PHOTO PROMPT © Kent Bonham
I had feared the worst when I had not seen the old man for a few Sundays. I had searched for the immaculate, blue Volkswagen in front of the church; strained to glimpse him nodding to me from under the trees while he patiently waited. I had surmised his atheism was at peace with another’s faith. Where was he?
Next Sunday, I was relieved to see the car. After a hurried search in the trees, I entered the church to find him in tearful prayer. I gasped as I heard Father tell him “She is with Him. She is happy”.
Word count: 100
Flash fiction in response to Friday Fictioneers hosted by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff.
Thought trail 
I wonder whether his atheism allowed him to take comfort from the priest’s words. I hope so. It must have been an act of desperation on the old man’s part. Nicely imagined take on the photoprompt.
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Drastic events have drastic effects on a mind. The way I pictured the events was that the unbearable loss instigated some raw feelings in the old man in addition to desperation and sorrow – insecurity, fear, loneliness, etc. In his loss, he seeks some explanation, some answers, perhaps some solace. He slowly turns to God. Perhaps in time, his search may end and he might be able to make peace with his loss. I truly hope for that!
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Thank you for explaining how you thought of the story. It helps me improve my writing by understanding how other writers have worked. With best wishes, Penny.
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You are most welcome! 🙂
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Beautiful sadness well told. Are you sure you weren’t describing my Gr. Grandfather who took my Gram and me to church every Sunday and for every activity, but never came inside. Always and ever sitting in the car, listening to baseball games on the radio.
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Thank you! Oh wow! To think that there ARE people like the old man for real is so inspiring :). Thank you so much for sharing this!
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A completely different direction on this prompt. Maybe the old gent will finally come to some comfort in faith.
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Thank you! Yes. I truly hope so too.
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I like the way you have worked the car into being a part of your story, rather than a start point or end point. Nice.
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Thank you! When I saw the girl by the car in the photo, I found her expression to be somewhat detached. As though she didn’t own it. Then what connects her to the car? That was the birth of the story. 🙂
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That was a very clever insight. I thought exactly the same, but didn’t come up with such a good answer!
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Hahaha! 🙂
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I can’t find the words – This is such a tearful story and so very, very well written! Thank you so much! Nan
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Thank YOU for the encouragement! This story left me feeling sad as well but with a tinge of hope that he would eventually find peace.
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What a remarkable take on the prompt! Great job, Fluid. There are SO many people like that in this world. Well-stated!
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Thank you so much!
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Dear Fluid Phrase,
Loved the way you showed the old man’s turning point. Poignant and sweet story. Nice use of the prompt.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you so much!
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Great story, superb narration!
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Thank you so much! 🙂
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