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’s seasonal offering by the man himself takes me back to a time and a place I have never been.
Or have I?
Click on this link to enter your tale, and to see what others have written.
© Al Forbes
Click here to hear this short tale read aloud by the author:
Autumn Leaves
Since you went away the days grow long
I love this song, especially when sung by Nat King Cole.
I remember we went for a night out at the Camping de la Baie, and the DJ played this late enough that you managed to persuade me to dance with you.
And soon I’ll hear old winter’s song
I remember that I asked you to marry me, was sure you’d say yes.
But you decided to go back home across the ocean.
But I miss you most of all my darling
It seems that happiness never lasts for me, and the sunshine disappeared from my life at the same time you did.
And, even here on the Mediterranean, the summer was over.
When autumn leaves start to fall
I am not sure I will ever get over you, the pain is still buried deep.
So today when I hear Edith Piaf singing Autumn Leaves in English and French I am slightly startled.
Loosely translated, the lyrics say that the sea washes from the sand the footprints of lovers who are separated.
And that starts me wondering.
Could a very high spring tide uncover your body?
The wonderful Ms Piaf sings in both languages:
Sound Bite Fiction 
Haha very good. I love it
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Wow what an ending. Love how it changes the whole tone almost instantly.
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Thank you, hombre, replacing a goodbye kiss with a brick rather tends to do that!
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Oh man, I was so not ready for the ending. Well done!
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Excellent! That makes me happy!
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The atmosphere in the story was wonderful, and gave me that dreary sense of oncoming fall that I feel every year. I was so taken in by the imagery and emotion of the piece that the last line surprised and delighted me. Nice twist.
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What a lovely comment.
Thank you, Mandie, I am all smiles here.
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Bah! You took me on a gentle wistful stroll and left me gasping on the sand!
I should know better by now, but I am still surprised by your killer lines,
The way you set the snare is an art form.
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Et tu, Em?
I thought you would certainly see through this one, but I suspect you were off romanticising to Nat’s sweet tones!
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Could be, could be. Laughing.
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Haunting…
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Thank you, Reena, happy that it worked for you.
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You do keep me on my toes…even when I’m sitting down. You certainly can manipulate your reader!
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One does one’s humble best, my dear Sascha
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You ‘killer’ author. Shall we call you the ‘killing machine; then? I am a huge, huge fan of your writings. This one simply blew me off, CE.
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You are always too kind, Neel. Your support and encouragement means a great deal to me.
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I thought for sure this tale would end differently. Surprise! 🙂
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I am sorry, my lovely Mermaid, I feel like I let you down.
Surprise!
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A grim tale told well.
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Grim?
Just a little bit of heartache and murder, but a cool song to balance it out!
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Nice surprise at the end. I had a very different story in mind until the last sentence.
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Surprise is good.
And feel free to write your own ending.
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I was feeling sad for your character; then you allowed him to give the game away. What a naughty author you are.
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I do try to be nice, Michael, but things kinda get away from me…
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Oh how I love this!
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Oh how I love this comment!
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It was all so sweet and tender, beautiful reminiscing, and the cruel twist was not to be resisted. As always up to your usual high standard.
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I haven’t killed anyone for yonks, Iain, I get withdrawal symptoms!
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Not only the pain that’s buried deep – for now anyway! Lovely to hear The Little Sparrow’s rendition of Autumn Leaves, thank you.
Click to read my PhoFic!
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She is magnifique, isn’t she, Keith.
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I will never think of that song the same way now. You’re a dark one.
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It’s a great song. Happy to spoil it.
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Wow. This one was an unexpected whammy. Great writing.
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Thank you, Sheena, my strap line does say ‘nothing is quite what it seems’!
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