This week’s photo prompt is provided by Footy and Foodie. Thank you Footy and Foodie!
The flourescent tube hummed and flickered, the noise settling in his ear like a trapped wasp. He thought of mentioning it to the waitress, but her shoes were collapsed at the heel, greasy hair lank about her forehead and shoulders – he doubted she’d care about a faulty light bulb.
Last time he stopped here – eight, ten years ago? – Rosie had run the place. Rust haired Rosie with the easy smile. Once visit she’d poured him coffee, her hand brushing his, skin soft as breath. ‘Sorry, hon,’ she’d whispered, clasping his shoulder in apology. Some nights sleeping in the cab, hail pelting the roof, windows lacy with ice, that memory still warmed him.
It was dawn over the docks, sun breaking the cloud, flashing on freighters, shipping containers, each transformed to solid gold for a fraction of a second.
Beauty. In this place. Another memory to keep him warm.
He left a five pound tip and headed for the lorry park.
Written for Priceless Joy’s Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. See the inspiring pic and write a tale in no more than 175 words. See here to join in and to read the other stories.
Word Shamble 
A port city transformed by a sun breaking through clouds – love the take. Great write.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you YS. You’re very kind 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Seems it is his good memories that fuel him forward and why he leaves a good tip for the waitress that isn’t Rosie. Great descriptions and wonderful story, Lynn!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Joy. You’re very kind. Since I’ve written a couple of lesser flashes recently, I was pleased to be happier with this one. Thanks for the feedback – always greatly appreciated 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very touching, Lynn; it’s the little gestures, quietly made, that often truly define the individual.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Chris. I’m glad you felt it was touching too. Just a little insights into someone’s head before they move on again. Thank you for reading and for your comment 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice example of the tiny moments that we cling onto sometime. Beautifully written as always Lynn, loved the atmosphere here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Iain. Appreciate the feedback very much 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely story, Lynn. I love those small flashes of beauty we all experience, and you conveyed it beautifully here 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Helen for the lovely comment. Some of my flash has felt a little flat recently – but I thought this worked much better. Thanks for the feedback
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome, Lynn 🙂 I’m really glad you reached out over the W&A site, it’s been very nice to connect and read your work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Helen. I’m very glad I found you too – lovely to read your blog
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true, how a kind gesture can bring warmth even in the coldest world. And you’ve painted a very sad atmosphere here — touching piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Joy. Yes, enjoyed writing this one, thinking of the details a lonely soul might keep with him on his travels. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a lovely piece of writing, so difference in its subject. Detailed and atmospheric I felt that I there
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Michael – what a truly lovely comment. I enjoyed this one too, the sparks of human contact in the loneliness. Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
I’m going to resist the temptation to comment on every post I backtrack, but I have to comment on this one. You’ve become so poetic recently. It’s a joy to read the flow of words; and this phrase is stunning:
Rust haired Rosie with the easy smile.
It’s good to be wandering through your world of words again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Jane – what a lovely comment. And from someone who knows a thing or two about poetic phrasing! After a few unsatisfactory flashes, I felt happier with this one, so thank you – glad you liked it too
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great phrase: “After a few unsatisfactory flashes,”. I have an image of a man throwing open a dirty raincoat to display his nakedness to elderly ladies, and being pointed and laughed at. THAT would be an unsatisfactory flash 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! Yes, indeed. To cries of ‘fetch us another’ 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Lynn – you just gave me my first belly-laugh since Friday evening. I’ve been starving for want of laughter, and now you’ve brought out the sun 🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always a pleasure, Jane. Lovely to chat with you x
LikeLiked by 1 person
And you Lynn xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike