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. This week’s prompt is below. (See pic)Photo Credit © Dale Rogerson
Rita caught the last train. The move had left her exhausted and the house was still a mess.
She checked her phone—there were no messages.
From her window seat, she could see life slipping by, somewhat like the passing scenery. With a workaholic husband and kids who’d flown the nest, the element of predictability was choking her now.
Today, though, she really wished the boys were around. As she turned the knob to open the door, her face lit up to hear them—
“Happy Birthday, Mom!”
Neil smiled, pointing to the flowers on the table.
She was finally home.
(100 words)
That’s so lovely. Accepting is one thing, but being happy about it is so much better.
We had only one child and when she was gone everyone was gone. So I can identify. Thankfully I stepped into a new phase and became a volunteer English tutor for immigrant women — a hobby that gave me very much pleasure. There’s always someone who needs a mature friend. ☺
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Christine. Yes, getting involved with something becomes even more important at a point when the kids are gone and there is a vacuum that stares at us! Wishing you well in your volunteering activities! You certainly did the right thing!
I love a happy ending 🙂
Thank you very much. 🙂
‘ the element of predictability was choking her now.’ Lovely word-smithy.
Thank you. Living through it in some ways!
Getting flowers is so very fulfilling. I surprise myself with a bunch every now and then 😉 Loved the story Esha!
Thanks, Shalz. I love them too. 🙂
Nice touching take on the prompt.
Thank you very much! 🙂
I agree with Rochelle. This tugged at my “empty nest” heart strings but the joy of seeing my sons is so sweet now.
Oh, I’m glad you could connect with the feelings of the protagonist. I can relate to that joy so very well, Tracey!
Dear Esha,
This one touched me deeply. I have three grown sons I miss terribly. Lovely and well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you so much, Rochelle. So glad to know the story touched your heart. It’s great linking up here at #FF!
Such a sweet story. Lovely.
Thank you Iain. One of those moments when we happily acknowledge that we’re lucky to have a loving family, inspite of thinking otherwise.
Good one Esha. Loved the simple and nice tale.
Please click to read my FriFic
Thank you, Varad. Glad you liked it.
Sure, will check out yours too. 🙂
A warm and wonderful story, Esha! Nice work this week!
Thank you! Glad that sometimes life can bring us pleasant surprises when we need them the most.
That was lovely, Esha!
Thank you, Dale. Glad you liked. 🙂
Sweet sweet. Nicely done take on the prompt. 😊
Thank you, Natasha. 🙂
Wow I’m glad Rita was given a lovely surprise on her birthday 🙂
Very nice take on the prompt!
Thanks, Zainab! Glad to hear this 🙂
Such a beautiful story, Esha. Happy that Rita has a loving and caring family .
Thank you Moon! Sometimes life brings us pleasant surprises when we least expect them! This has to be one of those moments.
Love the happy ending that expresses joys and positivity when we least expect. Scripted in a sensitive manner, Esha.
Thank you Vishal! Life isn’t all that bleak, after all…One of those moments when we are pleasantly surprised and our assumptions take a back seat!
Yes sometimes we get stuck where nothing works and the next it comes a surprise when we least expect things.
Yes, and we’ve all been there, haven’t we, sometime or the other? Thank God for small mercies 🙂
It’s such small things that keep us going despite the downturn.
Very poignantly written Esha. Welcome to FF and do keep visiting and writing more often. A great write.
Thank you For your appreciation. This is my second time at FF and loving it. Will hop over to read the rest of the stories tonight! Thanks for the encouragement. 🙂
This is something we all will go through at one point in life… lovely story di
Thanks Tina! Yes, another couple of years for me perhaps…and I’ll be there!
Sweet story! Nothing like loved ones (and freshly cut flowers) to make a home a home
Thank you, Alana! I’m imagining how it will be in a few years time and bracing myself for it!
This is such a sweet story Esha.children do make a house a home.I love flowers too!
Thanks Amrita. You’re right…kids definitely do that! Flowers are soul food for me too! 😊
Aww, so sweet! The prospect of an empty nest is really so scary! Beautiful take on the prompt Esha!
Thank you Kala! It is a very scary thought now that it is coming in a few years’ time! Why don’t you also join in to participate in #FF? You’ll love it Kala