Welcome to Friday Fictioneers where each week close to 100 people participate in a flash fiction challenge based on a photo prompt.
This week’s photo ~ Copyright- El-Appleby
And now my 100 word story:
Cleaning out the junk accumulated in this house over the last 25 years is a daunting task, but it must be done. I began in the attic but the first box I opened took my breath away and knocked me to my knees. There on top was the stuffed animal my granddaughter had to have from our trip to the zoo. She was only 6 and who can tell a six-year-old granddaughter “no”?
She would have been 16 this summer if I hadn’t put her on that fateful plane home. Instead she remains forever in our memories; that precious six-year-old.
The Day After 
You can’t throw away this beautiful thing! ….I hope it is not too big…
LikeLike
Yes, the cleaning out the attic is a daunting task indeed.
LikeLike
Dear Dawn,
Heart felt. Heart rending.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Thank you Rochelle.
LikeLike
no fictional tears…
LikeLike
A really sad story!
LikeLike
Yes, thank you for your comment.
LikeLike
Dawn, I’ve been going through the “stuff” of 28 years in this house but thankfully have nothing like this. Very touching story. Well done!
janet
LikeLike
I too have been going through some things looking to clean up and out. I suppose that was part of the inspiration.
Thanks for commenting Janet. Have a nice rest of the week.
LikeLike
Touching, heartfelt, well done
Dee
LikeLike
Thank you Dee.
LikeLike
Such a heartfelt story of that stuffed animal. Well done! This was a toughie, IMO.
LikeLike
Thank you. Yes, it’s quite an odd creature.
LikeLike
Oh, how sad, bittersweet memories of our loved ones, both cherished and grieved. (hugs)
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
sad… but who knows what will happen in life, and we can’t blame ourselves. Memories and love help. Randy
LikeLike
True that!
LikeLike
Sweet and sad. Very nicely crafted, a poignant memory.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Very sad. I hope it’s not autobiographical.
LikeLike
Oh no. Thank God, no.
LikeLike
This is very touching and lovingly written. Going through old things that have been stored away is hard enough…
LikeLike
Since I have been doing just that, it was part of my inspiration.
LikeLike
Sad story. very touching.
LikeLike
Thank you nightlake.
LikeLike
I echo what the other folks said, this is a touching and sad story. That unusual stuffed animal needs to be kept for all the memories it contains.
LikeLike
I don’t think she could throw it out.
LikeLike
That’s really moving, funny how some objects unlock such powerful emotions.
LikeLike
Isn’t that the truth!
LikeLike
A sad and touching tale. Very moving.
LikeLike
Thank you, and thank for the picture.
LikeLike
Glad to read your comment that this is not autobiographical–too sad. Well done.
LikeLike
Thank you
LikeLike
a touching tale.. well written
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Powerful memories can be evoked by things … This shares that feeling well.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
That was heart-wrenching. Where’s the kleenex? What a horrible thing, to lose a child.
LikeLike
Indeed. I can’t imagine, and don’t want too!
LikeLike
Shockingly sad… major impact, especially as I had just read several funny/ sweet flashes. Wow. Pain- regret – remorse, this flash has it all!
LikeLike
I was trying to step outside of my comfort zone a little so I ended up with this morose tale the same week everyone else is hilarious. Believe me, I noticed that too
LikeLike
Don’t worry – there is no rule saying they have to be happy flashes – I love the mixture this week of the stories we have all written.
LikeLike
It would be hard not to blame yourself for something like that, even it is was only chance. I think reminders would be more painful than anything, but I guess it’s better than nothing. Great story.
LikeLike
Thank you David. Yes< I thought about all that when I wrote it. Would everyone blame grandma? It got too deep so I got out. You gotta live 100 words!
LikeLike
a really heartbreaking tale… and i agree with david, hard not to feel a sense of guilt over sending her to that trip…
LikeLike
Yes…
Thanks for commenting kz
LikeLike
Ah, so sad and sweet. A stuffed animal can bring back powerful memories. I hope she is having some good ones with finding this.
LikeLike
Yes…
LikeLike
what a story… I got tears in my eyes
LikeLike
Awww…sorry..but thank you.
LikeLike