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 provides us with an intriguing photo by Mike Vore which for some reason made me think of Old Dixie. And I haven’t seen him in years!
Click on this link to enter your tale, and to see what others have written.
© Mike Vore
Click here to hear the story real by the author:
Home
I haven’t been back for too long.
I feel bad about it, seeing my mother’s tears.
The old man says nothing, shows nothing, as usual.
He never liked me, the afterthought son, the mistake.
Maybe that is why I turned out the way I did, always in trouble.
Right from my earliest days, all I remember are the fights, the rows, the punishments.
Mum tried to be nice, tried to show me love, to get close.
But I was too tough for that, had no time for softness or sentiment.
I was sent away so often that eventually I just stopped coming back.
I would hear stories from home sometimes.
Sis would write, but I knew she was made to, didn’t really want to.
So I knew how well my brothers were doing, those older strangers who had no time for me.
And I knew she got married again, had three brats of her own.
I don’t know any of my nephews or nieces, don’t want to.
But then I have never been invited to meet any of them.
Anyway, I am back now, for good.
Mum wanted me to be buried here, in the family plot.
Sound Bite Fiction 
Wow! That was intense! And truly well written 🙂
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That was a turn I didn’t see coming. The fact that he remembered the thigs he was told shows that deep down, he really did care. Good story.
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Such a brilliant character study of a man who misses his family and how. I have always loved your writings Ceayr. You have outshone in this.
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OK I am here, sorry for the delay.
Hmm.. So basically he lived and died thinking about them but never really lived with them.
He also came (close to them, not emotionally of course) unexpectedly both when he got in this world and also when he left it… A sad tale indeed..
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What a ending, and a fine story to boot.
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I agree with Varad. He missed the warmth and company of his family the most even though he says he doesn’t care.A person yearns the most what he misses-missed the most. and the fact that he is buried in his home is some solace to his spirit.
A character sketch of a person is done with so much details in so few words. sad but a great read.
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Very sad indeed. An unwanted boy from his family, becomes a trouble-maker in life. Doesn’t seem to escape crime, poverty, his past. And they way you describe his family makes me angry. I think the Mom does the best she can to show love, and really does care. But the Dad and his siblings that’s harsh, especially if his brothers are well off. But then, family can be the worst in some cases. Theend limevery effective. He’s only home I imagine b/c he did something bad, ended up dead and now he’s home b/c his Mom wants him in the family plot. I guess she still shows her caring but I think she could’ve reached out again before he died. But then he seems really set against and deep down very angry at his family as a whole, even though he pretends no to care. Hugs CE! Thanks again for the birthday note yesterday 🙏🏻😊
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Ouch that was a bit of a twist at the end, there. Great take! 🙂
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Not the homecoming he would have expected, nor wanted I imagine
Click to visit Keith’s Ramblings
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Indeed so, Keith
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The protagonist claims he never cared about or wanted his relations, but deep inside he craved for those very things. And the ending was one giant left hook. Beautifully done, CE Ayr. Cheers, Varad
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Indeed, Varad, you read it perfectly. Thank you for your visit and for taking the time to comment so thoughtfully.
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Just the smallest hint of sentimental reflection bubbles up right before the final blast. Great narrative.
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Thank you, Gemma, very happy you enjoyed.
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You capture such emotion even though the protagonist doesn’t seemed to be bothered by the distance from his family. The end hits even harder because he doesn’t recognize what’s missing in his life, and now he never will. Although, there is that section that made me think maybe he did have an idea of what he was missing, but didn’t want to acknowledge it as a loss “I don’t know any of my nephews or nieces, don’t want to. But then I have never been invited to meet any of them.” I like the story that bloomed from the photo prompt.
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Thank you, Mandie, I think you picked up on pretty much everything I tried to say. I appreciate your visit and your words.
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Bleak existence.
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But over now
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Sad stuff here. Nicely done
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Thank you, sir.
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You take us down a path and then BAM! A jab in the jaw we never see coming. Great story (and so sad)
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Laughing. A jab in the jaw! Thank you, Susan.
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