Tag: grief

Posted on in 100 word fiction, Friday Fictioneers

Going Home

PHOTO PROMPT © David Stewart

It’s the weather. Yes. The cold. Those clouds pressing down like they’re trying to squeeze the life out, making the houses look…broken. They’ll bounce back in spring. It’ll be like it was.

Ellen peered out the window. 

Everything was dingy, as if a piece of tape, loaded with dust and fingerprints had been stretched across the view. 

How long had it been? Ten years? Fifteen? More? 

Fingers shaking, she unclasped her purse and stared down at a framed photo: A smiling man with warm gray eyes and white hair.

“Oh God,” she breathed. “Let it just be the weather.”

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!

Posted on in 100 word fiction, Friday Fictioneers

Washed Away

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?

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!

Posted on in 100 word fiction, Friday Fictioneers

In the Mourning

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!