This is a companion to another short piece – you can read part one here: THE NEW NORMAL
The sky had cleared since the morning. Albert wrapped up in a jacket and found a spot in the sunshine on their small balcony.
‘Just popping out in the boat to see mother,’ Elaine called from the house. ‘Lunch is in the kitchen for you.’
He heard the window close and the clatter of oars as she got into the rowing boat. As she rowed off the sound of water lapping against the house was all that broke the silence.
Finished with the weekly newspaper, Albert rose from his chair and picked up the small secateurs from the bucket.
Since the water had come, having a garden was the thing he missed the most. The few potted flowers that lined the balcony were a poor substitute. The yellow and red and orange colours broke the monotonous brown-blue water-filled landscape.
Next week was the annual village Flower Festival. He was convinced his Yellow Sar Dahlia would take first prize this year. After all, no one had seen one since the floods had claimed the land permanently.
This is a companion piece to another story – read Part One here: THE NEW NORMAL
Written as part of Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. The challenge is to write a flash fiction story in around 150 words, based on the weekly photo prompt. Thanks as always to the challenge host Priceless Joy. For more information visit HERE.
To read other stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
IAIN KELLY 
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