Photo by Lucy Fridkin
‘See, I told you I would bring you home,’ she whispered softly.
She smiled when she said it, smiled the way only a woman in love can smile.
Down there they were waiting for him, with their shiny shoes and their spotless uniforms.
Up here she still had a few minutes left to prepare for the ceremony.
Soon, there would be flags and speeches and hugs from people she had never met.
A soldier is coming home today and they are waiting for him.
Sadly, he had to come home in a coffin to finally get the honor he deserved.
(Wordcount: 100)
The Friday Fictioneers are held by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. The 100-word challenge taught me to make every word count. “Cut the crap, get to the point, Bridget,” I think I needed that. 🙂
Join us, it’s fun!
The happy Quitter! 
Sadly, I knew where this one was going too and unfortunately it’s a tale that’s played out all too frequently 😦
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Such a sad story… too many come home like that.
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Yes, they do.
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It was the shiny boots that got me. Well done.
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I knew where this was going, for it’s somber beauty–– from line one, right to the final words. Really touching!
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Smart Lady 🙂
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In good company. 😉
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🙂
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Touching story, your description brought us to the end perfectly.
Isadora 😎
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Beautiful tale.
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Thank you, I am glad you liked it.
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Touching story. Really liked the line. “She smiled when she said it, smiled the way only a woman in love can smile.”
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There is a special smile we have for the people we love. It goes deeper.
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Sadly, too many come home in coffins–and even one is too many. You made the story personal. Well done.
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Thank you
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Sad and so well written
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Thank you. Brought one of those beloved home last week.
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😦
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Very sad but good story.
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I agree, well crafted. And though like Rochelle I guessed what was coming, you still built enough poignancy in the tale for that not to matter. A tragic homecoming
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A sad one, Bridget. I figured something was coming but wasn’t sure what until it hit. I did a double-take on the “Friday” Fictioners. I thought for a minute I’d lost two days!
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Dear Bridget,
I rather saw that ending coming. It doesn’t take away the power or the poignancy of the overall story. Well constructed. Perfect for the day.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle. As always, I appreciate your comment.
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Wow, what a kick in the ending!
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Yes, I know. I almost felt guilty but couldn’t help it.
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Tragic tale, beautifully crafted. Excellent.
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Thank you Iain.
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