The Carrot Ranch Challenge:
In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story inspired by “old photograph”.
Click here to hear the author read his words:
The Photo
I knew I’d seen him before.
There he is.
In the background of that photo.
The one from the holiday she took with her friends all those years ago.
I noticed him at the time because of how he was gazing at her.
With an expression of what?
Adoration?
Love?
She laughed, of course, when I asked her.
Perhaps a little too much.
Just a guy in the crowd, she said.
Never seen him before, she said.
And laughed again.
Perhaps a little too loudly.
But here he is again today.
At her funeral.
With tears in his eyes.
Oh, the secrets. This invokes many thoughts and curiosities, I love it when writing does that, takes us further, lets us wander with our own ideas. Great take on the prompt, I didn’t expect the twist ending.
I love it when I get a reaction like this, Rebecca, it is exactly what I aim for.
And please refer to my strap line:
where nothing is quite what it seems…
It’s a secret she brought to her grave, but one he never let go of.
Brilliant!
Ooh, I like ‘Brilliant!’! Thanks, Liz
Secrets and lies. I wonder if she had some and was telling them? A great piece of flash that keeps the reader hooked.
Thanks, Hugh, glad it spoke to you
Poignant. Really enjoyed it…and Phil’s art work to match–marvelous.
Phil’s art enhances any writing, I think, Kate
Truth. 🙂
He never got over her, the one in the background. Well told, too. I enjoy your readings!
Thanks, Charli, it’s good to know someone listens!
I look forward to listening!
Yes, what Jenne said.
(But pssst? I found this link at the June 24 “rainbow cat” prompt, not the more recent July 1 post)
https://carrotranch.com/2021/07/01/july-1-flash-fiction-challenge-2/
Oops.
Just incompetence, D!
Ouch.
Yes, she’d never seen him before, but no mention of ‘since’.
The story you tell without actually saying it.
And the emotion.
Such a good story.
Some things are best left unsaid, especially when there is a 99-word limit!