In the middle of a fast-flowing river sat a little island. Often we’d hold hands, leap into the water and battle with the current as we swam to it. Doing foolish things is part of growing up, isn’t it?
One day she made a flag. We used a broken branch for a pole and claimed the island for ourselves.
*
The river was a torrent that day. I said no way. Coward, she said as she dived in, the last thing she ever said.
*
A year later I returned. The flag was still there. I surrounded it with a heart of stones. I’ve not been back since.
Friday Fictioneers is hosted by Rochelle and J Hardy Carroll provided this week’s photo.
Prod the frog to see what other’s have written.
Dear Keith,
Such a sad and poignant story. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS You are the undisputed master when it comes to manipulating the frog.
Thanks so much Rochelle. BTW, I spent longer on the frog than I did my tale this week!
I was thinking the same thing re the frog!!
Ribbit ribbit
Heart achingly poignant, Keith. The follies of youth usually ends in tragedy.
Too often, sadly. Thanks Varad.
Heartbreaking but well done Keith.
Cheers Kelley
Ouch.
Nice one, Keith
Thanks matey.
How often a flag and a desire to show one’s courage have led to disaster. Great link between the personal and the societal, Keith.
Thank you very much Penny
Oh my, what a poignant story. Well done.
Thanks so much, Linda
Aww…
And … how did you make the froggy sad?
A poignant story, that!
A lot of messing around on a photo editing site! Thanks for reading my tale.
Well, it was a masterfully messed up frog! 🙂
(and a good tale besides!)
Haha! Hopfully he’ll cheer up by next week. Thanks Na’ama
🙂
So sad.
Thanks for dropping by.
I look forward to your stories Keith.
Well, thank you! Makes it all worthwhile.
😀
Often youth does not consider consequences of actions. So sad. Reminds me of a young cousin who was accidentally shot and killed
How terrible. Sadly, it happens. Cheers Denise,
So sad a story, Keith.
Thanks for dropping by
Such a sad story. I don’t know how you do that with the frog, I can’t even get him on my page.
Just copy him and add to your post as you do the photo prompt then link using the URL at the top of the InLinkz page! QED!
Haunted is a word that comes to mind here. What an unfortunate last word to utter before recklessly dying. He must blame himself but it isn’t his fault. The ending is quite a tearjerker 🙁 I hope he can move on and find new love.
Time is a great healer. Thanks so much.
You are very welcome, Keith.
A sad tale, Keith – youthful exuberance snuffed out cruelly.
Indeed. Thanks Iain.
Beautifully written and oh, so sad.
Thanks so much Donna
No, i would imagine he wouldn’t want to go back. Excellent story.
Never again! Thanks Mimi
Your loss was immense. Sometimes the difference between bravery and foolishness is very thin. Only intelligent knows when to step back.
Very true Abhijit
Well written, Keith.
This is a story that is told way too often…Youth, they don’t think, do they?
No we didn’t!!! We were invincible!
My son even tells me he is… sheesh.
He should have gone back to reclaim the island.
Perhaps. Thanks Reena.
The daring always a portent, hubris… a sad well told tale.
(And, like the others, I have to say wow! to the frog.)
So kind of you, thanks. Froggie sends his regards!
How sad. What a terrible last thing to say too, fearless and beautifully written. Loved it
I’m delighted you liked it, thank you.
Some things are so hard to recall… so once is probably enough for such pain.
I quite agree. Thanks Björn
As others have said, sad story, great frog work.
That’s really kind of you, thank you.
A very poignant story, especially the part where he goes back to say goodbye. The stupidity of youth. I’m surprised sometimes I survived mine. Very well written, Keith!
A lot of think that I’m sure! Thanks Brenda
A sad tale. It was a foolish decision though! 🙁
Well written! 🙂
Indeed. Youngsters don’t always think things through. Thanks so much.
Very sad story. Good writing!
Heart breaking – well told.
Thanks James.
A well-written though dark story of young love and loss, Keith. I found the frog really funny. Some of these sad stories seem to be affecting the little guy. 😀 — Suzanne
Even frogs have feelings. Thanks Suzanne.
she took the risk and lost her life. in a way, a piece of his life was lost, too.
Indeed. Thanks plaridel
Sad and beautiful story about a painful memory. I herewith proclaim you the king of frogs: https://gahlearner.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/frog-2235629_640.jpg
King of Frogs – I like that! As for your frog picture – brilliant! Thanks for dropping by and reading my tale once again.
A cleverly-written story, Keith. I particularly liked “Often we’d hold hands, leap into the water and battle with the current as we swam to it.” As it represents their shared struggles.
I’m pleased that came through. Thanks so much.
A very sad and tragic scene, well told as a memoir of sorts.
Did you do the sad frog with the broken heart flag yourself? Good Photoshop skills!
Thanks so much. Yes, the frog is of my making along with a bit of help from an editing suite!
A sad but excellent story, Keith!
Thanks Sascha