PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot
In the Mourning
Ellie closed the blinds that night the horrible news came. Lying alone in their twin-sized bed, Eric’s teasing voice filled her thoughts.
“The smaller the mattress, the longer the marriage,” he used to say.
She’d laughed. “Can you guarantee that?”
Eric would snuggle even closer. “I’m certainly willing to try.”
But love hadn’t kept him alive.
Ellie sat in bed staring dully, day after day, until she noticed the shriveling plants. Suddenly she stood. She brought water, cracked open the blinds, and caressed the leaves. “Come back.”
Next morning, Ellie woke with the sun—and a tiny ray of hope.
As always, many thanks for Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers! Stop over and read a wonderful array of 100-word-fiction pieces based on this photo prompt!
Angela Writes... 
Great story telling, as it felt so real.
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Michael, thank you!
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Awww… my heart just tightened and then released. Go Ellie, he’ll always be a part of your heart but you’ve got to keep on living.
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It can feel impossible, but somehow you have to move forward… Thank you, Dale <3.
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I know only too well, my friend.
Have a great day!
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You too!
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😊
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Oh my…this is lovely. I think I feel an actual tear. Beautiful beautiful story Angela.
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Dawn, I’m so glad you enjoyed my story.
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Profoundly touching, grief depicted in a gentle, real and loving way. Nicely done, Angela.
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Thank you for your kind comment!
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Those are the kinds of memories that really haunt. Thank goodness she pulled out of it when she was ready.
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That’s an excellent point. Everyone has their own timing, pace, and journey through grief.
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“But love hadn’t kept him alive.”
Very strong!
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Thank you!
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You described the feeling of renewal and moving forward so well, Angela
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Neil, thank you so much.
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A welcome tale of hope and recovery. Thank you,
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Sandra, yes. Loss is only part of the story. I’m so glad you enjoyed reading.
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A touching tale with a perfect title. Nice.
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I wondered if anyone would notice the title tie-in! She is in mourning, but in the morning hope appears :). Thanks for reading and for your comment, Keith.
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This is heartbreakingly beautiful. I’m glad she found back to life even though the pain will linger.
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Thank you for the kind comment! Yes, pain will always remain, but you have to keep going. Apologies for the late reply; I’ve been out of town.
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No need to apologize.
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Absolutely lovely. We go through it all alongside her, and the ray of hope at the end is so bright.
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Without hope we wither away. Thank you for your wonderful comment! I’m sorry for the late reply; I’ve been traveling and out of my normal routine!
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She chose to live – I’m glad for her sake.
As an aside – small beds only save marriages if neither partner snores!
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Liz,
That’s an excellent point about tiny beds! I guess these two were non-snorers.
Thank you for your comment! I apologize for the late reply!
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it hearkens to a new beginning. i wish her luck.
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Thank you! It seems the only way through is to move forward.
Apologies for the late reply; I was out of town!
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Dear Angela,
Poignant story that goes straight for the heart. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, thank you for your kind comment! I apologize for the late reply; I’ve been out of town.
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Love the hope at the end. Good story and so well-written
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Thank you. The sun coming through the window reminded me of hope; I couldn’t leave Ellie in the darkness.
Apologies for the late reply! I’ve been traveling.
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