Photo courtesy of Marie Gail Stratford https://rochellewisoff.com/2018/02/21/23-february-2018/
Thank you Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers, and to Marie Gail for her photo prompt. Here’s my 100 word story.
The Quiet Apartment
Her new retreat house apartment looks out over the communal garden. Her beloved space, her miniature universe where all is well. The seasons turn undisturbed, where life’s purpose is clear.
She steps out into the loud city crowds, for errands, for her work at the school. The garden remains her compass, back, into its still calm.
What am I retreating from, she wonders. Her previous life as wife, mother, teacher spent attending others? Here is a portal to a different universe, fizzing with possibilities. Undreamt of directions, all new to her. She is different here – where will it lead ?
February 24, 2018 at 3:40 pm
I love the solace she has found… yet I cannot really get away from the thought that she had to escape her past, could there have been abuse in her past?
February 24, 2018 at 5:25 pm
Yes, interesting to wonder why someone would leave all they know in favour of a retreat ? Perhaps not an easy decision ?
February 24, 2018 at 3:21 pm
I love this. As someone seriously considering retirement, I love the idea that there are all sorts of opportunities out there, but that I still have a quiet retreat when I need it.
February 24, 2018 at 5:26 pm
Thank you- glad to hear you have your own quiet retreat.
February 24, 2018 at 1:33 pm
Sounds like this woman will enjoy retirement and the increased opportunities to sit and stare! Looking forward to seeing the next India photos .
February 25, 2018 at 3:37 pm
Yes, you’re right- she’s found her space to be. More India photos to follow, I promise.
February 24, 2018 at 6:49 am
You’ve painted such an idyllic picture. Lovely.
February 24, 2018 at 5:27 pm
Thank you for your comment, glad you liked the story.
February 23, 2018 at 5:12 pm
You conjure up an alluring image of a place where your character finds both solace and inspiration.
February 24, 2018 at 5:29 pm
Thank you – I’m pleased you found a sense of solace and inspiration from the story.
February 23, 2018 at 3:22 pm
Dear Francine,
You’ve painted pleasant picture of solace. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
February 24, 2018 at 5:30 pm
Thank you Rochelle. The photo prompt gave me a strong sense of an enclosed courtyard as a kick start to the story.
February 23, 2018 at 7:27 am
I wish I had a place like that, it sounds lovely and peaceful 🙂
February 23, 2018 at 10:23 am
I agree, great to be able to visit it whenever you needed to.
February 22, 2018 at 8:57 pm
It feels so calm and serene. Time for herself to dream and maybe plan…
February 23, 2018 at 10:24 am
Yes, maybe plan – she might begin a whole new life ? What do you think…
February 23, 2018 at 11:44 am
I know I would!
February 22, 2018 at 4:37 pm
Such possibility in this oasis. I think we can all use a place like this!
February 23, 2018 at 10:25 am
I like the idea of possibilities within every day life – you just need to notice them.
February 22, 2018 at 11:05 am
I’m quite looking forward to the time when I can retreat from the noise of the world. Nice piece of contemplation.
February 22, 2018 at 4:16 pm
Thank you- I was imagining a place full of serenity.