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Friday, April 6, 2018

A to Z: F - Filigree & Faint [April WEP Challenge]

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.



She carefully placed the blanket under the single oak tree in the middle of the meadow, marveling at the beauty around her. Although the trip home was unexpected, it was a perfect respite from her high-stress city life. As a entry level lawyer at a large law firm in a major city, she was expected to bring in a high number of billable hours. That meant working 24/7 at times and very few days off. In fact, this weekend was her first in almost eighteen months of working there and she got the time only because of a death in the family.

She leaned back on her hands, closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Country air, nothing better for clearing the cobwebs out of your brain," she said to no one in particular. When she opened her eyes she spotted a spider web, dainty as the pattern on her filagree earrings her abuela brought her from Chordeleg, Ecuador. The morning dew glistened in the faint sunlight streaming through the leaves above her.

At times like these, she wondered if she had made the right decision. Her family's attorney had offered her a position here, in her hometown. But she had stuck with her childhood dream of living in a big city. While she hadn't made it to New York City or Chicago, Minneapolis was a far cry from here, in the back end of nowhere. 

But now she had a decision to make. Was she really happy in the city? All the things she thought she'd enjoy - shopping, corner cafes for coffee, five star restaurants, theater and the arts - she had no time for. Social time was non-existent. She couldn't remember the last time she went out with friends.

Friends, not really, just work associates. And when they did go out, all they did was talk about work. She wanted so much more than that type of relationship. Growing up, she had several close friends and two of them went on to college with her. After graduation, she went on to law school and they moved on to their careers. They kept in touch for a while but eventually lost contact.

Her high school boy friend had enlisted and served two years. Last she heard, he had gone back to school to become a Veterinarian. She stood and sighed, picked up the blanket and headed back to the house where heavy duties awaited her presence. With her father gone and her mother in the throes of Alzheimer's, she had to make a decision. Her aunt suggested she put her mother in a home and sell the farm, but she wasn't ready to do that. Not yet.

Several vehicles she didn't recognize were now parked in the driveway. She knew the ones belonging to the family doctor, their minister and her elderly aunt. Also the two belonging to the closest neighbors. She steeled herself before entering and accepting everyone's condolences. That was the hardest part, everyone was so well meaning. Bringing foods and offers to do whatever needed to be done.

She opened the screen door and the room fell silent. Tears threatened when she felt someone take her hand. She looked up into a now over six foot tall man, no longer the gangly boyfriend from high school. "Chase! When did you get here? How did you know?"

He squeezed her hand. "Small town gossip spreads quickly. Besides, I was already here on a personal mission."

She tilted her head in question.

"I'm planning taking over the vet clinic from old Doc Walters. He's wanted to retire for two years but wouldn't leave the locals in a lurch. How about you? Still loving the city life?"

She couldn't muster a smile, not even a fake one. "I'm torn. I was thinking about that up in the pasture."

"That used to be your favorite thinking spot, under that old oak tree, right?"

She nodded and couldn't stop a little giggle. "And our favorite make-out spot. Or did you forget that?"

He chuckled. "No way." Never one to mince words, he asked, "You seeing anyone?"

"Are you kidding me? There's no time for frivolities like that." She closed her eyes and inhaled before asking, "You?"

"Afraid not. You see I had this girl friend in high school and I just haven't been able to get her out of my mind. But she's this big city lawyer with dreams that never included me or a simple life here in the country."

"She might be reconsidering. To be honest, I'm exhausted and I think I'm ready to come home. Mom needs me and Mr. Pearce still sends me letters asking me to come in as a partner in his law practice here."

"Everything in it's time. Isn't that what your dad always told us?"

She hugged him and whispered, "I think it's time. Don't you?"
~ ~ * * ~ ~
959 words
~ ~ * * ~ ~



Stay Calm and Read Flash Fiction!

  



53 comments:

  1. I'm enjoying your stories and just loving the A to Z of Doodles blog as well. Thanks!

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    1. Thank you so much, glad you are enjoying them both. It's been fun (and a lot more to go).

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  2. Replies
    1. Finally, a smaltzy story (as Stu called it). LOL!

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  3. Awww. You are rapidly becoming my favorite Flash Fiction read each day!

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    1. Oh my, blushing here! Thank you so much!! It feels good to get back into writing flash. I never know what will spark each tale, just looking at the photo and words and start typing.

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  4. Yes. I needed a good ending today. Thank you.

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    1. I know, it's been pretty dark lately. Afraid my flash tends to be more dark than light.

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  5. Love the photo and your method of choosing the words for the challenge! Fantastic imagery throughout and definite focus put forth!

    Thanks for writing,

    Sarah Butland

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    1. Thank you so much, Sarah. I hope you will read the earlier stories - not as sweet as this one though.

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  6. Oh, I love this one. I see little kids playing under the oak tree :)
    Janet’s Smiles

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    1. I just re-read it and even got a little teary myself. :)

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  7. Ah a little sunshine on a rainy foggy morning. Very nice story really left me wanting more!

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    1. Glad you enjoyed it...cold and rainy here, too, with a chance of snow tomorrow! Eeek!

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  8. Well done. Pulled me right in. Could be the beginning of a novel?

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    1. Glad you enjoyed it...I tried my hand at romance novels, hard for me to write, but then again, you never know!

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  9. A story with a feel-good ending. Best way to start a new day.

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  10. I was just as into this one as the others but I've got a warm fuzzy feeling now.

    Emily In Ecuador

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    1. Most of my flash tends to be darker, I enjoyed writing this one though.

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  11. This is a great way to use the A to Z and the WEP Prompt. Thank you for participating. I'll be back to read as soon as I get your Direct Link up for the others! Awesome!!!!

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  12. I do love a happy ending. And a love story.
    Thank you so much.

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  13. The road she chose
    She left far behind
    And now she’s back again

    The road less traveled
    Is sometimes the best
    She looked at him and grinned

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  14. This drew me in! I hope she marries him, lives on the farm, and takes care of her mom. :)

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    1. Does make you want to know more, doesn't it! Thanks for stopping by...

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  15. Hi Donna! Thanks for making this post work for WEP too. Love reading your flash fiction. I also took to your mc and would be interested in what happens next. Perhaps you will continue it some time.

    Thanks again for joining us!

    Denise

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    1. Thanks, Denise. I may have to continue it...several have mentioned that.

      I really wanted to use the letter Q but that was too late, then I realized this tale would work. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment! It's much appreciated!

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  16. Hi, Donna,

    Nice story.... With so much DRAMA in our lives, it's always nice to go back to the simpler things in life. I think she'll make the right choice.

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  17. Love a happy ending! Sometimes the road less traveled leads back home. Perfect! Thanks for participating in the challenge while also doing the A to Z. We're thrilled that you took the time. Your flashes are amazing!

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    1. Thank you, Yolanda. I appreciate your stopping by to read!

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  18. Love this story. So warm. Sometimes those roads less traveled lead to dangerous adventure, but other times, they lead to quiet happiness we all seek. I think your protagonist just found hers

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  19. A heartwarming flash, enjoyed reading it. I hope the mc gets to a happier place despite her loss, big city living sounds more attractive than it often is.

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  20. Beautifully done. I really loved this story.

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for reading & commenting.

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  21. Nice one. You really gave us the whole picture of this young woman's life. Sounds like she is making the right decision to move back home and give up all that work and no play. :)

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    1. I sure hope so...story begs to be continued! Thanks for stopping in and reading!

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  22. A surprisingly happy ending as a young woman debates following her dreams and going back to her home town for family. Well done

    from:christopherscottauthor.wordpress.com

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    1. Thank you...a bit smaltzy compared to most of my flash, but it was a fun write.

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  23. Working 24/7 can sure make you realize how much the city can suck life away. Sounds like she is going to make the right choice for her indeed.

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    1. Thanks, Pat. Appreciate your stopping by to read and comment.

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  24. I sincerly hope she decides to go back home and work in that small law practice and take care of her mother, and get back with her old boyfriend. i love this story. It is something for the heart. Excellent.
    Shalom aleichem,
    Patricia

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  25. IF only it happened more often like that in reality. Timing is important, but recognizing an opportunity when it occurs is a skill. (As for me, I'd never go back to the small town I grew up in.) Well done.

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    1. I grew up in a small town but unfortunately in later years, it became a bedroom suburb of Boston. Now more than happy to be living in small town Tennessee!

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  26. Very good story. I enjoyed reading this. Reminds me of the show Hart of Dixie, except that was a doctor. Nice work.

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    1. Thank you, appreciate the stop by - read - comment!!

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