Writer. Feminist. Historian. Person.
MADNESS TAKES ITS TOLL
LIKE THE CLOUDS BEFORE THE DAWN
DANCING WITH THE LIGHT
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Thanks to Fandago’s Word Prompt (madness) for taking my mind to one of my favorite shows of all time. And thanks to Sue’s Photo Prompt for the added inspiration. Originally my brain took the “madness takes its toll” idea to a DARK place, but Sue’s photo brought me back to the light.
And as a reminder …
I didn’t plan a Part II but when the muse strikes …. You can find the original Cassie & Nessie here.
And now the story continues …
Not for the first time, Liam stared at Cassie and wondered if being in a coma was like dreaming.
Months had passed since they found her floating face-down in the Loch. And still no indication that she was ever going to surface again. Sad? Yes. But, really, probably for the best.
She had spent the past twenty years researching. Believing. And then the story broke.
She had been so angry.
Screaming at him. Accusing him of betraying her for money. Screeching really. It had NOT been attractive. Ugly really.
Earsplitting shrieking. “Nellie’s not a commodity. She’s not for sale!” So obsessed with that damn fish. So worried that the publicity would endanger Nessie.
And now. This.
It would break her heart.
Plus he couldn’t be sure she hadn’t seen him at the Loch that day.
She looked so lovely now. It really would be best if she never surfaced.
Thanks to Crimson’s Creative Challenge for providing the photo by Crispina Kemp. I’m not sure what the photo actually depicts but to me it was poor Nessie’s bones. (And it comes in at a tight 147 words.)
And thanks for additional push to One Daily Prompt (believe)
And of course a big thanks to the original inspiration, a Friday Fictioners challenge from last month and the photo by C.E. Ayr.
May 30, 1893
Dearest John.
It finally arrived. I was scared that it wouldn’t get here in time for your birthday but it came on the train yesterday. Daddy will be angry but there’s nothing he can do about it now. When I saw our names together I fell to my knees. I love you so much. We talked so much about leaving this place. Being together. Going someplace where daddy couldn’t stop us. Then you left me. Alone. But daddy can’t stop us now. In death, we can be connected forever.
Till tomorrow my love.
Always Your Cora
This 99 words of completely unsubstantiated fiction (based on a real headstone) was written for Carrot Ranch’s FF challenge.
If you haven’t done so, check them out. Twas fun! Especially for this historian who loves to write about long-dead women!
darkness floods my mind
then the moon fills the night sky
and calms the fury
Thanks to the following for the word prompt /photo inspiration. Visit their sites for details and other great posts.
She sat at the edge of the stream and stared at the house. Their home.
The tumbling water reminded her of a song. She could hear the melody in her head. But the words just wouldn’t come. It’s not fair. Songs are not her department. TV shows and historical facts. But not songs. That’s his lane.
He’s supposed to be here. He would know.
But he’s no longer here. Or there. In that house that was their home.
For just a moment she was overwhelmed by anger. Then frustration. But that stupid song would have to wait.
It was time.
Photo Credit to Brian Brakebill (who thankfully is still very much with me and continues to inspire me with his photos)
Inspired by and written for Friday Fictioners and the PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson with some further inspiration from Reena’s Exploration Challenge (home) and Fandango’s FOWC (melody) and Your Daily Word Prompt (overwhelm)
Tina Stewart Brakebill 