A friend of mine couldn’t believe it when a hotel clerk, with whom she thought she had a memorable encounter a few hours before, didn’t remember my friend when she saw her again. I shared a theory about this with my friend. I developed the theory from reading Going Gray by Anne Kreamer and I turned it into a speculative fiction short story titled “Invisible.” But you’ll have to read my story to find out what it is! No freebies here. Although the story itself is free.
“Invisible” was recently published in Creative Wisconsin magazine, which is published by the Wisconsin Writers Association. I joined them a few years ago when I had a Wisconsin-based publisher and job, even though I don’t live in Wisconsin. I’ve taken a few classes from them, and I’ve attended two of their writing conferences. They’re a great group!
You can find my story on page 18 in the March 2026 issue here.
Marie's Meanderings 
Since I’ve grown older, it seems like I have shirts that match the wallpaper. Somehow, I’m happy to be part of the background.
That’s usually my preference, too. Although, blending with the wallpaper can get tiresome sometimes. Thanks for reading my story, Swabby!
I look forward to reading your story. I just ordered a copy of the magazine!
Thanks, Vickie. I hope you enjoy the story!
Well, that was fun—and disturbing! Well done, Marie. Your story reminded of a problem I’ve had lately: trying to get one of those sink faucets to work in a public washroom, where you wave your had around it/in front of it/under it? I’ve felt invisible because the water wouldn’t come on, and then I’d see a younger person using no problem!
What a great example of invisibility! Thanks for reading my story, Jennifer.
While we’re vanishing from everyone else’s view, we invisible types get together and have a good time! When I was a kid I would daydream about being invisible and what I would do—but now I can’t recall what it was I wanted to do!
Perhaps it’s a good thing you can’t remember!
I probably would have been up to no good.😉
Totally nefarious, I’m sure. Ha ha.
Wow, your story scared me a bit! But I enjoyed it. And I agree; older people are often invisible or at least shoved into the background. Although sometimes, the background is a safe, comfortable place to be–as long as you don’t spend too much time there. I would hate to disappear into the wallpaper!
My hope is that the people behind the wallpaper are having a party. 🙂