Friday Fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here.
Click here to hear the author read his words:
Limpy and Blind
Neither could be described as attractive, both looking as though in need of a closer acquaintanceship with soap and water.
Known locally, perhaps rather unkindly, as Limpy, with her walking-frame, and Blind, with his dark glasses and white stick, they were always together, often drinking coffee outside the boulangerie.
Until one day she was alone and, when asked, spat ‘We’re through.’
Being seriously deficient in any social graces, he was generally considered no loss.
Then, for the first time, red-eyed, broken, sobbing, she spoke to me.
‘I love him. I thought it was forever.’
I had no words of comfort.
Just shows that we only judge people on the outside and don’t know what things are like inside. Well written piece.
An interesting take on the photo prompt, but well worth the outcome. I’m not crying…you all are!
That’s a walker thingy, isn’t it?
I’m happy you’re not crying, Liz!
😉
sad tale but well-written.
Cheers!
Excellent piece, having worked with and for people who are disadvantaged for various reasons, for most of my life, it’s an apt reflection of how shallow our judgment can be. The ending leaves us entirely unequipped to offer consolation – a great lesson in empathy ♥️
In my case ‘unequipped’ sums it up perfectly, Ange.
Sometimes just being there and listening patiently is enough. A touching piece.
Thanks, Surabhi
Dear C.E.
A poignant piece. It is hard to know what to say in those situations.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Yeah, m’lady, and I’m a man, so no chance!
A touching tale, CE, I’m lost for words too.
Nah, I don’t think so!
Oh, such a shame…
Indeed, Chris
I have come to believe there is no such thing as forever…. So well done.
Et tu, Jodi?
And thanks.
Forever always ends.
And always is annoyingly inconsistent.
They say there’s a someone for everyone. But they don’t say there’s a second one
Nice dose of optimism drenched in cynicism, Neil!
Perhaps words of congratulation might have been more in order?
Which, of course, is unkind of me.
Seriously though, it’s a hundred words deftly used to create a wee snapshot of two lives that leaves me feeling sad for them.
Maybe life, like Limpy, is a bitch, hmm?