The Unicorn Challenge.
A magical new weekly writing opportunity from her – Jenne Gray – and me.
Visit her blog every Friday to see the photo prompt, and post your amazing story in her comments section.
Or on your own blog, and stick the link down in her comments.
The rules are:
Maximum of 250 words.
Based on photo prompt.
That’s it.
To hear me read my story, just click here:
Destination
Edinburgh Waverley.
I smile when I see the name on the front of the train approaching the platform.
I love 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.
I know that if I exit via the taxi ramp to the west, rather than the pedestrian stairway, I’ll be facing Princes Street Gardens, with the apple and cherry trees in full blossom.
I’ll immediately see a striking 200-foot high Neo-Gothic tower, the Sir Walter Scott monument, built in memory of the author whose books gave the station its name.
This green space of almost 40 acres is also the site of the fabulous floral clock, a personal favourite.
And, of course, it lies in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, which probably rivals the Forth Bridge and Eilean Donan Castle as Scotland’s most famous landmark.
I grin as I remember the perhaps apocryphal tale of the American tourist who, gazing upwards, remarked ‘Awesome, but why build it so close to the station?’
My smile fades as I realise I’m not making the 90-minute trip today, and won’t visit the remarkable Camera Obscura, stroll down curved and cobbled split-level Victoria Street or see the famed architecture of the 250-year old New Town ever again.
Because you’re no longer there to share it.
No, I’ve already reached my final destination.
I sigh, close my eyes, and step sharply forward.
I was really enjoying revisiting Edinburgh – until those final few words appeared. RIP mate.
Aye, Auld Reekie’s pretty cool, isn’t it.
Cheers, Keith.
Oh dear… the very sad bit at the end. Hmm. But I really enjoyed all those things about Edinburgh.
Well, a wee bit sad’s okay, Chris!
Edinburgh is a fabulous city.
Climbed the Scott Monument back in the late 60s – and I’ve still got the certificate to prove it!!!
It’s a great spot.
What a delicious bit of reminiscences and lost love.
We Glaswegians are not supposed to like Embru (as we call it) but I worked there, lived there and always enjoy going back to visit.
Thank you for ‘delicious’, much appreciated.
Ugh. No. No-no-no-no. You leave me with a gut-punch —
AND an even stronger desire to visit Scotland. Some day.
I do enjoy when I surprise my reader!
Thanks, Sally
A love story on many levels.
Such rich detail about Edinburgh, so much contained in so few words – so beautifully written.
The beauty contrasted with the pain of the loss and the bare last line that says so much through what it doesn’t say.
Excellent.
Embru is a great city, I only scraped the surface here.
Glad you enjoyed.
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