P for Protection. That’s what he thought anyway, huddled under the El track. Every ten minutes the shudder of the metal stanchion and the clackety roar reminded him he was still alive.
Frank from the Pizza place came out and nodded to him. Handed him a coffee and a leftover slice. Their evening routine. ‘Any luck today?’ Frank always asked.
He always shook his head. Not today, maybe tomorrow. Always maybe one day in the future. She might come back, she might step off the El and stop at Frank’s for a coffee. Like they used to do.
Maybe one day.
Written for Friday Fictioneers 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.
Iain Kelly 
62 responses to “THE DISAPPEARED”
Poor man…I can sense his loneliness and vulnerability. I wonder how long he’s been waiting there. Lucky he’s got such a good friend in Frank.
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Very sad, but thank god for people like Frank. Perhaps he’s known a similar love, once upon a time…
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Thanks Liz, an interesting thought – Frank may know what he is going through – I like that idea.
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Thank you Margaret. I get the feeling it’s been a while.
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks for the reblog 🙂
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🙏 You are welcome, Iain! I hope all is right. Best wishes, Michael
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Such yearning. Hope can be a cruel mistress.
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But it’s what keeps us going. Thank you!
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Dear Iain,
So much longing in this piece. Perhaps it’s time for him to move on. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle. I wonder if it will be Frank that has the heart to tell him one day…
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What a lonely waiting. I don’t think the person he is waiting for is ever going to return. I hope, though, that Frank doesn’t give up on him. Alana ramblinwitham
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Thanks Alana. It does seem a little hopeless, but I don’t see him giving up.
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Hari Om
…and a delicious slice you served us, Iain! YAM xx
W=Window
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Thank you so much 🙂
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Lovely piece Iain.
Good luck with the new book.
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Thank you Di, we’ll see how it goes, hopefully finds a few readers.
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Beautifully done, Iain. I felt the rumble of the train
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Thanks Neil, much appreciated
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Really lovely, Iain. Touching, heartfelt stuff. A little tragedy
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Thanks so much Lynn, always lovely to hear from you 🙂
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Life can be sad… but perhaps fate intends a different future for him.
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Thanks Michael – maybe so.
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A very poignant story. Hopefully something good will happen. Thank goodness for Frank.
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Thank you so much – there is always that glimmer of hope! 🙂
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Such a poignant story Iain
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Thank you Sadje
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Nicely done Iain. I could feel his loneliness through your words.
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Thanks Mike, much appreciated
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Sad, the feeling of loneliness is palpable. I wonder what happened to her . . .
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Thanks Sascha. I have a few ideas…
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Nice use of the cafe in your story as a place of memories and maybe future meeting.
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Thanks Frank
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Thank heavens for such allies. Good story, Iain.
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Thank you 🙂
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You’re very welcome.
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Making me cry with this one! Have to believe one day someone new will get off the train and kindle a new love.
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That’s a nice thought. Thank you.
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One can always stay hopeful! Well done!
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Thank you 🙂
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Great. You’ve encapsulated the history and a comraderie very well.
I love it when the local business reaches out to those in need.
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They do rally round in a time of crisis. Thanks Trish.
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Maybe. Will she? Maybe not.
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He can but hope and wait. Thanks Keith
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i guess, hope springs eternal. 🙂
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We need more of it at the moment!
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Bet the wait will be long.
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But will it be worth it? Thanks Danny
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What a moving story, Iain. I can feel his longing and the hope he has that she would return one day. I hope for his sake that she does. Great friend, that Frank.
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Thanks so much 🙂
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Such a poignant story, Iain. We judge those who cheat and are disloyal and then you get folk like this character who never let go. I feel his pain and sorrow. I am so grateful for the Franks of this world. We need more of them. They usually fly under the radar and don’t seek glory but they are life savers doing what many of us would like to do.
Best wishes,
Rowena
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Thanks Rowena. Here’s to more Franks 🙂
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Maybe she’ll be back… depending on how and why she disappeared in the first place. Sad mood but with a bit of hope through the friendly gesture from the coffee shop owner.
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Thank you
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It’s amazing how little can sometimes be enough to knock a whole life off-course. I fear she won’t be back, though.
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I fear not, thanks Penny
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One can hope, but not forever. One must move on with life, eventually. One hopes. I enjoyed the scene setting, Iain. Creative.
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Thanks Bill
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Wow, a lot of lost hope here yet it still feels somewhat hopeful at the end. Well written Iain!
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Thank you Laurie
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Sometimes, we have to cling to hope like a liferaft because that’s exactly what it is.
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Very true. Thank you
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