Sunday Photo Fiction is a weekly challenge presented by my old friend Al Forbes.
The idea is to write a short story (200 word max) inspired by what you see in the picture (below).
This week Al has selected one of my photos as the prompt. It shows a statue in Glasgow’s Buchanan Street Bus Station, almost invariably my point of arrival in my home city when I visit Scotland.
My story below is a variation on one which appears in Medville Matters, my recently published book of flash fiction, still selling like tepid scones. I consider it cheating to do this, but could not shake the connection from my mind, sorry.
Click on this link to enter your tale, and to see what others have written.
© C. E. Ayr
Click here to hear the story read by the author:
The Last Goodbye
I know I have to do it, but I really do not want to go.
And I do not want to tell her I am leaving, this time for good.
I think of that first night, that first kiss under a lamppost.
Even then neither of us was young, and yet it has been the longest relationship in either of our lives.
Love at first sight?
Probably close enough, although we both laugh at the notion.
It has not always been smooth, but we survived everything, and stayed together.
And now I am going to hurt her.
I am going to say goodbye.
I see in her eyes that she already knows.
The tears are already forming.
I wonder if she will ask me to stay, make it even harder.
But she does not.
Instead she kisses me again, although this time there is no lamppost.
Wait for me there, my love, she says, pointing out across the Mediterranean.
The mermaids will take care of your soul until I join you.
Sound Bite Fiction 
A poignant heartbreaking story – loved it. And thank you for the beautiful photo
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The second line really sets the tone for the piece “And I do not want to tell her I am leaving, this time for good.” I could already feel the sadness.
Congratulations on the publication of your book, C.E.!
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I am happy that this piece worked for you, Mandie, I was not entirely comfortable using an older story. Thank you too for your kind words. You can hear more readings from the book at the top of the page, Current Story and Other Readings.
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Your last line! Oh, this almost brought tears to my eyes. You weaved a tragic tale.
P.S. Thank you for the photo prompt this week!
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I am very happy when a story talks to a reader as this one clearly did to you, Jade.
Thank you for visiting, and for sharing your thoughts.
PS It is a great piece of art, isn’t it!
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I would guess he’s going to die.one way or the other. It involves mermaids so perhaps he’s going to drown himself. Anyway, it’s good writing even though sad. Thanks for the picture this week that enabled the good stories, C.E. 🙂 — Suzanne
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No suicide, Suzanne, just a man who is coming to the end of his natural life. But his love believes that his soul will live on, so she tells him to wait with the mermaids until she too passes on.
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The last line opens up interesting possibilities.
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You think?
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Dear CE,
There’s a lot in this piece if one reads between the lines. This one left tears forming in my eyes. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you again, m’lady, you always find something positive to say. Much appreciated.
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Looks like someone is going to be sleeping with the fishes sometime soon. Good story CE, and thank you for the photos.
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Sleeping with the fishes! I love it when you talk gangster, old bud! Happy you found a photo you could use.
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Splash. A delightfully different tale. Thanks for the photo by the way!
Click to visit Keith’s Ramblings
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Thanks, Keith.
And glad the photo worked for you too.
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You put such love into this path that all must tread. Well done
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A previously undiscovered corner of romance in my soul, Michael! Glad you enjoyed.
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Aw great choice to put for the picture. I loved it.
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Thank you, Amanda, you have made my day.
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I’m glad. Always happy to do that. Hugs
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A lovely, touching story ceayr. I really appreciate the softer side that seems to be coming through in your stories of late.
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Thank you. I guess I am just a big softie at heart!
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Same question. The end leaves a lot of questions begging to be answered. Are you going to supply them, CYR? Well written
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Clearly not well enough written, Neel, if the last two lines don’t communicate the narrator’s imminent demise.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
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The story was well written and the fact that there could be alternate endings only makes it that much more interesting. And death was one of my theories. I just had others.
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Beautiful story. And so sad. Why must he leave her? Do i need to read this book of yours to find out the truth?
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I thought that the last line was a clue.
You don’t have to read the book, but I sure hope you do!
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I have ordered it. Because i like your stories and i want to read more. And I can say “I know this guy… sort of :)”
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