Sunday, August 20, 2017

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Post 1583. Sunday August 20



There was never a space, not in his diary, not in his life. Not in his heart.

But look at him now, over there at table fourteen staring mindlessly at an upturned menu. Just him and a few empty chairs. Empty spaces.

It came as quite a surprise when he told us she'd gone. A silly argument that got out of hand he said. She's gone away he said, never to return. It made no sense.

*
It was indeed a silly argument. A misunderstanding. Yes, she was meeting another man, one of his friends but not for that. They were planning a party, a party for his special day. Yes, they whispered, exchanged knowing glances, and the occasional wink of an eye, but not for that. He confronted her but didn't believe her explanation. You've spoiled the surprise she said. The next surprise was hers.

She loved the vegetable plot at the bottom of the garden.  She'd cleared a space ready for growing beans. A few days later he filled the space, but not with seeds.

*
He won't say where she's gone. Probably buried her in the vegetable plot someone said in jest. How we laughed!




Word count 197



Loosely based on this week's picture at Sunday Photo Fiction

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20 comments:

  1. What a commentary on the momentary nature of relationships. Well written, Keith.

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  2. Hi Keith - ghastly thought ... veggie plots won't be the same again ... well crafted post - cheers Hilary

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  3. Good story Keith. I like the use of the prompt. That's what happens wth paranoia. I guess he never did find out what the surprise was going to be.

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    1. No, and his special day wasn't so special after all! Thanks SF.

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  4. I couldn't put it better myself! Cheers Reena

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  5. The plot of your story has a great twist though not a happy one. Made very good use of the word 'space'.
    enjoyed your writing. wished they both together had planted seeds of their relationship.

    https://ideasolsi65.blogspot.in/2017/08/alien-thoughts.html

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  6. Oh my. In the horror version of this story, she grows back in the vegetable plot.

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  7. Such mistrust and misunderstanding. It's sad, very sad.

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  8. Well at least he didn't roast her and feed her to his guests.

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  9. Good story, good message.
    Trust is all important.

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  10. OK. That went in an unexpected direction.
    Enjoyed it.

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  11. Wow unexpected! Such jealousy and misplaced rage. Maybe to much possessiveness on his part. But truly sad b/c she and his best friend were planning him a party. I wonder why his first thought isn't to believecher but to think she's lying and to kill her. Was he unhappy in the marriage? Was it too late, now that he realized what he lost, surrounded by "spaces."

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  12. Loved the unique take on the prompt and very well written too

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