She had withered over the cold winter. The gradual process of ageing had taken its final undignified collapse.

Francis wheeled her mother outside into the garden, where the morning sunshine had evaporated the dew and birdsong brought promise of the arriving spring.

As the rays of light beamed over the frail figure, the hunched back straightened, the fingers uncurled, the wrinkled eyes widened.

‘I’ll walk, I think,’ Rose stood and took Francis’ arm in hers.

Leaning on her daughter, they shuffled slowly round the garden.

‘I should like a trip to the seaside when the summer comes.’

Francis smiled.

Copyright Marie Gail Stratford

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.