PHOTO PROMPT © Penny Gadd
Rochelle’s challenge this week is prompted by Penny’s photo of a room with a calm vibe.
Here is my story.
Diary Entry for May 12th 2019
MAY 12th
Returned from my final reporting assignment in Syria. My flat is waiting for me, as we left it. I set off from Syria three days ago, though the encounters I had there are still replaying in my head.
I’ve learned that I can travel away from destruction and carnage but they don’t leave me for days. Foresaw my retirement as reflective and companionable and with you.
Instead I confront the fact of your death, killed in Idlib. Your commitment to witnessing the truth will be my inspiration and help to offset the anguish I feel.
Note : this story is invented, with reference to actual events.
September 9, 2019 at 7:03 pm
So much have been witnessed, and so many have lost their life. I always wonder about the life of a war reporter.
September 9, 2019 at 7:10 pm
I appreciate your comment Bjorn — I’m not sure what drives them to do that job.
September 7, 2019 at 6:54 pm
Moving take on the prompt.
September 9, 2019 at 7:18 pm
Thank you, most kind.
September 6, 2019 at 9:30 pm
This is beautifully done. Very moving.
September 9, 2019 at 7:23 pm
Thanks for your comment Lisa. I glad you liked the story.
September 6, 2019 at 2:33 am
War leaves an impact on not on the participants but also the observers. Nicely done.
September 6, 2019 at 5:40 pm
I appreciate your comment – glad you liked the story.
September 9, 2019 at 7:33 pm
Appreciate your comment — thanks.
September 5, 2019 at 7:10 pm
We are surrounded by death every day, and only when it effects us do we try to understand.
September 6, 2019 at 5:44 pm
A very wise comment James.
September 5, 2019 at 3:46 pm
Everything back home is the same, yet their whole world has changed.
September 6, 2019 at 5:51 pm
Thank you for your comment Ali – you are right.
September 5, 2019 at 12:51 pm
Fiction for some but fact for others. A moving piece indeed.
My story – Billy and me!
September 6, 2019 at 5:56 pm
Thank you Keith – I appreciate your feedback.
September 4, 2019 at 11:17 pm
I loved this, not least for the fact you made no reference at all to the sinister plant
September 6, 2019 at 6:03 pm
I appreciate your comment Neil – so pleased you liked the story. I did not give the plant any eye contact, stayed out its forcefield.
September 4, 2019 at 8:35 pm
Matter-of-fact voice recounting ghastly events.
Well done.
September 6, 2019 at 6:14 pm
I appreciate you comment, thanks.
September 4, 2019 at 7:56 pm
Glad you’re home safe. Great story, and one of the reasons I never walked the path of journalism. I saw too much of that just working with the fire department. Great write!
September 6, 2019 at 6:24 pm
Thanks so much for your comment.
September 4, 2019 at 7:07 pm
That was wonderfully written, Francine.
The life of a reporter is not an easy one.
September 6, 2019 at 6:26 pm
Thank you Dale – pleased you liked the story. Somehow, Penny’s picture set me off thinking about journalists…
September 6, 2019 at 6:28 pm
So glad it did. I was getting a tad tired of man-eating plants…
September 4, 2019 at 7:06 pm
Big topics to tackle in 100 words, brave and well done.
September 6, 2019 at 6:37 pm
Thanks so much Iain – somehow Penny’s prompt photo led me to the story.
September 4, 2019 at 6:48 pm
Dear Francine,
This put me in mind of the movie “Up Close and Personal” with Robert Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer. Well told story, my dear.
Shalom,
Rochelle
September 6, 2019 at 6:43 pm
Thanks so much Rochelle – so pleased you liked the story.
September 4, 2019 at 6:42 pm
That’s a harsh and unpleasant homecoming.
September 6, 2019 at 6:50 pm
Thanksfor your comment.
September 4, 2019 at 5:10 pm
It read as very true-to-life. Excellent.
September 6, 2019 at 6:53 pm
I appreciate your comment Linda – glad you liked the story.
September 4, 2019 at 3:16 pm
Poignant story – beautifully told.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
September 6, 2019 at 6:54 pm
Thank you Susan, I appreciate your feedback.
September 4, 2019 at 3:07 pm
Too many journalists and truth-seekers killed (and all the rest).
September 6, 2019 at 6:58 pm
Thanks for your comment, good point.
September 4, 2019 at 2:35 pm
Ouch. That’s serious fiction.
September 6, 2019 at 7:00 pm
Thank you – I felt serious about writing it.
September 6, 2019 at 7:45 pm
🙂