Iain Kelly

THE DISAPPEARED

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.

Copyright Ted Strutz

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

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62 responses to “THE DISAPPEARED”

  1. Margaret Avatar
    Margaret

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Liz H Avatar
      Liz H

      Very sad, but thank god for people like Frank. Perhaps he’s known a similar love, once upon a time…

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Iain Kelly Avatar
        Iain Kelly

        Thanks Liz, an interesting thought – Frank may know what he is going through – I like that idea.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Margaret. I get the feeling it’s been a while.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more Avatar
    OIKOS™- Art, Books & more

    Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks for the reblog 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more Avatar
        OIKOS™- Art, Books & more

        🙏 You are welcome, Iain! I hope all is right. Best wishes, Michael

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Tannille Avatar
    Tannille

    Such yearning. Hope can be a cruel mistress.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      But it’s what keeps us going. Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Iain,

    So much longing in this piece. Perhaps it’s time for him to move on. Nicely done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Rochelle. I wonder if it will be Frank that has the heart to tell him one day…

      Like

      Reply
  5. Alana Mautone (@RamblinGarden) Avatar
    Alana Mautone (@RamblinGarden)

    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

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Alana. It does seem a little hopeless, but I don’t see him giving up.

      Like

      Reply
  6. Yamini Ali MacLean Avatar
    Yamini Ali MacLean

    Hari Om
    …and a delicious slice you served us, Iain! YAM xx
    W=Window

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  7. pensitivity101 Avatar
    pensitivity101

    Lovely piece Iain.
    Good luck with the new book.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Di, we’ll see how it goes, hopefully finds a few readers.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. neilmacdon Avatar
    neilmacdon

    Beautifully done, Iain. I felt the rumble of the train

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Neil, much appreciated

      Like

      Reply
  9. Lynn Love Avatar
    Lynn Love

    Really lovely, Iain. Touching, heartfelt stuff. A little tragedy

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks so much Lynn, always lovely to hear from you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. Michael Avatar
    Michael

    Life can be sad… but perhaps fate intends a different future for him.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Michael – maybe so.

      Like

      Reply
  11. magickmermaid Avatar
    magickmermaid

    A very poignant story. Hopefully something good will happen. Thank goodness for Frank.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much – there is always that glimmer of hope! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. Sadje Avatar
    Sadje

    Such a poignant story Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Sadje

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. Mike Avatar
    Mike

    Nicely done Iain. I could feel his loneliness through your words.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Mike, much appreciated

      Like

      Reply
  14. Sascha Darlington Avatar
    Sascha Darlington

    Sad, the feeling of loneliness is palpable. I wonder what happened to her . . .

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Sascha. I have a few ideas…

      Like

      Reply
  15. Frank Hubeny Avatar
    Frank Hubeny

    Nice use of the cafe in your story as a place of memories and maybe future meeting.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Frank

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. msjadeli Avatar
    msjadeli

    Thank heavens for such allies. Good story, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. msjadeli Avatar
        msjadeli

        You’re very welcome.

        Liked by 1 person

  17. CGraith Avatar
    CGraith

    Making me cry with this one! Have to believe one day someone new will get off the train and kindle a new love.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      That’s a nice thought. Thank you.

      Like

      Reply
  18. Kimber Templin Avatar
    Kimber Templin

    One can always stay hopeful! Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  19. trishsplace Avatar
    trishsplace

    Great. You’ve encapsulated the history and a comraderie very well.
    I love it when the local business reaches out to those in need.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      They do rally round in a time of crisis. Thanks Trish.

      Like

      Reply
  20. Keith's Ramblings Avatar
    Keith’s Ramblings

    Maybe. Will she? Maybe not.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      He can but hope and wait. Thanks Keith

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. plaridel Avatar
    plaridel

    i guess, hope springs eternal. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      We need more of it at the moment!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  22. Danny James Avatar
    Danny James

    Bet the wait will be long.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      But will it be worth it? Thanks Danny

      Like

      Reply
  23. notestowomen Avatar
    notestowomen

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks so much 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  24. Rowena Avatar
    Rowena

    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

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Rowena. Here’s to more Franks 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  25. GHLearner Avatar
    GHLearner

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  26. pennygadd51 Avatar
    pennygadd51

    It’s amazing how little can sometimes be enough to knock a whole life off-course. I fear she won’t be back, though.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I fear not, thanks Penny

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  27. Bill Avatar
    Bill

    One can hope, but not forever. One must move on with life, eventually. One hopes. I enjoyed the scene setting, Iain. Creative.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Bill

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  28. Laurie Bell Avatar
    Laurie Bell

    Wow, a lot of lost hope here yet it still feels somewhat hopeful at the end. Well written Iain!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Laurie

      Like

      Reply
  29. Nobbinmaug Avatar
    Nobbinmaug

    Sometimes, we have to cling to hope like a liferaft because that’s exactly what it is.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Very true. Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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