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Photographs tell Stories #flashfiction

This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about “the old photograph.” What is captivating about it? Where did it come from? How does it incite a story? Go where the prompt leads!

One of the things I think we need to encourage most in our children is curiosity: I wonder — how, when, where, why, what, who, what if …

children ask questions to find out about the world and how things work

Curiosity got me into lots of strife when I was a child. Curiostiy is where Charli’s prompt lead me. I hope the story makes you as curious as are the characters in it.

Photographs tell Stories

Nothing would dampen Megan’s curiosity. The slightest hand or foothold was irresistible. If none existed, she made one.

Mary gasped. Megan was atop bucket, on stool, on chair, on table, stretching for a box on the top shelf. Mary didn’t breathe as, in slow motion, Megan swiped the box and tumbled in a mess of wood and plastic. Mary, in fast-forward, grabbed arms and legs before she hit; but the box bounced, spewing its contents across the floor.

Megan plucked out an old photograph.

“Who’s dat, Mum?”

Mary trembled. Could it be her? The one in his poem? Who?

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Comments

35 responses to “Photographs tell Stories #flashfiction”

  1. Anne Goodwin is bringing Matilda Windsor home Avatar

    Great little climber. So will there be a follow-up as we find out what Mary found?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      I’m not sure yet. I hadn’t considered that. Thanks for asking.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Kate Avatar

    I could just ‘see’ Megan in action – reminded me of my son who used many a piece of furniture to climb and get what he wanted. And then the twist to keep us guessing. Good one.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      My daughter was a bit of a climber. As was her mother before her. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Jules Avatar

    Your piece reminds me of the ‘war chest’ we inherited from my FIL (he should rest) – His wife it seems was never curious about what was in it and it was only open after he passed.

    I like that you leave us curious 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      It was very similar to that. It was a chest of the mother’s father’s things. He’d written a poem about his first love (not the woman’s mother) but she had never been identified.
      I’m pleased you remained curious.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jules Avatar

        It is just a tad unfortunate that a few promises of love due to war weren’t able to kept, especially after the solider ended up returning home. Few stayed in the country where the war was. And perhaps only a very few of the ‘partners’ were able to be brought back to the country of the soldier who fought.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Norah Avatar

          I think there may have been a lot of lost loves and broken promises back then. But there often are.

          Liked by 1 person

  4. Jennie Avatar

    Curiosity should always be encouraged, even if it leads to unexpected consequences. Well done, Norah!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Jennie. I agree, of course.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie Avatar

        You’re welcome, Norah! I knew you would agree. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  5. Darlene Avatar

    I love old pictures. They tell us so much and are great fodder for stories. This one was great!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thanks so much, Darlene. I appreciate your lovely comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. robbiesinspiration Avatar

    Oooh, this brings back some memories for me, Norah. A great piece.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Robbie. Good memories, I hope.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Rebecca Glaessner Author Avatar

    Oh, interesting ending there Norah! Now I want to know who’s in the photo. Children have a wonderful way of bringing our attention to things unseen. I love that about this piece.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      I’m pleased it intrigued you, Rebecca. Thanks for your lovely comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. The Old Photograph « Carrot Ranch Literary Community Avatar

    […] Photographs and Stories by Norah Colvin […]

    Like

  9. LucciaGray Avatar

    Great story, Norah! It could be the beginning of a novel… very intriguing and all in 99 words! Brilliant👏👏

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thanks so much, Luccia. There’s probably enough backstory for a novel. I don’t think I’ve got it in me though.

      Like

  10. Jim Borden Avatar

    you’ve left me wanting to know more about the photo!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      I’m pleased to hear that, Jim.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Jacqui Murray Avatar

    I have photos like that–a group standing outside a ramshackle house in the weeds, dour faces and curious kids. I could stare at them a long time. Good story, Norah. Everyone will relate to this.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thanks, Jacqui. Old photos can be quite intriguing, can’t they?

      Liked by 1 person

  12. TanGental Avatar

    Nicely full of intrigue. A mistress of suspense, so you are.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Geoff. 😊

      Like

  13. Charli Mills Avatar

    Norah, that’s a great collage of curious children. We are born with such wonder! Mary is a frazzled mom and I enjoyed the unfolding scenario but did not expect the revelation of a mystery. Good to know Mary retained her own curiousity.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      I hope the unexpected mystery wasn’t too much of a surprise. I meant it to be a snippet that raised more questions than it answered.

      Like

  14. D. Avery @shiftnshake Avatar

    Bit of a twist there? From curious child to curious wife? Maybe Mary is also grasping at created holds and will let go to find all is well, not the worst she can imagine.
    Love your portrayal of this curious child; intrigued by the curiosity of the adult.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thanks, D. I appreciate your comment.
      The photo was actually in an old box of her father’s “stuff” that she’d never wanted/bothered to look at after he’d gone. More of a family mystery being filled out, not impacting her as a wife.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. D. Avery @shiftnshake Avatar

        Still a curious mystery for her, that photo. Well done, Buddy.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Norah Avatar

          Thanks, D.

          Liked by 1 person

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