Welcome to Friday Fictioneers for March 27 (We start on Wednesday each week, but there is still plenty of time for you to play along.). Our hostess, Rochelle, corals around 100 writers from around the globe as we respond to the weekly photo prompt with 100-word stories.
This week’s photo is provided by David Stewart, who is a regular with Friday Fictioneers and a pretty cool guy that all of you should follow if you haven’t already.
My story this week weighs in at 105 words, and I know all you fine folks will forgive me as it has been months since I went over the 100-word mark for my FF story.
Copyright David Stewart
The Strains of Love
Janelle and Pamela attended a municipal band performance on their third date. Janelle was a music lover. Pamela was a musician. They married at the courthouse a year later, then celebrated with loved ones in a friend’s backyard. Pamela surprised Janelle with a string quartet that played as they danced.
Married life contained harmonious times and dissonant days. The two held each other close as Pamela’s eyesight faded. They navigated times of unemployment. Janelle started her own business. On their 25th anniversary, Pamela prepared another surprise. Although Janelle could no longer hear the music, they danced together while a woodwind quintet played from the gazebo.
Dear Marie Gail,
Harmonious times and dissonant days…perfect description of the best marriages. Well orchestrated story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks, Rochelle. I’m glad that line works for you. It certainly describes my marriage, although I hope that other bits of the story don’t “come true.”
All my best,
Marie Gail
I like the title a lot .. goes well with the photo and narration.
Thanks! It was a second try when I realized my first title had been used on a previous story. I happen to like this one better anyway.
Wow, this is truly beautifully written! Loved how you portrayed their entire life in so little but perfect words.
Thanks so much!
MG
It can be risky to cover such a long period of time in 100 words. I like the first paragraph, and the last sentence. For me the section in between feels a bit thin as it’s cramming a lot in. Nice idea though.
Paul,
Thanks so much for the feedback. I always appreciate it.
All my best,
MG
A wonderful walk through the life of two loving women – all in 100 words. Perfect.
Thanks, Alicia.
A life in 100 words.
Wonderful writing!
A life in 105 words.
Wonderful writing!
Thanks, Francesca. Yes, I cheated ever so slightly this week. I’m glad you enjoyed the end result.
MG
Wonderfully romantic!
Thanks, Dawn.
Dear Marie Gail, Your life sounds perfect and lovely! I’m so happy for you both! Great story. I’m sure glad I know you! Nan
Thanks so much, Nan. Fortunately, not everything in this story is true although some of the difficulties are based on things that have happened in my family. I am quite happily married, and that makes it wonderful in many ways even when life itself is far from perfect.
All my best,
MG
Very sweet story, and I like the way you’ve kept the music theme throughout.
Thanks, Ali. In real life, my wife is a classical musician, so I had some amazing inspiration.
MG
My cousin and her partner of 25 years just broke up. Sophia is devastated and the rest of us are in shock. Everyone believed her and Vicky would be together forever. I’m glad this couple is still in love.
How devastating, Russell! I will keep her in my prayers. Everyone deserves a happy ending, and it can be especially difficult to go through a breakup of a long-term homosexual relationship because even today so many people don’t consider the relationship a “real marriage.”
All my best,
Marie Gail
Nice use of the music motif to show the life paths of these two. Well told.
Thanks, Margaret.
One can’t see, the other can’t hear, and yet they dance in perfect harmony. A beautiful tale.
Thank you. Sometimes it’s all about making the most of your situation.
All my best,
Marie Gail
This is a beautiful love story, MG– touching and tender, and filled with very real moments. I love that the couple are same-sex; it’s something so many of us seem to fail to address. Brava for you!
Thanks so much, Dawn.
And by the way–please accept my apologies if I am slow to respond or neglect to read on your blog this month. I have a huge client project that is sucking my time (and a little of my life, I fear) at the moment. I plan to be back to my usual participation by May.
All my best,
MG
Marie Gail, no apologies necessary… ever. I don’t assume you’ll read; I’m just grateful that you do, whenever you are able. Good luck with your project!
Beautiful. That is what love is, isn’t it?
In my experience, it most definitely is.
What a touching story.. You have capture ordeals and how love can hold them together.
Thanks, Bjorn. I always appreciate your comments. Sorry to be late in responding these days. As I mentioned to Dawn, things should be calming down by May. Meanwhile–please keep reading. I promise I’ll catch up on my favorite bloggers when time allows.
All my best,
MG
‘they danced together while a woodwind quintet played from the gazebo.’ a great ending!
Thanks, Roger!
I’m happy for you that your marriage is that happy, and also that you two haven’t suffered the disabilties of your characters. Well done, Marie Gail. 🙂 — Suzanne
Thanks, Suzanne! I could fill a book with tales of the woes that have fallen to us in the four short years of our marriage, but we are still blessed to have all our senses. In reality, I imagine we are more likely to have trifocals and hearing aids by our 25 anniversary, and she will probably be pushing me in a wheelchair. But we will continue to dance!
MG
Dear Marie Gail,
Your tale has all the earmarks of true love and true life. You have infused it with tenderness and empathy and earnestness and it fills me with happiness to witness it through your words.
Very well done in many more ways than one.
Aloha,
Doug
Thanks, Doug! Your comments are always welcome, and I feel especially gratified when a story I wrote strikes a cord for you.
All my best,
Marie Gail
Or a chord. LOL
It’s often difficult to tell a story that takes place over a long time in so few words, but you did that here! Very engaging too as I felt the love between the two women. Excellent writing
Thanks so much, Reclining!
You’re welcome!