A short story…

Keith's Ramblings

for Friday Fictioneers

 

dearjoe-7.regular

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.

 

 

pastedgraphic-3Friday Fictioneers is hosted by Rochelle and J Hardy Carroll provided this week’s photo.

Prod the frog to see what other’s have written.

whitej

 

73 thoughts on “A short story…”

  1. rochellewisoff Jul 3, 2019 / 11:08

    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.

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  2. Varad Jul 3, 2019 / 11:21

    Heart achingly poignant, Keith. The follies of youth usually ends in tragedy.

    Liked by 1 person

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  5. pennygadd51 Jul 3, 2019 / 15:05

    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.

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  9. Denise Hammond Jul 3, 2019 / 17:19

    Often youth does not consider consequences of actions. So sad. Reminds me of a young cousin who was accidentally shot and killed

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  11. Sandra Jul 3, 2019 / 17:54

    Such a sad story. I don’t know how you do that with the frog, I can’t even get him on my page.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Keith's Ramblings Jul 4, 2019 / 09:50

      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!

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  12. msjadeli Jul 3, 2019 / 18:51

    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.

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  16. Abhijit Ray Jul 4, 2019 / 08:07

    Your loss was immense. Sometimes the difference between bravery and foolishness is very thin. Only intelligent knows when to step back.

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  17. Dale Jul 4, 2019 / 15:11

    Well written, Keith.
    This is a story that is told way too often…Youth, they don’t think, do they?

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  23. Brenda's Thoughts Jul 5, 2019 / 05:26

    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!

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  25. Tessa Jul 5, 2019 / 06:55

    Very sad story. Good writing!

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  27. patriciaruthsusan Jul 5, 2019 / 11:49

    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

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  28. plaridel Jul 5, 2019 / 18:40

    she took the risk and lost her life. in a way, a piece of his life was lost, too.

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    • Keith's Ramblings Jul 6, 2019 / 10:29

      King of Frogs – I like that! As for your frog picture – brilliant! Thanks for dropping by and reading my tale once again.

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  30. kzmcb Jul 6, 2019 / 10:11

    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.

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  31. draliman Jul 7, 2019 / 06:17

    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!

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