think so. I wore a pair to my cousins’ wedding a few years back.” Announced Mildred.

“Wonderful. Now close your eyes and don’t open them till I tell you.” Requested Taase in a gentle but authoritative voice.

Mildred’s’ emotions were divided. She felt excited and scared as she closed her eyes and leaned against the hot brick wall of the bank. The few minutes she waited felt long, but she enjoyed listening to the pen glide along the pages of the notebook. She could not wait to see what the young man was up to.

“Alright. Open your eyes.” Whispered Taase.

Mildred blinked as she opened her eyes, adjusting to the sun’s strong rays. She looked down to discover she was wearing a long black dress and black high heels. She was holding a shiny black and silver clutch and she smelt like a field of lilies. Taase gently turned Mildred around so she could see her own reflection in the window of the bank.

“Oh my!” Mildred said in a raised voice.

Her hair was up in a high bun, she had long black gloves on and a shiny pearl necklace. Mildred looked sensational and she had the tiny frame to pull off the outfit.

“I look incredible! But how is this possible?” Questioned Mildred with a smile.

“I knew you could pull off an ‘Audrey Hepburn’ look.” Said Taase as he took hold of Mildred’s hand. “Mildred, it is your time to shine. There is a light in you, that this town is yet to see.” Said Taase, as he offered Mildred the little black book. “It’s your turn now Mildred. Don’t open it until you are at home alone. Once you have finished, you must pass this book on to another soul you find worthy.” Taase looked into Mildred’s eyes without blinking as he handed her the little black book.

As Mildred and Taase entered the church the front door creaked, and the entire town of Morton turned to see the late comers. Gasps of shock came across the crowd. Even the priest looked flushed. Mildred froze.

Taase whispered in her ear “Own it Mildred. We are going to sit in the front row.”

Mildred walked as confidently as she could to the front row, where Taase gestured to others to shuffle down the pew. Mildred was the only one who listened to the priests’ sermon on that Sunday morning. Everyone else was thinking about her. Mildred the town bore. Mildred, who was now in fact, the talk of the town.

At home after church and sitting in her favourite armchair, Mildred opened the little black book. It read.

This book is a gift to you, to make all your dreams come true.

Simply draw what you desire, then your desire you will acquire.

Twenty thousand dollars’ worth of dreams is the goal, then pass on this book to the next worthy soul

So, what are you waiting for? Pick up a pen and start to draw.

Original property of Mr M.Moleskin

In the corner of the front page was the figure $20,000. Mildred began to draw because she in fact, had the greatest imagination that anyone could have. She drew a picture and then shut the book. Before her eyes, a fluffy white cat ran in her front door wearing a pink and white polka dot vest. Mildred laughed and cried. For the cat that she had drawn in that little black book and always wanted, now appeared before her very eyes. Mildred opened the book again and the $20,000 now read $19,850. Mildred could not believe her luck. She had $20,000 worth of wishes.

The following Sunday, walking to church was different thanks to the little black book. Macy was wearing platform shoes, a leopard print mini skirt and a white flowing Versace blouse matched with oversized sunglasses. Mabel wore a bright yellow ball gown like Bell from Beauty and the Beast and Mildred looked absolutely stunning in a white halter neck dress, with her now blonde hair styled in a classic shoulder length cut, red lipstick and white heels. Mildred looked like a movie star. She looked like Marilyn Munroe. Macy carried a stereo over her shoulder and blasted the song ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ by Cindi Lauper. The cat in his polka dot vest sat on Mildred’s shoulders and in the hot summer breeze the three women strutted their way to church, in what looked like a slow-motion scene from a Hollywood blockbuster. It was clear that some much-needed fun and colour had arrived in the town of Morton.

The town folk stared as the three women made their way down the main street. Outside the church, the usual crowd gathered, including Marilyn the town gossip. Mildred mustered up the courage and walked in Marilyn’s direction.

“My, my. What on earth are you wearing?” snared Marilyn.

“A little wardrobe revamp. I think I do ‘Marilyn’ better than you” said Mildred with a smirk and a wink as she skipped into Church leaving Marilyn speechless.

After Church, Mildred with her rising confidence, invited the Town folk of Morton back to her house for a morning tea and a chance to start over. Everyone came of course. No one other than Mabel and Macy had been inside Mildred’s house and everyone wanted to know what on earth was going on. Inside Mildred’s house was a wonderland. There were paintings on every wall. Colourful throw cushions on the couch. Funky lamps filled the corners of the room. Colourful rugs on the floor and antiques of all kinds on the walls and in cabinets. Marilyn was in the corner gossiping when Mabel overheard her.

“This house is amazing. Looks like Mildred’s house had a much-needed makeover like her.” Snickered Marilyn.

“You’re wrong!” announced Mabel. “Mildred’s house has always been like this. Full of life, fun and imagination. All of you have judged her before getting to know her.” Proclaimed Mabel.

The room fell with silence. It was in fact true. Mildred didn’t use the little black book to change her house. It was the same today as it was years before.

Margaret then stood up on a chair to address the crowd. “I don’t want to speak on behalf of everyone, but I think we all owe Mildred, Macy and Mabel and apology. This town use to be a place that big city folk use to visit for its old-fashioned charm and friendliness. We need to stop gossiping about each other and instead help each and other and learn to have fun again.” Said Margaret.

The entire town cheered in agreement as the three friends smiled and took a bow. At that exact moment, a marvellous idea popped into Mildred’s head before she disappeared with the little black book.

Later, as the town folk exited Mildred’s house, to their surprise the town was full of life again. Buildings were painted of every colour. Fairy lights lit up the street. Ducks waddle across the road, horses neighed, pigs snorted, and a shiny new windmill framed the town perfectly. The town looked incredible thanks to Mildred’s newfound confidence, her imagination and of course, the little black book. Morton was back on the map, Mildred was definitely not boring, and the next worthy soul to own the little black book is yet to be decided. You never know. It might even be you.