Tag: loss

Posted on in 100 word fiction, Friday Fictioneers

Healing Water

PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

“Mama, why’s this your special stream?”

“Long ago, a princess’s baby became sick and doctors couldn’t save him. The princess cried so much that tears poured from her castle, filled the streets, and rolled into the ocean, turning the freshwater salty. No one could drink the water anymore, and the whole town became weak. But gradually, the salt water filtered through the earth and returned as this sparkling spring, saving the city.” Mama smiled. “Do you believe that?”

The wide-eyed girl shook her head. 

“You’re too smart, Brooke!” Mama dabbed her eyes. “Though it sometimes feels like that happened.”

As always, many thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers and for this week’s gorgeous watercolor! 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!

Posted on in 100 word fiction

Seeing in the Dark

PHOTO PROMPT © Lisa Fox

Seeing in the Dark

I was wrong. I thought I needed solitude, but walking here where we used to be together, I finally see. 

This lonely darkness is a cruel teacher. She stands at the head of her classroom, surrounding me on four sides with blank blackboards, tapping with her pointer, taunting me to write my error for all to see. Write my regrets with the chalk of sorrow. She tugs my wrist and cackles. “You made your choice, stand up and own it. Write it fifty times.” 

I shouldn’t have let you go. 

I shouldn’t have let you go…

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!