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John W Richardson

Writer of Mysteries and Short Stories

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The Red Chair

January 13, 2025 by John W Richardson

The instructions are there. Take a seat, enjoy the view, stay awhile. The plastic Adirondack chair facing the ocean is red in color and a little faded from the sun and surf. It sits on the concrete perimeter of lifeguard station number 11 on the north side of Buccaneer Beach in Oceanside.

Nothing special. Just a chair, a view, and a little bit of magic.

Not many people know about the magic. I certainly didn’t when I first saw it. Just a cheap plastic chair in a strategic location that affords the lucky occupant sitting in it a commanding view of waves, surfers, and gorgeous sunsets.

Because of the popularity of the view, someone has taken a Sharpie marker and written; Please share the chair. This implies a time limit. No one quite knows what that period of time is, but I figure it to be about five minutes. Long enough to enjoy the view, see a couple of sets, and then let someone else sit for a spell.

Life is pretty regulated these days, but I still hold out hope for humanity, if nothing more than the use of this chair. Beach folk are a kind lot, and few souls overstay their welcome.

Download the rest of the story in PDF format: The Red Chair

Listen to the story in Audio Format: The Red Chair MP3

Red Chair Audio Book

Filed Under: Blog, Essay

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This is a writer showcase for John W Richardson. It includes fiction and short stories.

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