Bitterness prickles my tongue. Your body bristles with blame. A misread map means we’ve hiked a steep ascent in brutal afternoon heat instead of fresh morning air. Our dazzling sunrise is now dull haze. We seethe in a smog of disappointment over opportunities lost.
We cycle home, bickering. Near a curve in the road, hiding among the trees, three headless mannequins in brightly coloured saris stand in the shade: one tall, two small. Plastic plates and toppled cups suggest a party. Dried flowers and half-burned candles suggest otherwise. In the silent summer heat, we share an unspoken prayer.
Touch hands. Squeeze tight.
This story has a creepy element, as well as sad. I liked it.
Thanks for reading, Kelly!
A poignant and sobering moment succinctly and movingly portrayed. Wonderful!
Thanks, Michelle! So glad you enjoyed it!
Yes! Sometimes it takes a real shock to awaken us to what is near and dear. Thanks for a great read.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
A poignant tale with hope at its end. Beautifully crafted.
Thank you, Chris, for your kind words.
Loved it! 🙂
Thank you! And thanks for reading!
Wonderful writing. I was remembering times when we got in a knot and something out of the blue broke the tension and the silence. Captured so well from one whose partner is a walker and I tag along sometimes
Yes! Exactly, Mary. It sounds like we’ve had very similar experiences. Thanks for reading.
A reminder to be grateful for the people we love, even when disappointed.
Indeed, Veronique. That’s exactly what I wanted my little story to convey. Thank you for reading!
Beautiful images and alliterations throughout the story. Well-done!
Thank you Carmen! It took me quite a while to get this story just right. But I felt it was one worth working on to get right! Thanks for reading.
Sherry silent saris poem was great enjoyed reading this!
Thank you!
Fantastic images, perfect brevity!
Thanks, Claire! And thank you for reading!