PHOTO PROMPT © Sandra Crook
It was windy the morning when Ellie realized she might not belong there anymore. Her mind wandered, like footprints across an empty beach. She stared inward, losing track of what—if anything—her actual eyes saw.
“Don’t hem and haw,” Carl had warned. “Fans won’t wait!” But it only made her burrow deeper. What’s the use of a life if you can’t take time to ponder it? Everyone wants more, the next flashy thing, but what’s wrong with being content? Not content. Not anymore. Content.
Content with waves, wind, long empty stretches of sand—and thoughts. The joy of less.
As always, many thanks to 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... 
Sod the fans!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehe! Doesn’t seem like the reasonable thing to do, but sometimes when I see these massive social media followings I think it’s the wise one for mental health. Thanks for commenting, Neil!
LikeLike
Better to enjoy the joy of less than to be joyless.
Thoughtful story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dawn, thank you. I agree with your comment! Less can very often to the gateway to more joy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
this is deep. how can i relate? 🙂
LikeLike
Oh this is so lovely. Yes, she is so very right. Take a moment to contemplate. All this rush rush content content is impossible to keep up
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree! We all need time away. I’m afraid we can easily get sucked into the hamster wheel of performance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Angela, your story resonates with me. I never noticed the two pronunciations and very different meanings of that word.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you like that point! I was recently hit with the irony of content versus content and can’t shake it from my head :).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh this is fabulous. The musing on the word content alone… She is so right, and good for her to find joy in the simpler but real things.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you enjoyed the story! I think the word’s double meaning is fascinating, and so applicable to modern life.
LikeLike
I agree with Ellie’s definition of content, and I really like the line, “What’s the use of a life if you can’t take time to ponder it?” Lovely story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I’m learning the joys of pondering and embracing contentment :).
LikeLiked by 1 person
“The joy of less” I love that last line so much! This story is very relatable because I think everyone can identify with a feeling of not belonging in a particular place at some point in their lives.
“The joy of less” ❤️❤️ There really is joy there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes!! There is so much joy in accepting and loving what you have. Sometimes the rapid movement can be distraction more than contentment. It can be uncomfortable not fitting somewhere, but not all places are the right place to be!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Angela,
It sounds like Ellie has learned that the best things in life are free. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rocelle, I think she has! And what a lesson to learn :). Thank you for commenting.
LikeLike