Time for another entry in Friday Fictioneers challenge, courtesy of Rochelle Wissof-Fields. If you want to give it a try, check the info on her blog. 100 words more or less, inspired by a photo, here we go….
Copyright – Melanie Greenwood
It will be recorded in history books that the day was partly cloudy, temperature was 13°C, with humidity slightly higher than usual. It will be recorded there were no warning signs, nothing unusual about that morning.
It will be strange to explain how the entire population vanished in a single moment.
It will be even harder to understand why one woman was left behind.
Melanie didn’t panic, equanimity was always her strong suit. Instead, she picked up her camera and captured her reflection in a window, thinking: Cheer up, darling. It could be so much worse. He is gone, too.
Dear Loré,
I think she might get lonely after a while. Perfect title. Nicely done.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I think there are many surprises in store for her. Thank you, Rochelle.
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I loved the formal tone in which this was delivered. And I love someone whose glass is half-full! 🙂
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Glass is always half-full. Unless it is empty. 🙂 Thank you, Sandra, glad you liked it.
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The title fits perfectly. She might not be alone though. The world is a huge place. Lots of exploring to do before she can jump to such a conclusion.
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I suspect she’ll bump into someone sooner then later. Tnx, Adam.
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I like how she looks on the bright side, but I’m a bit worried about all that information she, the last woman, has to record in all the history books! 😉
Claire
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Well, maybe that is all that was recorded. Imagine that, of all the things to leave for posterity you write about the temperature and humidity. 🙂 Thank you, Claire. It’s always nice to read your comments.
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Excellent mood. I like the steady pace you used. The song is a nice touch too.
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Thank you, I wanted to achieve an almost documentary feel.
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Very clever.
AnElephant chuckles.
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Me happy. Thank you.
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You caught the feeling of the empty chairs perfectly. Something very lonely about them.
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True. And it’s doubled by that glass, it’s like no end in sight.
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People disappearing seems all the rage these days in TV fiction. Think it’s high time I made someone disappear 🙂
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Just be careful in your choice.
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Now there is a supremely unflappable woman. 🙂 I like that she instantly thinks of the bright side. Even the worst Category 7 hurricane has a silver lining apparently.
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I think that in general equanimity is underrated. Thank you, David.
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Dear Lore,
This was marvelous. I had a deeply satisfying belly laugh at its conclusion. If I had the power to create silver linings the world would have far fewer people on it. Very well done.
Aloha,
Doug
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As I grow older, I find that the company of too many people suffocate me. I quite enjoy the quiet moments.
Thank you, Doug.
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Great. We need fewer people in the world. But remember, every silver lining has a cloud!
(Thanks for pic.)
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I love walking in the rain. So, there’s that. 🙂
Thank you.
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A sliver lining indeed, though I expect she’ll get a bit lonely after a while. I don’t suppose that will bother her either, though! Great story.
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Thank you, I suspect she’ll be ok.
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love it Lore!! I’m with her!! It reminds me when no one is around I always think “Great!! now I have the whole place to myself!!” 😀 ( but I’m an odd duck I know!)
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You’re not alone. More and more I enjoy some solitude. Tnx for the love! 😉
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PS I love the Lou Reed song!
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Reminds me of one of my favorite Twilight Zones but with a better ending! Thanks.
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I was in a mood for an uplifting ending. Thank you for stopping by.
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I absolutely love your story. The delivery, the voice, the hope when all seems lost. And that you captured the loneliness of the empty table and the faint reflection in the window all in 100 words.
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Oh my, thank you so much for your kind words. Much appreciated!
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Enjoyed your silver lining. Reminds me of a time when an elderly woman told me her husband was dead. I was so sorry and then she smiled and said she’s not.
Lily
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Oh my, that is so funny and sad at the same time. Glad you liked my silver lining, thank you.
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Oh! Now this was extra funny with the serious lead up. Still chuckling.
Ellespeth
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Yes, he beginning was intentionaly serious and detached and then along came Melanie! Glad I made you smile.
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This is one of my favorites this week! Great story and nicely written.
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Oh, that is a great compliment, much appreciated. Thank you!
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The details at the beginning create distance, but at the end you reel us in again. I love her attitude! Great stuff!
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That was my intention, for the beginning to be offhandedly delivered, so the end would resonate stronger. Thank you for your kind words, Margaret.
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Excellent! I hadn’t even noticed the woman’s reflection until I read your post. Superb!
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Oh, thank you! I always take time to study the photo, trying to find that one detail most of the people would overlook, thus giving me somewhat uniqe take on a prompt.
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Dear Snow, Great story – Well, to tell the truth, she will be working so hard trying to stay alive (planting/harvesting food; keeping safe water available and so much more – never mind about the electricity that will stop. Sounds like Eve needs to find Adam. Good job!
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Thank you, Nan. I think she’ll be just fine.
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Great take on the prompt.
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Thank you.
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Great reportage. I think Melanie is going to get on just fine alone – picking up her camera to take her reflection was such a mad and sensible thing to do.
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