The view looked like some kind of soulless painting. Beautiful but no signs of life. She used to know the names for artistic stuff like that. Photorealistic, maybe? Hell. It was all apocalyptic now. Unexpectedly, tears blurred her vision. She thought her grief had run its course but seeing those empty chairs. So expectant. So normal. Just waiting for someone with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
Closing her eyes, she shut down those thoughts. She was rooftop for recon. Not useless nostalgia. Before was done. It’s after now.
PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot
Thanks for the inspiration. Visit Rochelle’s Friday Fictioner for details about joining in the fun. Plus while you’re there, you can read lots of wonderful stories.
Tina Stewart Brakebill 
Oh, that’s intriguing. What’s the recon for?
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Well … I guess that’s another story. 🤪
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There’s a sort of cognitive dissonance in the appearance of normal, considering that an apocalypse is inevitably the worst of occurrences.
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Excellent title, stitching everything neatly together. Good writing 🙂
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Thanks 😊
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After now will hopefully last a long time.
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here’s wishing 🙂
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Dear Tina,
The desolation was tangible in this piece. Well constructed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle. I’m feeling a bit desolate today. But writing it helps. A bit 😑
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That nostalgia will fade quickly. Her survival is going to depend on it. Nice transition of the before to the after.
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Thanks! And you are so right. Survival is key.
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Whatever she’s on recon for, I hope she keeps it safe. Because.
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😊 thank you.
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Nothing lasts forever. The rooftop may change again. Emotionally charged story.
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Thanks 😊
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the after now will run its course in due time. what happens then? go back to square one?
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I hope not.
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Oooh! Love this. Before was then; now we are after. Life is different (though, I think I much prefer the before!)
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Yep. 😊
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Great title for an intriguing story.
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Thanks Liz ☺️
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The last line really brings this home, helps you realize what the speaker was talking about. And, technically, it’s always true!
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Yep. ☺️😋
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You really brought out the desolation, Tina. Nice work.
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Thanks so much. Channeling my own fears I think.
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This is the most realistic apocalyptic flash fiction that I’ve read, I think. Clever of you to leave your MC nameless. She’s Everywoman in that situation; feeling the emotion but implacable in surviving and protecting her family if she has one. I hope she finds what she needs to survive.
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Thanks! I think we all have felt at least a bit of this fear/courage. Stay safe!
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