Sunday Photo Fiction is a weekly challenge presented by Susan Spaulding, who has taken over this great weekly prompt from my old friend Al Forbes.
This week’s photo, taken in Dumbarton Central Station, is once again provided by C. E. Ayr.
That’s me!
The general idea is to write a short story (200 word max) inspired by what you see in the picture (below).
Click on this link to enter your tale, and see what others have written.
© C. E. Ayr
Click here to hear the author read the tale:
Destination
Edinburgh Waverley.
He smiles when he sees the name on the front of the approaching train.
He loves Edinburgh, especially at this time of year.
Waverley Station is in the heart of the city, at the east end of Princes Street, one of the world’s most famous shopping centres.
He knows that if he exits via the taxi ramp to the west, rather than the pedestrian stairway, he will be facing Princes Street Gardens, with the apple and cherry trees in full blossom.
This green space of almost 40 acres is the site of a striking 200-foot high Neo-Gothic tower, the Sir Walter Scott monument, as well as the fabulous floral clock, a personal favourite.
And, of course, it lies in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, surely Scotland’s most famous landmark.
He grins as he remembers the perhaps apocryphal tale of the American tourist who, gazing upwards, remarked ‘It’s wonderful, but why build it so close to the station?’
His smile fades as he realises he is not making the 90-minute trip today, won’t see the famed architecture of the 250-year old New Town ever again.
Closing his eyes, he steps forward abruptly.
He has already reached his destination.
Sound Bite Fiction 
He was lucky indeed to have left without suffering and he had known it. Well written.
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Well that was unfortunate.
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Chaos will be the news headlines, whilst a perhaps family grieves. A powerful story which does not pull it punches
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A wonderful build up to your final curtain. 😢
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Castle or station which came first? Almost like chicken and egg story? May be castle came up to increase foot fall at the Waverly station! May be! Possible!
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Oh! Did we think alike
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That was unexpected.
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Like life, Sascha
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True enough. 🙂
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I felt I was back there with you until that fateful final line.
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Oh yes, time to stand back, Keith!
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Messy way to go.. Ouch CE!
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Rather inconsiderate, I agree, Violet.
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