Flash! Friday, Vol 3 – 11: Ask for the Moon

Flash! Friday Challenge, February 20, 2015

Every Friday we're challenged to craft a short story. These days the story is limited to 200 words (with a 10-word leeway) and is crafted around a photo prompt. A special element is required, and it varies weekly. This week's requirement is a "moon" setting. 

Liverpool — Hope Street. CC photo by Harshil Shah.
Sculpture “A Case History” by John King.

Here's this week's picture--and my story. I'm calling it "fun with idioms."

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Ask for the Moon

(200 words)

“Stop mooning over that…that…man, for want of a better word.” Mama frowns and brushes the hair from my tear-soaked eyes.

“He’ll be back.” I grab his photo and trace his smiling face with my fingertips.

“You act like he hung the moon and stars.” Mama pulls the picture from my grasp and drops it facedown on the table. “He’s trouble.”

“He makes life exciting. He’s seen so much.” I reach for the picture again. She swats my hand away.

“He only visits once in a blue moon.” Mama’s voice is tinged with bitterness as she gets up to pace the room. “Stop wasting your life on false hope.”

“Any time with him is worth the wait. He promised to return as soon as he’s resolved some issues back home.” I watch Mama pause by the stack of suitcases perched expectantly by my bedroom door. Her fingers dance across the surface, leaving tracks in the thick dust.

“He promised you the moon. He didn’t deliver.”

“Not yet. Soon.” I sigh and turn my gaze to the window, straining to see the star system he calls home. Tonight it’s out of sight, hidden behind the Earth’s never-failing dance partner in the sky.

  

** Thanks for stopping by. Try your hand at flash fiction--it can be addicting! **

Flash! Friday, Vol 3 – 9: Timeless Truth

Flash! Friday Challenge, February 6, 2015

Every Friday we're challenged to craft a short story. These days the story is limited to 200 words (with a 10-word leeway) and is crafted around a photo prompt. A special element is required, and it varies weekly. This week's requirement is the theme of a FLEETING MOMENT. 

Here's this week's picture--and my story:

Rain (Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica). CC2.0 photo by NannyDaddy.

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Timeless Truths

 (201 words)

“Frank! I’m in the garden. You must see this. HURRY!”

A kaleidoscope of dancing butterflies. Dandelion fluffs floating on the breeze.

Ephemeral.

“Frank, grab the kids and get out here! It’s AMAZING!”

The warm whispering of a rosy dawn. The jubilant cheering of a carroty sunset.

Fleeting.

“Frank! Quick, out on the porch! Come see!”

Eagles soaring below burnished billowy clouds. Mountaintops peeking through mist.

Momentary.

“Frank! Look out the back door. Rainbow!”

A ribbon of color touching heaven and earth. Fog creeping across the valley.

Cursory.

“Frank! Ooooooh! Help me move my wheelchair closer to the window.”

A languid full moon hovering over the horizon, the spinning Earth sending it into shadow.

Brief.

“Frank! I love a good thunderstorm. Describe it to me.”

Blazes of brilliant energy illuminating the darkness. A whirling wind shaking the steadfast oak.

Beautiful.

“……….”

Cold silence ringing across a wet and lonely landscape. Memories surviving under the umbrella of a shared life.

Gone too soon.

“Mary, I miss you.”

Her joyful eyes reflecting in azure skies. Her laughter echoing in morning birdsong.

Enduring.

“Mary, I see you.”

Her spirit swirling with leaf fall of ruby and sunshine. Her love lingering on.

Alone, but together.

Forever.

  

** Thanks for stopping by. Try your hand at flash fiction--it can be addicting! **