“What Pegman saw” is a weekly challenge based on Google Streetview. Using the location provided, you must write a piece of flash fiction of no more than 150 words. You can read the rules here. You can find today’s location on this page, from where you can also get the Inlinkz code. This week’s prompt is Taunoa, French Polynesia.
Some days are good
Some days are good, some bad. Paul was such a big part of my life. I sigh and put away the nail polish. I can’t be bothered. Perhaps I shouldn’t have bothered with a vacation either; September will always be tainted by the memory of those last days as Paul fought for life.
But I did bother, and it’s a pleasant resort, and a gal’s gotta eat. That waterfront fish restaurant tonight, I think, only I mustn’t feel melancholy as the sun sets.
“Bonsoir, Henri!”
“Madame!” Professionally charming. “We ‘ave lovely mullet tonight. ‘ere, I give you a seat by the water!”
The sky is azure, the light crystal sharp. It is a courageous sky.
I am so lost in my thoughts, that at first I don’t hear him.
“May I join you?”
Silver hair but unlined face, gentle and scholarly, a quiet smile.
I smile back.
“Please do.”
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Autumn Leaves 
This is a lovely hopeful piece. The scene is vivid and sad, but the way it ends is wonderful. Thanks Penny!
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Dear Josh
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m glad the piece encouraged you to hope. There’s always hope – if not now, in the future – if not for me, then for you.
With very best wishes
Penny
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What a quietly lovely story. I really felt her ambivalence about allowing herself a treat after so much sadness, allowing herself to enjoy a vacation. And what a hopeful ending, that she is taking the first steps to moving on, to saying “maybe” to a new, happy stage in her life.
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Dear Joy
Thank you for reading and for your lovely comments. I’m delighted the ambivalence came across; thank you for mentioning it. And I really wanted to write an upbeat ending – you’re right, too, it’s not a happy ending as such, but she’s saying ‘maybe’…
You picked up all the nuances I hoped a reader would spot, so I really appreciate your comments.
With very best wishes
Penny
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It felt like a happy ending to me. It wouldn’t have seemed realistic if she’d jumped straight into “yes”. After grief and heartbreak, it takes a while just to get to “maybe I could try again”, and that’s an important step.
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Oh, yes, I absolutely agree.
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So that sunset isn’t the only courageous thing in that story – your narrator is too. Time to dip a toe back into the waters of life, I think. As the others have said, such a lovely, hopeful ending, a smile at the end of a lot of sadness. Lovely
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Dear Lynn
Thank you for reading and commenting so kindly. I enjoyed writing this story, especially the hopeful ending.
I’m sorry I’ve been so slow responding; I don’t know how I overlooked your email!
With very best wishes
Penny
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No apologies necessary. I’m always slow to reply to comments. This was a lovely story, perfectly formed and so hopeful
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