My A to Z Challenge: Flash fiction written using two words and a photo for inspiration. How did I chose the words? First I brought up a noun list for each letter, then averted my eyes, scrolled the mouse down, stopped and double-clicked. That was the word! The second word was chosen the same way but from a dictionary list of words.
NOTE: Photos are from free to use photo sites such as Pixabay.com and Morguefile.com. No attribution necessary.
He wasn't sure how he found himself here. He wasn't a religious man. He'd given up on that long ago. A lifetime ago. Back after his, well, back when he was a young man.
He'd been raised in Florida, deep in the swamps near the Everglades. As a boy, he'd always loved the fan palm trees. Their leaves that reminded him of accordion bellows that fascinated him. How could blowing air produce such distinct sounds he would wonder as he watched the Lawrence Welk Show on Saturday nights with his parents.
He pulled his ragged thrift store coat tighter as the wind heightened, whistling an eerie tune as it wound through the headstones. This was his quiet place, the only place he didn't hear the voices from the past. Or maybe the only place he did.
His existence felt absent from connection to the present, he felt firmly anchored in the past. He smiled as he remembered his mother's warm hand on his forehead when he was sick. He chuckled picturing his father acting out a silly word as the family played charades. He felt a pain...her face, his fiancé's face...
The pain deepened and he rubbed his hand over his arm. So young, too young. A song tickled the corner of his mind...their song. The pain eased, but only temporarily. He closed his eyes and wished the pain would take him away. Far away from a life where he was always on the outside looking in. He took a deep breath and counted. One... Two... Three... By the time he reached ten, the pain left.
He let the memories flow...their first date, the prom night when he asked her to marry him after they graduated, the- He stopped. Graduation night. They fought and she took a ride home with a friend. There was an accident. No one survived. His tears trailed down his cheeks untouched. "Emma," he sobbed.
How different his life might have been, if only... No, he knew better than going that route. Nothing could change the past. What was done was done. But if only...
She watched him from afar, knowing they would soon be together. She smiled. The end always brings new beginnings. Her sigh whispered in the air and circled him. "Emma and Carl, together forever."
Stay Calm and Read Flash Fiction!
Just got the chills. Well done, Donna!
ReplyDeleteEmily In Ecuador | Almuerzo - Good Lunch Choice in Puerto Lopez
Thanks, Emily. This was the first write and the easiest. They are getting tougher as I move through the letters. LOL!
DeleteWell done with the image and words giving an immediate sense of relating to the character. So much description, with physical appearance and mental recollections. Many readers will relate to having heard of a 'Prom Night' tragedy. Emma and Carl...together forever. (Nice)!
ReplyDeleteSue at CollectInTexas Gal
Sorry...here's live link to my blog.
DeleteSue at CollectInTexas Gal
What a vivid scene and love how you incorporated your words into the story. Weekends In Maine
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen. Some of these word combinations are a challenge. This was one.
DeleteEvocative!
ReplyDeleteSharon E. Cathcart
Award-Winning Author of Fiction Featuring Atypical Characters
Thank you - appreciate the reading and the comment!
DeleteLovely story, great atmosphere, Can't wait to read more of your entries.
ReplyDeletehttps://iainkellywriting.com/2018/04/01/a-is-for-aarhus-denmark/
Thank for stopping by to read and comment, Iain. Much appreciated!
DeleteGreat start to the challenge Donna! Love the story and look forward to more....
ReplyDeleteHeidi at, A Little of This & That
Appreciate it, Heidi!
DeleteNice start, and happy A to Z!
ReplyDeleteThank you, glad you stopped by. Hope you will be back again.
Delete'If only'... these two seemingly innocuous words have the potential to completely derail a person. A very atmospheric piece, dripping with regret. Beautifully written, Donna.
ReplyDeleteA is for absent minded
So very, very true...thank you for dropping by to read and comment. Much appreciated!
DeleteBeautifully written. You're off to a great start. Happy A-to-Zing!
ReplyDeleteAh, thank you!!
DeleteGreat write. Such vivid emotions and memories!
ReplyDeletewww.thelavmuse.com
Appreciated! Hope you come by again.
DeleteThat opening picture is fantastic! Good start to the challenge. I'll be watching.
ReplyDeletePulp Paper & Pigment-My Fiber Art Blog
I got most of my photo inspirations from Pixabay.com - just searched on the words I chose. Then used a photo that spoke to me in some way. Thanks for dropping by!
DeleteLife is full of "if only"s, isn't it? Good story!
ReplyDeleteYes it is...and we eventually realize they don't help us unless learn from the lessons they give. Thanks for stopping by, John.
Delete'If only'. Two words that can literally pause life. It is so difficult to live with regret. I often wonder if those who have passed can actually see and think of the living. Beautifully penned.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Deepa
2018: A-Z
Thank you and thanks for stopping by to read and comment!
Delete"This was his quiet place, the only place he didn't hear the voices from the past. Or maybe the only place he did." Love that!
ReplyDeleteRonel from Ronel the Mythmaker A-Zing with Everything Writerly: A is for AuthorToolboxBlogHop
Glad you enjoyed it...thanks for stopping by!!
Delete