He never really left.
His clothes and belongings were gone. Yet, every time I made tea or pet the cat, he sat there. Every time I bathed, his hands were soaping me. Having lunch with friends, I’d glance at my phone; expecting him to call.
He’ll never set me free.
“… but real hauntings have nothing to do with ghosts finally; they have to do with the menace of memory.” -Anne Rice
Poet Rummager 
Splendid story in a few words, Rose. I can’t decide if the person misses someone she loved (my first thought), or if it’s something more menacing, which is how it sounds at the end. Your painting does seem haunting! 🙂
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The story is meant to be vague, so the reader can add their own interpretation. Thank you, marvelous Merril! 🙂
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You are welcome radiant Rose!
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😀
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You’re so good at fifty word stories. I don’t imagine there is anyone who can’t connect with this in some way.
The header on your site is beautiful. The illustration for this post is great as well.
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I’ve missed you.
My attention span can only hold fifty words at a time. 😀
The header isn’t mine. I couldn’t decide which one of my drawings to use. Thank you, Oggy. xx
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A 50-word attention span? Hell, I can’t count that high. If it’s gonna take more than 5+7+5+7+7 syllables, I just go til I run out of gas.
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If you run out of gas, let me know, I can always pump you up. 😀
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Good idea a littlle story with free interpretation. I liked 😃
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Grazie, Pupazzovi! I also have free hugs for you. 😊
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Buona domenica cara amica 😀
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Anche tu! ☀️🌹
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I loved that, and it felt very much like a break up or death. Also the pictures are really pretty
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Yes, exactly Madeleine! I watched your video on the books you’ve read and enjoyed your reviews. What a lovely accent you have! Thanks for your kind comments. 😊🌸🌺
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Aw thank you!!
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Hehe. I’m hoping my ex-girlfriend is feeling the hauntings….
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Ooh! I am very curious, Ivor. Do you have a poem I can read about your ex? 😺
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Ooh !!! I some gushy romantic ones of our loving relationship. I
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Lol. Gushy is cute, but it’s also fun reading about the annoying habits and silly games. 😜
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Haha, I’m still snuggled in bed, it’s 7.40am Sunday here and only 3C, brrrr. I’ll find a cool one for you,
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That’s 37F. Damn, I didn’t know Australia got that cold. That’s right; you’re into winter over there. Well, keep warm and no rush. Have a good day! 🌷
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I’m in southern part of Australia, which is the same size as America. And I’m up now, haha housework, my brother and his wife visiting laterer. Have posted a new poem, for “you”.
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I just read it! Loved it and many thanks!! Wow, I had to dry off afterwards — the raging waves were monstrous!
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Have fun with your family!
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Whoops I’ll select one or two for you, shall post today if you like.
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Splendid story. So much there to enjoy.
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A whole buffet of splendor for my darling Scooj! Lol. Thank you very much. 🌹
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An intriguing story that leaves the reader craving for more specific details. Well done, Rose. Maybe at some later date, you could expand on the idea further and develop this into a full fledged story.
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Hmm. That is an idea worthy in considering. Thank you, Somali!
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So true to life…the trouble with memory is indeed you cannot put it aside, it is there within. Marvellously and sensitively observed, Rose, as always. xx
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You always read me so well, Paula. I look forward to your comments very much. Thank you! xo
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I think there is a tinge of desperation here, especially paired with the (wonderful) art. But hauntings don’t have to be bad, and perhaps the tone will change with time. (K)
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Ah, you’re an optimist! Perhaps. I’m usually not good with happy endings, but one can always hope. Thanks for your insight, K!🌹
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As long as there’s love you’re never free…it takes hate to sever the cord.
A big punch from just 50 words. And you deliver that punch so well, Rose.
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Maybe hate will just conjure up a violent ghost! Lol. Isn’t it crazy how one can fall head over heels with someone and then end up hating them? Familiarity does breed contempt. Sad but sometimes a necessity to sever that cord. Yes, you’re so right, Cathy. Then afterwards, we can write about all the jerks that have come into our lives. Maybe even turn them into monsters for a story. 😜. Thank you, my darkling friend. x
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Those jerks can teach us life lessons IF we pay attention. But if nothing else, you’re right, they do provide excellent fodder for writing. 😊
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Memories can’t be trusted.
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Memories can trick us! My parents had often times a toxic relationship but now that my dad has passed away, my mom has placed him on a pedestal. I bite my tongue when she talks of their harmony and chemistry. It consoles her to tweak those often volatile times, and I’m not one to contradict her. Whatever helps her cope is a far better thing than to see her bitter and in pain.
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Not just twisting our real memories, but the worst is that we can fabricate our memories with the right amount of suggestion. Hey, remember that time you baked me a pie?
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Pie? It was a cobbler. You were pissed I forgot the vanilla ice cream. Big baby!
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Ha! I’m the one who made the cobbler. Bigger baby.
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That’s right! I’d started making it, but you kept complaining I wasn’t doing it right. So typical. Smh.
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Another amazing story Rose,
told in only 50 words.
You really are very good with Flash fiction. 💕
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Thank you, Alan, my dearest friend. I look forward to reading a new post from you. 💝
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Nice story.
You have an interesting face.
How do you happen upon your ideas?
Kindness – Robert.
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Thank you! I have a warped mind, so ideas aren’t difficult to cultivate. I appreciate your visit, Robert.
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Ha – me too! Although actually, I’m starting to think that warped minds aren’t as uncommon as I thought they were. There are plenty on WordPress anyway. 🙂
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That’s why I ❤️ WP!
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Spread the love.
Spread the weird.
Love WordPress! 🙂
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I am not sure if this is romantic, as my first interpretation; or creepy, being literally haunted by some supernatural beings; or better yet a ghost …whichever is correct though i am sure we all agree to one thing-this is again one of your best short stories..(if that’s how its called)..
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The story’s narration can be steered wherever you want it to go, Mich. It’s your personal limo. 😊 You should try a 50-word story! Thank you — I’m touched. 💋
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Reblogged this on Ancien Hippie.
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Many thanks Penney. 😊
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A great write, Rose… your creativity amazes me! 😉 💕
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Doesn’t it also scare you, Iris? 😊💝 Thank you, sweet!
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Ah, it’s only fiction, right? Wonderfully told! Short and haunting… 👍 👀 ❤
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💋❤️
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Haunting good will.
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Good Will Haunting. I love that!!
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As others have said, the image and story are really good and good together. So much so that I am putting aside my old Yankee reluctance to say something that has already been well enough said.
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Ha! So funny. No worries.
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How did you fit a giant story inside 50 words? You must be a magician!
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Damn, you found me out! Now, I’m gonna need to saw you in half. Don’t worry; it won’t hurt. You’ll also be able to be in two places at one time! 😊
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Double the trouble!
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Twice as nice!
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Damn straight.
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Gee. So stuck up. 😜
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To be haunted by lost love is one of the most dreadful things we can experience I often think. Your story has bottled this feeling perfectly, Rose. It’s the ordinary things like taking a bath together that have a far greater impact on our souls than those hideous and staged romantic dinners in a restaurant. xoxo 💕
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You’d think that it would be dreadful, but my mom says the opposite. My dad passed away two years ago. They had a marriage rife with arguments and yelling. She still feels like he’s around and absolutely loves it. She even asks for a table for two when she goes out to eat. Very strange, but we cope in different ways, I guess. Thanks for such an insightful comment!💋 💝
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I´m very sorry about your dad, Rose. And I´m fascinated by your mom´s behaviour. Sure it seems odd at first glance but then, as you said, we all cope differently with things like that. And maybe it´s better to feel haunted than to feel alone…
Have a lovely week, my friend! 🙂 ❤ xoxo
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Yes, I think you’re right. Have a lovely week!! ❤️💛💚
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Pretty cool Rose 🙂
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You are a genius with the 50-word-story! I really feel for the girl who is living within the shackles of past…maybe she wants to set herself free and move on…
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