Here’s Suzanne Burke’s‘Fiction In A Flash Challenge 2021. New Image Prompt #30.
Sorry, I’m a little late posting this.
When I saw the plane leaving I thought about my character, Coral, watching her parents fly away. So, this is based on “Dolphin’s Cave.”
This is a Haibun Poem that is a prose paragraph and Haiku/Senryu that connect.
GOODBYE
She clung to her aunt’s chilled hand as the plane disappeared behind the heavy gray clouds. In her other hand was the smooth, silver dolphin pendant, a gift from her parents for her 8th birthday. It symbolized the promise of a happy future. The sparkling smile and final wave from her mother had settled into a content calm as she turned away. She’d mark each day carefully on her ocean calendar until they returned from their business trip. Soon, they would make that tropical journey together.
Plane found in the sea
Her parents lost but not found
Hope held up her heart.
Goodness, Denise. I didn’t expect that one. Good job 😁
Thanks, John. I’m always surprised what pops up:)
😁
Aw, that’s so sad.
It is. But at least there’s hope:)
Ah, true 🤗
Denise, wow, what a great piece of flash. I love twist endings and this was definitely unexpected.
Great job!
eden
Thanks, Eden. I really have fun doing these challenges, especially in this format.
Lovely piece of writing, Denise.
Thank you, Judith 🙂 xo
When I saw your post, I read the poem first, and immediately thought of Dolphin’s Cave, then went to the paragraph. For those of us who read and loved Dolphin’s Cave, your post holds a promise. Love it! 💗
Thanks, Gwen. I couldn’t help but think of Coral watching her parents plane fly away. Yes, always hope. Xo
I haven’t read Dolphin’s Cave yet–I’m looking forward to getting to it!–but this poem and passage resonate wonderfully. Great take on the prompt, Denise 🙂
Thanks, Harmony:) Yay! I was going to write about something else but this took over.
Great poem, but sad. Like Harmony, I haven’t read Dolphin’s Cave yet, but I’ll look forward to it.
Thanks, Joan 🙂 Although a kid’s story, I think adults might enjoy it too. It is sad but still some hope.
Well, I didn’t expect that. Powerful, Denise.
My character pushed her way into this challenge:) Thanks, Staci.
Such tragic events change our life! Realities are very painful and unforgettable.
They do change our lives, Balroop. Very painful and unforgettable, but there is also hope.
This is such a moving take on the prompt, Denise. I love this and I’m so sorry it missed the deadline this week.
Thank you, Soooz. I was going to sit down and do it Wednesday, but then I ended up watching TV and the events playing out. I had an idea, so I went ahead and did it anyways, even past the deadline:)
It’s a marvelous take on the prompt, Denise. It’s been a tumultuous week for my friends in the US of A. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. 🙏
Oh, I love how you tied this into Dolphin’s Cave, Denise! Great job!
Thanks, Jan. I had a few different ideas, but kept coming back to Coral.
A very moving post, Denise. Well done.
Thank you, Mark.
That is heart-wrenching. I can’t imagine how I would move on, much less an 8-year-old.
It is a sad moment, but there is hope thrown in. Yes, I can’t imagine how a child would deal with such a loss.
So purrfect for your story.
Thanks, Sandra xo
Oh, my, Denise! I never saw that coming. Totally unexpected and powerful. I read it twice just to soak it all in. Such emotion!
Thank you, Mae:) I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It was a nice challenge to base it off a book and that moment.
This is very beautiful and tragic, Denise. A lovely share.
Thank you, Robbie 🙂
Oh, no! I wasn’t expecting that ending- poor child 🙁
Yes, it was horrible for her, but she was able to hope.
Oh no, I was shocked at the ending, Denise! So sorry for the child. The plane went down in Indonesia came to my mind. The 26 passengers could be parents and siblings of many people. Great job responding to the prompt.
Thank you, Miriam. It is tragic when family suffer this loss. Coral is able to remain hopeful though for other reasons.
Yes, Denise, hope helps us to move on.