MOVING TIME

The books could go. She was never going to have the time to read all of them again anyway. She would pick one, maybe two. The rest could go to the charity shop.

Sun rays broke through the window. She wouldn’t miss the view of the neighbour’s roof, but she would miss the memories of the room. The memories of them, her and him, he already fading away from her mind.

‘It’s just a house,’ they told her to try and convince her the move was a good thing. ‘You’ll be happier in this new place.’

They were wrong. It was more than just a house. It was her life.

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

A wonderful event last night at local independent bookstore The Book Nook Stewarton, for my new novel ‘All We Cannot Leave Behind’. Lovely to have a full room of readers talking about books and taking an interest in my writing!

All We Cannot Leave Behind is available to order in paperback and ebook from all good booksellers, along with The State Trilogy and The Barra Boy.

52 responses to “MOVING TIME”

  1. A house peopled by ghosts. Her plight is well-evoked, Iain

    Liked by 1 person

  2. It looks like she’s headed for an aged-care home. Evocative story, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Afraid so, it has come to that time of life for her. Thank you

      Like

  3. It was her dear home with a lifetime of precious memories.

    Very tough to let go…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Anita, it’s a recognition that her time is coming to an end

      Like

  4. You hit me right in the feels, Iain. My husband has been quite ill this week, and one of my children is hinting that we need to start thinking about clearing out the house and selling. He’s better now, so the pressure is off, but I sense a change coming that I’m not too happy about.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Sorry to hear that Linda, but yes, there is a realisation at some point that life is not infinite and at some point that recognition will come to us all. Hope your husband continues to feel better.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Doesn’t matter the age; if we are attached to a place, it is always difficult to leave. Nicely done, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. It’s heartwrenching to be taken from our home. A home is more than four walls and a ceiling. It’s a life you created, left behind. I just had this conversation with our children. I never thought my wishes would be left up to them. Now, I must put it all in writing. Painful read for me, Iain. I felt all of the words.

    Isadora 😎

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It comes to us all, and we should be thankful for those children who will be there for us and after us.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Oh yes. I know my MIL felt this way when we moved her from her house to the assisted living facility. It was so hard for her to give up her things but there just wasn’t room for them all.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Janet, it’s such a moment, to admit that our time is finite.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. A painful decision, but better to make it herself than being forced to do it through illness. That’s the price we pay for getting ever older. You caught the emotional turmoil perfectly. And congrats on that book event, the people all look happy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much, the event was a great evening. Something to remember when I reach my old age!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Dear Iain,

    A hard place to be in life. Memories cling to places, don’t they? Lovely story. I also enjoyed the pictures of your book signing. Local bookstores are a rarity here. Wishing you all the best.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Rochelle. The local indie bookstores are having a bit of a revival over here, becoming more like community centres and doing some of the things that libraries used to.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Patricia Clair Avatar
    Patricia Clair

    So relatable and heartbreaking. Thank you for this touching moment in time.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much Patricia, much appreciated

      Like

  11. Iain, you articulate the meaning of homes and memories and what we lose if we choose to leave them very well. My mom was never the same after she had to leave the family home :( 

    On a brighter note, congratulations on your growing audience of readers. Has to be an energizing feeling for you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you on both counts. Yes, it certainly is energising and makes the work worthwhile when you find an appreciative audience.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. It’s so hard to let go of places and things that have become imbued with memories and emotions, whether they be homes or objects. Your story captures her grief perfectly. Like many other readers, I’ve been through this recently with my mother. So sad. Congratulations on your book event. Great photos.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. A place lived in for so long does indeed carry memories in every wall. A sad piece.

    But those pics at the book signing look fantastic. I hope you had a great time!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Laurie, I did indeed have a great time!

      Liked by 1 person

  14. All houses are haunted houses so says the poem. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. how sad, but such is life.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s it, there’s no point in denying it will happen to us all.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. It’s hard to give everything up. I’d be stubborn for as long as possible.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yep, holding on until there’s no other option!

      Liked by 1 person

  17. What a heartbreaking place to be. Leaving homes behind is always difficult, especially, I’d assume, if your memories of a lost loved one are reflected in every windowpane. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s it, the memories that you are leaving as well as the physical things. Thanks Angela

      Like

  18. Moving in both senses of the word. I dread the thought of leaving my place.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Keith, a few years away yet I trust

      Like

  19. moving can be painfully for some, well written

    Liked by 1 person

  20. It’s always hard to leave a place that has been home for a long time, especially against one’s will.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Regular house moving is the answer. We did that up until 7 years ago. Now 7 years of memories/clutter is a monumental task. I’m sure she’ll get through, but maybe not happily. Congratulations on your book event.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Michael Humphris Avatar
    Michael Humphris

    Such a sad story, but is life. I feel sorry for who ever has to sort my home. I do sell something each week, but I invariably replace it with two items🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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