This week’s challenge comes from the very talented A.S. Fenichel:
If you live in the U.S., How did you spend yesterday? Tell us about your Independence Day weekend. Now make up a really short story about how you wish you’d spent it. Can be as long or as short as you want, but make us wish we’d been there too. Oh and if you live outside the U.S., you can join the fiction part. If you were visiting during the 4th of July holiday, how do you imagine the day? GET CREATIVE!
I love my country. I say that with pride. Whenever I have traveled abroad and I come back to American soil, my eyes fill with tears of happiness. Seeing that flag, knowing it means home, fills me with joy. So, this weekend, I celebrated in my heart. I think about all the blood, sweat and tears shed to make this country great. And I am so grateful.
And here is my story….
Jewels bursting in the dark sky. Glorious. Cinnabar, my wonder-horse, and I have climbed the hill to see this wonderful display of light. We stand shoulder to shoulder taking it all in.
His head lifts at the approach of another. A huge bay gelding comes up beside us, but Cinnabar is not concerned. The rider dismounts and, in a flash of light, I take in the man’s broad shoulders and handsome face. And something inside me fills with color.
“Come here often?” he asks.
“Really? Is that the best you can do?” I respond.
“How about…did it hurt…when you fell from heaven?”
I groan.
“So changing the subject. The fireworks don’t seem to bother your horse”
“He trusts me.”
“Mine is a bit skittery.”
I laugh. “Which means you are not to be trusted?”
“Ouch.”
“Sorry.”
“My name is John.”
“Lori.”
“So, Lori, is there anything I can say to appear more attractive?”
I smile. He’s pretty attractive without trying, but I cannot tell him that. “I suppose if we got to know each other, you might eventually say the right thing.”
“That’s encouraging.”
One final, massive light show and it was finished.
“How about if Brutus and I walk you and your horse down to the stables and, if I’m very lucky, I might impress you.”
I mounted Cinnabar, the feeling of the horse under me so comforting and safe. I waited until he was in the saddle. He looked over at me and the hope in his eyes melted my heart.
“Okay.” After all, it was Independence Day, the day our country was born, and I was feeling very positive about beginnings.
Now let’s hop over to the incredible Brenda Margriet’s offering.
