IAIN KELLY

A WHISPER

Autumn had arrived. The windows were covered in early morning condensation as the cold air outside met the warm heated air of his apartment.

He pulled the blanket round his shoulders and stared at the murky grey dawn.

A child’s laughter, like a whisper on the breeze, echoed round the quiet room. Through the hazy window he saw a flash of a yellow raincoat, a pair of small red wellies running along the grass, splashing in the puddles. A face turned and looked, a small hand waved at him.

With the edge of the blanket he cleared a patch of moisture from the window.

The empty street stared back at him. The whisper died on the breathless air.

He lay back down on his bed and dreamt of the life he had once known.

The life he had lost.


photo-20180910153513058
Copyright Wildverbs

Written as part of Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. The challenge is to write a flash fiction story or poem in around 150 – 175 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.

30 responses to “A WHISPER”

  1. Darnell Cureton Avatar

    An eerie story in a few words. Well Done.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much Darnell, much appreciated.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. syncwithdeep Avatar
    syncwithdeep

    unfulfilled childhood.. I wish you continue the flashback sometime again, Ian.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  3. LionAroundWriting Avatar

    Words well used.
    Both depressing and off kilter, effective.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much.

      Like

  4. Lynn Love Avatar

    Really very good. Love that atmosphere, the understated loss, no need to explain what has happened as you imply it so well. Reminds me of the film Don’t Look Now for some reason, a man looking for a little girl he’ll never get back, the hole she leaves behind. Great writing Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Lynn – glad you made that connection, it was there in the description of the child and glad it added to the understanding 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lynn Love Avatar

        It worked very well, hitting home with added resonance

        Liked by 1 person

  5. Priceless Joy Avatar

    Oh my goodness, what a sad story! He was only dreaming of his children. Great story, Iain!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you PJ, alas he was.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. pensitivity101 Avatar

    Another sad story Iain, but so vivid.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Di

      Liked by 1 person

      1. pensitivity101 Avatar

        You’re welcome.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Abhijit Ray Avatar
    Abhijit Ray

    Good thing he went back to sleep. The picture is too difficult to understand.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you – sometimes it is best to shut out those memories.

      Like

  8. Jade M. Wong Avatar

    Oh no…that was a sad story fitting of the photo. Wonderful writing, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Jade

      Liked by 1 person

  9. any1mark Avatar

    I like the feeling and mystery here. Is this the past coming to say hi or something that literally lost.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you – I leave that for you to decide.

      Like

  10. anuragbakhshi Avatar

    Full of melancholy that one.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Indeed it is.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. E.F. Olsson Avatar

    Great story, Ian! I love the atmosphere that you provoke with this.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much

      Like

  12. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    A sorrowful tale filled with sadness and longing. Superb storytelling Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Keith, much appreciated.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Sarah Ann Avatar
    Sarah Ann

    Very evocative – the cold comfort of that blanket wrapped around his shoulders.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Sarah Ann

      Like

  14. Ellespeth Avatar

    Sad and moody – like the photograph.
    I hope he is able to hold onto the memory of laughter.
    Ellespeth

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Well said Ellespeth

      Like

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