In the Garden
A short, fictional story inspired by a Flash Fiction for the Aspiring Writer challenge with a photo prompt of sunflowers. Unfortunately, my story went a bit over the 175 word limit. So, not so much flash, but just fiction. 🙂
As she sat looking out of the window, her gaze settled on the sunflowers blooming in the garden below her room. She watched as a light wind caused them to sway back and forth in the afternoon sunshine. Becoming entranced with the movement of the flowers, her mind drifted, but only for a moment. When she looked up, she saw a figure in the distance walking up the path towards the house. It was Graham. They had only known one another for a short while, but her heart jumped at the sight of him. He was well-mannered, possessing a gentle nature that had impressed her from the beginning of their acquaintance. And, he had the most delightful smile.
She always looked forward to their walks together. They often took the same walk: up the hill, past the folly, and through the meadows of blooming wild flowers. As they walked along, chatting, he smiled affectionately at her, and she couldn’t remember feeling happier. Being in his company felt so natural. Walking past the tulip populars, they finally arrived at the boxwood-enclosed rose garden. Boxwoods, only about two feet high, formed a perimeter around a spacious area filled with pink and red roses as well as French lavender. Upon entering the garden, she felt a faint, heady sensation. A feeling she wasn’t sure she should attribute to the fragrance of the flowers, or to the fact that she was falling in love. A stone bench positioned in the center of the garden beneath a trellis of trailing wisteria vines was the perfect place to stop for a rest. They sat together enjoying the picturesque view. She listened to him talk about his plans; plans that did not include her. The war had started, and he would be leaving soon. It was unavoidable. Although she admired his courage and enthusiasm, she was filled with a sharp anxiety at the thought of his leaving. Moments passed as they quietly watched a multitude of butterflies gliding above the flowers, and then, she felt the warmth of his hand on hers. They sat, staring out at the garden in silence. Until finally, he turned towards her. With a look of seriousness, he asked if she would write to him while he was away.
Before she could answer, she heard a voice in the distance. As the voice became louder, it roused her from her daydream. The sunflowers were standing still now. The wind was gone. In the doorway of her room was a young woman, her granddaughter, announcing dinner. Claire quickly realized she was no longer in the garden. And, her heart jumped.
Categories: Short Story
A+ -Tonya
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s so kind, Cheryl!! Thank you. 🙂 xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Delightful xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I appreciate your feedback. Thanks so much. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved it Tonya!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That means a lot! Thanks very much, Ritu. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was a wonderful story, Tonya and the photos are gorgeous too 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s so nice of you to say, Judy! Thank you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A beautiful story of a common phenomena. Our memories become crystallized as we age. I could picture this. And your photos are exquisite. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for such a wonderful comment, Van. 🙂
Most of the pictures were taken at Blenheim Palace, Sudeley Castle, and Highclere Castle in England. 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the pics. Did she wait and marry him . Was it a memory or a dream of what she lost??
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Donna. I’m so glad you enjoyed the pictures! And, thanks very much for your interest in the story. It was a cherished memory, and she never stopped loving him. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser and commented:
Wonderful-Love this! Introducing to you-Tonya and her short story! Hope you enjoy and like it as I did! Cheryl
LikeLiked by 1 person
How very kind! Thank you, Cheryl. I really appreciate your generous gesture. 🙂 xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure T-
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved the visuals you created with your words, Tonya. Very nicely done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your lovely comment, George. I’m so glad you liked it! 🙂
LikeLike
I am a grandmother and often daydream so this story filled my heart with a warmth of happy memories. Although “fiction” it certainly sounded real to me! Smiles, Robin
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for visiting my blog and for your kind comment, Robin. I’m happy you enjoyed the story. 🙂
LikeLike
Nice fiction piece Tonya. Have no idea how anyone could keep it under 175 words and retain all the beautiful word pictures! 🙂
~Carl~
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Carl. I really appreciate your generous comment. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was a great ending when we realize that she is reliving a past memory and it makes you wonder what became of Graham. Lovely photos as usual. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks, Deborah. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story and photos. Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great short story, Tonya! I have always thought that at least one of your gifts is writing. Maybe this will prompt you to write that novel I suggested some time ago. You already have the beginning and people wanting more! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Donna, thanks for taking time to read it. You are always so kind and supportive. THANK YOU. 🙂 xoxo
LikeLike
Lovely 🙂 Pictures beautiful, too, of course 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, that’s really nice! Thanks so much. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful word and garden, I love it!!!
Have a nice day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks. That’s very kind! Have a lovely day as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Raphaela. 🙂 xo
LikeLike
What beautiful memories. I think we all go there sometimes. Beautifully written, Tonya.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome. The pictures are gorgeous, too! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a generous thing to say! Thank you very much, Blair. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for such a lovely comment, Hugh. You are very kind! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great story 🙂
Photos are so lovely
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I’m happy you enjoyed it! 🙂
LikeLike
As always…a nice read! Thanks 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s very kind! Thank you. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person