“What Pegman saw” is a weekly flash fiction challenge prompt inspired by google maps, using the 360 degree view of the location provided. Bloggers write a piece of flash fiction of no more than 150 words. You can read the rules here. You can find today’s location on this page, from where you can also get the Inlinkz code.
This week, our host, Karen, takes us to the Sambor Prei Kuk Temple in Cambodia.
I’ve been meaning to take part for some time. I checked today’s prompt and started writing my story at once. Here it is! Its’s a little sentimental, but that’s where the image took me.
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If Only, Jack
I peered over Marian’s shoulder. “What are you looking at?”
“Sambor Prei Kuk Temple,” she said, her eyes fixed on the screen.
“Shall we go there?”
“We’re already there, can’t you see?” She smiled and nodded at the image. “We’re walking along the paths, looking up to the grey sky through the leaves of the tall trees.”
I stared at the image. “Can we smell the moss growing on the Temple, or stroke the time weathered walls, or go inside?”
Her eyes shone. “You know we can’t.”
I squeezed her frail hand. “I’ll look it up on the Internet. We can afford it.”
My thumb wiped the tear sliding down her cheek. “In summer, your hair will have grown back and we’ll say a thank you prayer inside the Temple.”
“Next summer,” she whispered mesmerised by the image and turned to me. “If only, Jack.”
“We’ll make it happen, Marian, together.”
****
Excellently written. I especially like how your economy of detail is balanced by the vivid emotional tone. Really well done. Glad you’re here.
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Thank you, J Hardy 🙂 Glad to share my Flash Fiction and read others’ too. It’s such a good exercise for a writer. We tend to ramble in novels…
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Dear Luccia,
Lovely and heartbreaking. Well written. That last line…gut wrencher.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, Rochelle. 💖
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Luccia, Utterly delighted to see you share a Pegman story. This one is lovely–left me with goosebumps.
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Thank you for your warm welcome and encouraging words, Karen. I enjoyed taking part. Hope to be inspired again next week 🙂
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I hope so too!
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Keeping the hope alive to the end…. beautiful tale.
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Thank you, Jelli.
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Such a sad ending, maybe a miracle will come along in time, but it doesn’t sound hopeful.
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Sweet and sad. Well done.
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Thank you, Eduardo.
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So lovely. Your story makes me feel like jumping up and DOING something – live life to its fullest while I can. Thanks for that.
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Thank you! I love that reaction. Let’s do it now!
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This was heartbreaking and yet heartwarming – thank you! 🙂
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Thank you, Dahlia💖
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Lovely, heartfelt tale. I enjoyed it! Well done!
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Thank you for visiting my blog, reading and commenting. I’m so glad you enjoyed it💖
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