I’m still on holiday in Greece, but I can’t resist sneaking some writing time when I should be having a siesta!
Every week, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (thank you, Rochelle!) hosts a flash fiction challenge, to write a complete story, based on a photoprompt, with a beginning, middle and end, in 100 words or less. Post it on your blog, and include the Photoprompt and Inlinkz (the blue frog) on your page. Link your story URL. Then the fun starts as you read other peoples’ stories and comment on them!
Photoprompt © Randy Mazie
No Wonder
When Alan and Judith had moved in, shortly after their wedding, they thought it was the most beautiful house they’d ever seen.
They would often eat breakfast on the terrace, exclaiming with delight at the perfume from the roses in their garden. They would comment in wonder that the distant view was always changing.
But Alan neglected the roses, and Judith was too busy with her friends to be house-proud. Alan spent an increasing number of nights away ‘on business’, while Judith consoled herself with gin.
Now the house is boarded up and empty.
No beauty, no delight.
No wonder.
Autumn Leaves 
Ah, all too common a story I’m afraid. Well done.
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Hi Josh
Thank you for reading and commenting. As you say, a common story.
With best wishes
Penny
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That’s the problem with not paying attention to essential maintenance. Good one.
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Dear Sandra
Thank you for reading and commenting. Indeed yes, whether the maintenance is physical or emotional it has to be done.
With very best wishes
Penny
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The last three lines are a perfect ending to this very sad tale.
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Dear Linda
Thank you for reading, and for your very kind comment. I’m so glad you appreciated the way the story concludes.
With very best wishes
Penny
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Penny, this is beautifully written and such a touching tale. Maintenance is a bit of a problem around here too. I look at our front door every day. It’s desperately in need of a coat of paint and it’s only a door so it wouldn’t take long. However, it’s never just a lick of paint. Sanding, filler…a quick lick of paint takes a week. Also, I dread being able to get it right without spilling paint, painting the dog or going over the edges. The expectation of disaster means nothing gets done.
Enjoy your time in Greece. Sounds amazing.
Best wishes,
Rowena
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Dear Rowena
Thank you for reading and for your kind comments. I’m glad the story touched you. Your comments about delaying maintenance out of fear that you will do it badly makes me wonder whether some of us do the same thing with the emotional maintenance of our marriage.
With very best wishes
Penny
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Rowena is right. Often, when you start a home improvement project one thing lead to another. Connie started out just replacing the cabinet doors. Now, the entire kitchen is getting a makeover. The work never ceases.
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Teehee!
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Who knew that not tending the roses could lead there? Beautifully written, Penny
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Dear Neil
Thank you for reading and for your lovely comment. I think we have to grow up before we can appreciate the need to tend the roses, don’t you?
With very best wishes
Penny
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I agree
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The house represents their marriage. So sad. Well written.
Enjoy your time in Greece. Good for you finding me time to write & share. No gin I hope? 😀
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Dear Tannille
Thank you for reading and commenting. You are quite right – the house represents their marriage. As for Greece, it’s my spiritual home. It’s where I first realised I could and should write. And it probably won’t be gin; it will be ouzo. Yay for Greece!
With very best wishes
Penny
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It takes a warm hearth to make a home, and it sounds like theirs cooled.
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Dear Jade
Thank you for reading and commenting. They never stoked the fire, and eventually it burnt out.
With best wishes
Penny
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You are welcome, Penny.
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It is a sad state of affairs, indeed. All too often happens, sadly.
Wonderfully written.
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Dear Dale
Thank you for reading and for your kind comment. Every house – and every marriage – needs a lick of paint occasionally, and sometimes something more drastic!
With best wishes
Penny
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That is for sure! It won’t happen by itself.
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Reality bites everyone in the end. But it is up to each one of us to keep our dreams going for as long as possible, and fighting fiercely for them! Hope you’re having fun in Greece, Penny!
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Dear Anurag
What a lovely, determined comment – thank you! Yes, keeping our dreams alive takes effort. I’m not sure, though, that reality bites everyone in the end. I’ve been married 44 years, and we’re closer than ever – thanks to paying attention to that essential maintenance!
Thank you, too, for your good wishes for my Greek holiday. I’m having a great time!
With very best wishes
Penny
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A sad gradual disintegration of both house and relationship. Nice one!
Hope you’re enjoying your holiday 🙂
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Dear Ali
Thank you for reading and commenting. Both house and marriage need maintenance work doing, and they crumble if it’s not done.
My holiday is very pleasant, thank you.
With very best wishes
Penny
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A sad, but accurate account of the decay of a relationship after the initial optimism.
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Dear Clare
Thank you for reading and commenting.
With best wishes
Penny
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Just the memories remain. If only such buildings could talk.
My tale – ‘No pain no gain!
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Dear Keith
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m rather glad that particular building can’t talk – the tale would hold so many silences, each one more bitter than its predecessor.
With very best wishes
Penny
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Dear Penny,
What a wonderfully written, albeit sad, story. Too often true. The last line is brilliant. Enjoy the rest of your holiday. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
Thank you for reading and for your very kind comments. I wonder how many marriages founder for lack of proper emotional maintenance?
Thanks for the holiday best wishes – I wish the same for you in Carolina.
Shalom
Penny
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every relationship is a work in progress. without proper maintenance, it’s doomed like a neglected house.
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Dear Plaridel
Thank you for reading and commenting. As you say, every relationship is a work in progress.
With very best wishes
Penny
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Nice metaphor for a marriage gone to pot. I was not expecting that.
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Dear Andi
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m glad you liked the metaphor. Maintenance is so important…
With very best wishes
Penny
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Great slice into a troubled life there. All too easily imagined and seen. Great write!
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Dear Bear
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’ glad the characters came to life for you.
With very best wishes
Penny
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What a sad story. Neglect comes in all forms. Nicely done.
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Dear Jo
Thank you for reading and commenting. Neglect anything, and eventually it dies.
With best wishes
Penny
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Made me think. Our lives are like gardens they need constant maintenance if you want flowers to bloom and bring happiness.
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Dear James
Thank you for reading, and for your kind comment. I’m glad you found the story thought-provoking.
With very best wishes
Penny
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You had me recalling the scent of a marvellous rose bush I found in Athens. Memory is a strange thing.
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Dear Michael,
Thank you for reading and commenting. Memory is, indeed, a strange thing, and sometimes it enriches our lives in unexpected and wonderful ways.
With very best wishes
Penny
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Such a sad slide into oblivion.
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Dear Alice
Thank you for reading and commenting. Neglect is a very sad way to lose something precious.
With best wishes
Penny
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A good but sad story of reality that happens too often, Penny. Well-written, especially the last two sentences. A perfect ending. —- Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m delighted you thought the last two sentences were so effective.
With very best wishes
Penny
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The way this is pieced together is excellent.
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Dear Lisa
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m pleased you thought the story was well constructed.
With best wishes
Penny
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