PHOTO PROMPT © Björn Rudberg
‘Where did it happen?’
‘Perhaps it’s best if you don’t hear all the details -‘
‘I need to know.’
‘Further along. Past the sign.’
‘I want to see the exact spot.’
‘I don’t know why -‘
A sigh so deep, it cracked in his throat. ‘There was a point she could have stopped. Saved herself. I have to know why she didn’t.’
The ground was marked with police tape, scuffed by dozens of heavy boots. But there, beyond the yellow line, two small footprints.
Jerry gazed across the wooded valley, smelt the almond blossom on the warm breeze. And he knew.
Written for Rochelle Wisoff-Field’s Friday Fictioneers. See the pic and write a tale. See here to join in, read and comment.
Word Shamble 
Beautifully told tragedy… Now we want to know what Jerry knew…
(might want to remove the “ed” on happen…) 😉
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Sometimes, especially under stress, someone may spontaneously say something like that in real life. It’s a natural tendency to stumble upon speech.
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True. They definitely could.
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Thanks for the proofing tip – got it. That’s what comes from rewrites and rewrites 🙂 I think Jerry saw something from their shared past, something that tipped an already fragile mind. Thank you for the comments – wasn’t sure about this one.
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Most welcome. But, as Larry said, you could have done it purposely but I didn’t feel it was ☺
Well, un-unsure yourself.
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Always appreciate a proofing! Thanks Dale 🙂
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Same here! So don’t be shy, eh? 😉
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Thanks Dale 🙂
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Two small footprints – very poignant story.
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Thanks so much Jilly
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Stopping was never an option, was it?
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Perhaps not. I think she’d made her choice and only his presence there might have stopped her but perhaps not indefinitely. Thanks for reading Neil
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Oh! Child? Woman? Those small footprints left me wondering. And I agree with Neil ~ there was no stopping.
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Some people are not destined ‘to make old bones’ as my mum would say. There’s no saving some of us – no matter how much we’re loved, there will always be something broken inside. Thank you so much for reading
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Great title, and story to match.
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Thank you Iain
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Great story, Lynn.
I have to disagree with Neil and Alicia; if it hadn’t been for the scent of almond blossom, she might have turned back.
Jerry understood the significance of the scent, and I reckon he was the reason the girl jumped.
You’ve crafted that story so well, Lynn.
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Thank you Penny. I think there is some reminder from their past that pushed her on, yes, you’re right. And perhaps, even if he loved her, he shared some culpability for her actions. Thank you for your thoughtful reading of the story Penny
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Finally, someone who wanted to go…
Scott
mine: https://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2018/03/21/heres-your-sign/
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Thanks for reading
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Great narrative, Lynn. Now my curiosity is piqued. What did Jerry know?
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Thank you Varad. I think there was a reminder there, something from their past that showed her she was doing the right thing. Some cannot be saved, sadly. Thank you for reading
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The flowers maybe tipped him off about a sad connection
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I think you may b right there. Thanks for reading
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Beautiful but sad story. So well written as always 🙂
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Thank you so much
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That scent is so important… and yes almond blossom fits perfectly with some of the walks I have done in areas like this.
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Thank you Bjorn. A very inspiring photograph
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A familiar scent can trigger such strong emotions; who knows what someone will do if they’re already on the edge. Poignant piece.
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Such a strong emotional connection between scent and memory, isn’t there? I think she went up there intending to do it anyway, but perhaps that smell just pushed her to the end. Thank you for reading
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Lovers leap?
As Gibran put it, “And God said “Love Your Enemy,” and I obeyed him and loved myself. “
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It’s very true – many of us are our own worst enemy. Thanks so much for reading
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There’s always someone who knows why, if they’re honest.
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But can we even admit it to ourselves? Too painful by half. Thanks for reading Jane
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No, that’s the hardest part of all.
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Dear Lynn,
“A sigh so deep…” Love that line. You left us hanging in a good way. Always just enough description and story. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you so much Rochelle. I’m glad you thought the balance was right. thank you
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Even more tragic when I read it was two “small” footprints. Nicely told.
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Thanks so much
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There was a slight sense of relief in your final few words as if he understood as well as knew. A poignant piece indeed Lynn.
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Thank you Keith
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Delicious.
You say just enough, and leave the ache.
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Thank you so much C 🙂
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The back story here is intriguing. And the ‘now’ story is heartbreaking. Well done.
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Thanks so much Sandra 🙂
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oh wow – nice…
connects so well with spring too!
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Thanks for reading 🙂
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🙂
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He saw something only he and she would know about? Much sadness here. Well written.
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Thank you very much and thank you for reading
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Heartbreaking. ‘Small footprints’ did it for me.
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Thanks so much Liz
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Such a well-told tragedy.
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Thanks so much
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-smelt the almond blossom on the warm breeze – Nice touch Lynn
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Thanks Dan
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Hints of a back story here, very intriguing.
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Thank you for reading and I’m so glad you felt the intrigue 🙂
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Very sad but a very good piece.
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Thank you
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A beautifully told story – I like its emotional power and simplicity. Well done.
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Thank you very much.
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Oh my word, this story is perfect. And your title is beautiful!
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Thank you so much Thom. Really glad you liked the story and thank you for reading
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Beautiful sad story.
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Thank you Dawn
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You’ve done so much with a few particular details to evoke sadness: the small footprints, the almond blossom scent. Like others, I felt it was the scent that compelled her. Beautifully done.
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Thank you very much Sascha. Glad you liked it
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Compelling read!
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Thanks very much. And thanks for reading
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