A short story

Keith's Ramblings

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Our parents didn’t know, but being foolish is part of growing up!

We lived near a river. Often, we’d leap into the rushing water and swim to a little island. On summer days, we’d lie on the grass, listening to nature.

She made flag. We planted it, and the island became ours!

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I didn’t want to. It was pitch dark. The river was a raging torrent . ‘Come on’, she said. The last thing she ever said.

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One day I ventured back. The flag still remained. There was something in a bush. A shirt. Her shirt. It still smelled of grass.

I’ll not return.

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Click Froggie to visit the squares!

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PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot

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Thanks to Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers.

35 thoughts on “A short story”

  1. Dale's avatar Dale May 21, 2025 / 16:19

    Oh, such a poignant one this week, Keith! So sad.

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  2. David Stewart's avatar David Stewart May 21, 2025 / 16:27

    Kids do a lot of foolish things, but it’s tragic when it goes wrong. I like the idea of their own island. I would have loved that as a kid (still would, actually).

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  4. Violet Lentz's avatar Violet Lentz May 21, 2025 / 17:51

    So sad. Unfortunately, most of us possess just such a memory of that one kid that never got to grow up. So well told, Keith.

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  11. Sadje's avatar Sadje May 23, 2025 / 12:15

    A very sad story, especially from the point of view of a youngster.

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    • Keith's Ramblings's avatar Keith's Ramblings May 23, 2025 / 16:23

      They say a change is good as a rest, and I fancied slowing down a bit.

      Thanks so much, Rochelle.

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  15. plaridel's avatar plaridel May 23, 2025 / 17:38

    sad ending. i didn’t expect it. 😦

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  16. Prior...'s avatar Prior... May 23, 2025 / 22:16

    well done and I could imagine them smelling the shirt and getting creeped out! Nice story K

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