Copyright dlovering
I couldn’t have known, though in hindsight I did.
Music, conversation, laughter. The celebration, the matrimony, the blessing. Food, wine, decadent desserts. There was not a moment out-of-place, nor a tear shed for less than overwhelming happiness.
There was so much joy and love. It was in our picture hanging high above the revelers. It was in the decorations, livened by the breeze. It was between friends and family. It was in the air, palpable, as vibrant and alive as every budding flower and buzzing bee. It was in my womb.
It was everywhere, but between us.
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97 words. Feedback appreciated. Today is the two-year anniversary, antiversary really, of my divorce. Ugh. It sucks beyond measure, but not because of the loss of connection between husband and wife.
What story comes to mind when you see that picture? Join in! Friday Fictioneers is a weekly blog link-up based on a photo prompt. The Challenge – write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle, and end. (No one will be ostracized for going a few words over the count.) The Key – make every word count.
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*Featured and Post Image Copyright – Dlovering
**The ads (which may appear) below are not mine, but they keep this free for me. Do with them as you choose.
This Is My Corn 
Terrific last line, both in content and contrast. Well done.
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Thank you Sandra. That’s just what I was going for.
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Yes, that last line is it.
Why does it suck beyond measure, the divorce anniversary, if not for the loss of connection?
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My ex was awarded custody of the kids in the divorce, so it’s more the day I lost them than the day I lost him. I could care less about him.
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Oh wow. I’m sorry. I didn’t know.
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No, I know. I don’t mention it much anymore. That’s why I answered.
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Great build up of such happiness and positivity with that last line which completely changes the mood – I imagine that person as a little island of sadness amidst it all.
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Thank you draliman! The first and last lines are the shadows of an otherwise sunny story. She is a little island of sadness-feeling like the only one who knows it’s a sham.
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Happiness is not for everyone.. the end was such a change… like a lump in her throat.
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I tried to hint that not all was right with the into “I couldn’t have known…”.
A lump in the throat is probably pretty close to how she felt. It’s not a pleasant moment. Thanks for your thoughts. 🙂
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Dear Melanie,
I think I like my anniversary better. Sorry.
The last line juxtaposed against the rest of the story is stunning. Well done all around.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle! That’s what I was hoping for. I’m enjoying this challenge. Thanks for keeping it going and for all your encouragement.
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Sorry this is much too real. However, you made an excellent story about it with an unexpected twist at the end.
janet
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Thank you Janet. It is close in sentiment. This story was built from the festive photo and the date on the calendar.
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Your title says it all, and leads the reader through the contrast of the hype of the ‘perfect’ wedding and the reality of a marriage that isn’t right. I wanted to reach out and squeeze her hand – well told.
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Thank you! I do like to try to use the title as free words to contribute to the story without counting against the 100 word limit. So I’m happy to hear it clued you in.
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Such drama in that last line… very good story 🙂
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Thank you Rachel. It was all leading to that last line. Thanks for the comment.
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Very sad and probably quite prevalent. Lives wasted.
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It was a waste of a marriage, that’s true.
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Good story – sad that there is no love between them – this marriage won’t last. Nan 🙂
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Thank you Nan. There are so many ingredients to a successful marriage, and starting out without one isn’t going to work.
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What should have been a happy event was show for family and friends. This is so sad and probably happens far too often. Good story that was sad but realistic. Well done.
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It was a show, and it probably happens more than we realize. There’s such pressure to “couple-up”. Thank you for your comment! 🙂
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Wow Melanie– that’s an a beautiful yet eerily hearbreaking way to describe what happened. It’s interesting to see how a photo prompt is so uniquely filtered through everyone’s unique experiences.
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Thank you Aussa. I watched this challenge for a while (blog stalked, if you will) before I decided to join in. I was hesitant thinking there couldn’t possibly be one hundred different stories from one picture, but I learned (happily) that I was wrong.
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What a killer last line-I am blown away!!Totally loved this 🙂
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Thank you so much! This is such a great thing to read on my dreary Monday. 🙂
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:-)Your writing deserved the credit Melanie.Have a great day,love xx
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🙂
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“It was everywhere, but between us.”—Wonderful last line.
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Thank you Carrie. It was the best kept secret of the ceremony.
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😦
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