This piece was inspired by someone I know who recently lost a loved one. The story is totally different, but one of the lines is hers.

PHOTO PROMPT © Lisa Fox

Washed Away

It wasn’t like this. The view was the same but it wasn’t empty. He was here. He ran down the beach and filled the space with dreams. He kissed my cheek, “Don’t worry, Mom. I’m not little anymore. Relax.” 

I see him everywhere, though he isn’t. I hear him breathe, though he can’t. I catch whiffs of his sunscreen. I wish his swim trunks left water pools across the bathroom floor—the way I hated.

I should go home, but I can’t abandon him. I can’t go. Or stay.

If I walk into the water, will it take me too?

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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!