Together
A double shot of flash fiction
This is the second serving of ‘Double Espresso’; two short stories based on the same prompt - one 50-words, the other 100-words. Two short stories … the Double Espresso (or is that two-sho(r)t stories).
Today’s flash fiction is offered to you with very special thanks to
who has kindly allowed me to use his image ‘Together’ to prompt my musings. Street photography is a special craft that speaks of patience, an eye for the moment, and a strong sense of framing and this shot offers so many possibilities. I hope that my stories do this wonderfully evocative image justice.
Together?
She hadn’t thought about it until their footsteps rolled over the cobbles. The memory hadn’t sparked until she had looked out from their perch. As his arms loosely enveloped her, she felt his distraction and wondered if he felt hers. Was he as attuned to her changing mood as she was to his? Long silences had replaced excited conversations about imagined futures. Bodies once wrapped around one another stood in different rooms of the small apartment, eyes gazing out of windows conjuring different futures. Now, back where it started, she searched for the words to tell him it was over.
(100 words)
Sometimes, the real action is happening in the background. My eyes are drawn to the two men standing together, but apart in front of the church door. What’s their story?
Codeword Together
They explained repeatedly during training that we should hide in plain sight. Now, on the steps of L’Eglise Val-de-Grâce, I feel exposed. The stranger speaks in the rasping voice of a habitual smoker.
Were you followed?
Instantly defensive, I mutter the codeword. Nothing.
Damn, training over, things just got real.
(50 words)
Love them both! Bravo, Barrie. Together doesn't last forever but the words will. I better make sure no one follows me next time I take photos in the crowd! 😅