In response to the Flash-Fiction photo prompt from Suzanne Burke this week, here is my contribution.
A FOREIGN WORLD
“Oh, the memories.” I sigh, and squeeze his hand a little tighter. The dried orange, brown and yellow leaves crunch beneath our feet as we shuffle along the sidewalk.
He smiles down at me. “Yes, my love. I remember when we sat on this very bench and I asked you to be my bride.”
Tears came unbidden and trickled down my wrinkled cheeks. “We had a pretty darn good life, didn’t we, Harold?”
“Yes. Yes, we did, in spite of the hardships.”
“But, I no longer recognize the world we live in. Where is everyone? Why are the streets empty? There was a day when this park would have held the laughter of children and young lovers strolling hand-in-hand.”
“Let’s sit, Margaret. My old legs are giving out.”
We shuffled over to the bench and Harold brushed away the leaves that covered it.
He blew out a long sigh and leaning on his cane, dropped onto the very bench where we started life together fifty-two years ago.
“I’m troubled, Harold. No, I’m more than troubled. I’m scared. Not for me and you. We’re pretty much out of here, but for the ones coming behind us.”
Draping an arm around my shoulders, he pulled me closer. “It’s not the same America that you and I grew up in. Soldiers on the streets, looting, killings and so much hatred exists. You know it’s not even safe for us to venture out.”
“I know, but I really needed some fresh air. Thank you for appeasing me.”
“Oh, my love, that is what I have lived for these past fifty-two years. My greatest joy is to make you smile.”
“What is that noise? Sounds like firecrackers.”
“I think we better mosey on back home, honey. It’s getting closer.”
He struggled to his feet, then leaning heavily on his cane, reached for my hand.
As we shuffled back toward safety, I turned to look back at the bench that meant so much, only to see a group of hoodlums spraying graffiti on it.
“Harold, we need to move faster. Trouble’s coming.”
“I’m going as fast as I can go. Don’t worry, dear. I won’t let anyone hurt you. It’s just a few more blocks home.”
That’s when it happened. A blow to the back of his head, took Harold to his knees. I screamed and turned to face our attackers only to see sneers and glowing hatred in the eyes of what should have been intelligent young men.
“You old people don’t need to be alive,” one of them growled. “You’re just taking up space and eating food that belongs to us. This is our country now. Old people like you are a nuisance.”
I kneeled down beside Harold and cradled his head in my lap. “You’ve hurt my husband.” Tears flowed uncontrollably.
One of them laughed. “So what? What are you going to do about it old woman?”
The first blow knocked me backward onto the hard concrete, and I frantically reached for Harold’s hand. The second blow brought oblivion.
Then, I was flying and when I looked down, I saw the shell of our bodies lying on the concrete, our blood mixing together and staining the sidewalk.
Harold floated up beside me. “We’re free now, sweet love. No more aches, pains or persecution. We’re free.”
He was right. I no longer had the familiar pain in my joints and his cane no longer had any use.
“What will happen to our once beautiful world?” I took one more glance downward to see the men who’d taken our lives strolling away casually as if nothing had happened. They laughed and joked and slapped each other on the back.
“I don’t know the answer to that. We may have to come back to find out.”
“I’m not sure I want to come back again. Maybe we’ll stay with the Angels for a while.”
“Whatever you say, dear.”
With his hand nestled softly in mine, we drifted slowly and peacefully toward the brightest light that you can imagine. Then we disappeared into it.
We were home.
I hope you enjoyed my contribution. If you’d like to participate or just know more about Suzanne Burke (by the way a fabulous writer), visit her website or better yet, pick up one of her books!
Contact Suzanne at …
Fiction, but not too far from reality across America. Something we must avert from getting more common. Something we must change.
Agreed, John!
What a sad, but beautiful, story, Jan. I don’t see quite this fierce an outcome in our future, but the elderly certainly are vulnerable to the reckless, inconsiderate choices of the young (anyone under 60 – lol). I say… wear masks! 🙂 And have a great Friday.
We can certainly hope not, Diana. This is definitely a work of fiction. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
A poigant and bittersweet story, Jan. Your story isn’t improbable. With the state of the world, the overpopulation problem . . . there will come a time when many young people will come to resent the old as we consume all the planet’s resources.
Not a good outlook, Vashti, but you are right. I could be a reality someday. I hope I’m not around to see it! Thanks for stopping by!
I don’t want to be around to see that either. 🙁
Incredible piece, and sadly, not impossible these days.
No, it’s not impossible, Craig, and that is the sad part. I didn’t intend for it to turn so dark, but the characters were just done with this crazy world. 🙂
Jan this is such a moving story. Humankind is in crisis, and the time of closing our eyes to our own inhumanity is long gone. Thanks so much for taking part in the prompt. I’ll be featuring all entries on Friday, June 5th.
Thanks for the push, Soooz. I was inspired by the bench AND the world events.
This was way too sad for me. Beautifully written, but too sad. :'(
I’m not sure I intended it to be so sad, but it took over and went that way. But, in the end, they were together in the light. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by and reading it.
Wonderful writing Jan! You’ve poured so much emotion into your words, they touched my heart. A befitting response though the picture is so romantic.
Thank you for the kind words, Balroop. Yes, I thought the bench looked romantic, but then it took a dark turn. 🙂 I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment.
A very thoughtful piece, Jan. Well done.
Thank you, John! I appreciate you stopping by!
This was such a timely piece, Jan. It really expressed all our fears. Well done. That bench and promot really inspires, I will get my verison out soon if I’m done on time.
Wonderful, Denise! This is the first prompt I’ve participated in, but it grabbed me and I had to write it. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment today!
I’m glad you did it was a fantastic story.
How sad but it could be true in many forms, Jan. What is going to become of the human world?
That is the big question, Miriam. Something has to turn it around, but I don’t know what. Thank you for stopping by today!
I think the individual value can be the influence of the family value but again the young people can be swayed!
Sad, poignant, bittersweet, and beautiful all at the same time. For such a short piece you managed to wrenched a host of emotions from me, Jan.
Oh, wonderful, Mae! Thank you for your kind comment. I’m happy you stopped by and that you enjoyed the piece, albeit a little on the dark side – that was until the light appeared. 🙂
Thought-provoking, Jan, and so well written. I felt for the old couple, but at least they are at peace.
Thank you, Mark. The park bench inspired me. 🙂
The picture is beautiful. Your story is powerful. Even more so because it can easily be true.
Sadly, it could be true, Staci. I hope I don’t live long enough to see a world ruled by hatred, but we’re heading that way if we can’t turn it around. Thanks for stopping by!
Hard to hit “like” on that one. Liking you and not the fact that the world is headed that way.
Thank you for this story, Jan. I pray for our country, for our planet. The launch of SpaceX was overlooked by media and yet it was one of the most exhilarating events of our time. Russian and American astronauts working together, laughing together far from Earth — what a contrast to the hate. ♥
Exactly, Gwen. The media seems hell-bent on whipping everyone into a frenzy. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment today! Hugs!
A haunting piece, Jan, and to the point for the times. Lovely little story 🙂
Thank you, Harmony. The inspiration hit me and the park bench said so much!