“What Pegman saw” is a weekly challenge based on Google Streetview. You can read the rules here. You can find today’s location on this page, from where you can also get the Inlinkz code
The final journey
It’s alright; the pain is less now as I draw near the end. I no longer need morphine, just my view of the Manikarnika Ghat from the guest house where I’m spending my last few days.
I have had a happy life. Not without hardship, of course – which of us can escape that? – but I have been fortunate. My parents chose me a good husband who provided well for me, and I obeyed him and brought him joy. We had seven children together, and five of them survived childhood. I have had the delight of nine grandchildren.
Smoke is rising from the ghat, and orange flames; another soul is destined for salvation. Soon that will be my shell, burning there.
I will know no more of this glorious world, with its sounds, and its scents; its touching and its tasting; its love.
I am content. I have had my share.
Autumn Leaves 
What a reassuring and calm expression of feeling ready to pass on. I hope I feel the same when I’m in her place!
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Dear Joy
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m glad you found the story reassuring.
With very best wishes
Penny
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The end of a life well-lived. May we all be so fortunate!
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Dear Karen
Thank you so much for this week’s prompt. It was lovely to be able to write a piece of flash fiction in an Indian setting after reading intensively about the place and the culture.
Thank you also for reading and commenting. Truly, one is lucky if one has the opportunity to have a life well-lived. I hope that in due course – after many more satisfying years – you, too, will feel that your life has been well-lived.
With very best wishes
Penny
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This has such a delightful sense of peace to it. Possibly one of your best, Penny.
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Dear Lish
Thank you for reading, and for your lovely comment. I’m delighted that you felt a sense of peace from the story.
With very best wishes
Penny
xx
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Poignant ending. I imagine this character lived a life full of gratitude.
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Dear Josh
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m glad you found the ending poignant. I aimed to balance the tranquillity and resignation of the dying woman with a keen sense of what she was shortly going to lose – the ‘glorious world’. I was also very gratified that my story prompted you to think further about the character and what she was like; I agree that gratitude was probably a big element in her life.
With very best wishes
Penny
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How stunningly beautiful, Penny. A soul so at peace, with no misgivings, a soul who has thoroughly enjoyed life and is looking forward to the next life. I am smiling and a little teary both together. Bless you.
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Dear Kelvin
Thank you for reading and for your very kind and heartfelt comments. I’m so glad you felt the piece was beautiful.
God bless you
Penny
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