Lace and Charcoal

Outside the broken window, the ocean was loud, while the cows kept quiet. Their peaceful black and white shadows graced the hillside cliff, balancing out the crashing below.

Inside the broken window, the snug room was quiet, the loudest sound being the popping of the candle’s wick. The shadows of the two people inside flickered against the wall as if they moved in real life, even though one of them lie very still. Everything was overly subdued, unnaturally so.

“When you wake up, we will,” Henry whispered and touched Kara’s forehead, careful not to leave another smudge. Careful to answer in a way that honored and remembered the world they’d grown up in.

Rather than closing it, he left the book open to her last drawing and laid it on her nightstand, the charcoal depiction needing his preservative care. Silently, he noted her untouched glass of water and then set off to school, the lace of his sleeve stained with sweat at the loose cuff. 

If today were like yesterday, she would be there when he returned home. If today were like the day before yesterday, he would have but a trail of bare muddy footsteps to lead him to wherever her sleeping walk had ended.

“I would not know love without you. Please be here when I get back.”

“Lace and Charcoal” by Carlene Love Flores

I hope you enjoyed this piece of flash fiction. Have a nice Friday and a good weekend ahead.