I’m late this week–– so many distractions in December! If you’d like to join Friday Fictioneers, check out the details on Rochelle Wisoff-Fields’ blog, Addicted to Purple. This week’s hauntingly beautiful photo also comes from Rochelle, a woman of many talents! As always I welcome honest, constructive feedback. Please leave a comment and tell me what you think.
© Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
In The Cold Morning
Sharon stirred the ingredients into her husband’s coffee. He rarely got out of bed anymore, the cancer racking his body.
“I’m ready,” he told her, weeks before. “You and the kids are taken care of–– you can stay in the house. But I can’t do this anymore.”
She couldn’t imagine her life without him, but his suffering was unbearable.
A horse whinnied. Out their window they huddled against the cold, a stark, beautiful reminder of all they’d built together.
She handed him the coffee. They kissed.
“I love you forever,” he whispered as he lifted the cup.
“Forever, darling.”
(99 words)
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TALES FROM THE MOTHERLAND 
I can’t wait to read your book(s). I read these 99 words of yours and always want more.
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Thanks Nahid! At this rate, it may never happen, but I love the encouragement!
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Better late than never. I couldn’t make it work this week. “A Hoarse Whisper” – nah. “The Gift Horse” – nope. “Yay Or Nay” – completely off the mark or more poetry – God knows I’ve got it to spare, but no. Inflicting readers with another rhyme scheme would be too much. You’ve got yourself a real tear-jerker here, Dawn. Happy Holidays.
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Thanks so much Stephanie. I would read your poetry every week; it could be your thing! That said, gotta write when the spirit moves you, not under pressure! (says Bowie). Happy holidays to you and yours as well. May this new year be kinder to those who most need kindness.
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“Out their window they huddled against the cold, a stark, beautiful reminder of all they’d built together.”—Love that sentence. Captures the essence of the piece perfectly.
Happy Holidays to you, Dawn!
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Thanks Carrie! Always a golden moment when I see you in my comments. Thanks for stopping by, and happy holidays to you and yours. Good luck finishing the book! xo
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Thank you! Book #3 is finished–am querying it now. Working on #4 now. Good luck with your book too. Hope the pitching goes well. It’s a looooong process, isn’t it? 🙂
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I need to just get off my duff and query! Twitter pitches are SUCH a long shot!! Won’t the 3rd be published by same people? You inspire me, Carrie… way to go! 🙂
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I do love my current small press–they’ve been wonderful to me. But I’d still like to try the more traditional route if I can. We’ll see how it goes. 🙂
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I’d certainly think you have a great “platform” to put out there!
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Thank you. 🙂
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Dear Dawn,
If my photo is haunting than your story is the perfect match. Aching with love and sorrow. Beautifully done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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THANKS Rochelle, that is a wonderful compliment; I really appreciate your kind words! xo
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Beautifully painted to go with the photo.
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Thanks Susan; sometimes it just works so well! This photo really inspired me.
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The sadness and lament weep out of this, very well written
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Thanks so much Michael; I really appreciate your positive words!
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Poignant doesn’t begin to describe this story. I saw a film years ago called “They shoot horses, don’t they?” about people at the end of their tether – it’s stuck with me ever since.
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That’s a really famous movie, Liz. I don’t think I’ve seen it, but I’ll have to watch for it. Thanks for the feedback; it’s much appreciated!
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I have a Dylan song here… one of my favorites, and though the meaning is different the sentiment of parting is the same. One more cup of coffee (valley below)… wonderful writing that felt very very real.
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Thanks so much Björn–– Dylan and me in the same sentence makes me very happy!
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This is so beautiful in a sad way. I can hear the howling of despair in her mind–and at the same time the relief of suffering ended, of a life lived well and lose ends tied. It’s always too early, but not the worst way to go. Great writing, and happy holidays, Dawn.
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Thanks Gabriele! I really appreciate your kind words and wonderful feedback.
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There but for the grace of god, we all walk. There was such love in this.
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Thanks Michael. Yes, each of us face this possibility, and are lucky if we have love holding us up!
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So. One must wonder what has been stirred into the coffee. Sweet relief, I suppose. Well done, my dear!
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Thanks Alicia. A hard decision for sure, but important as well.
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So many emotions being stirred with the coffee. Beautifully told Dawn x
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Thanks so much Siobhan; I’m always happy to see you in my comments! Check out my blog; I have a project that I’d love you to join!
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So much beauty and love in such a sad tale.
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Thanks so much Loré! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Now, time to write your list, and join the blog hop! 😉
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A lovely and cutting response to the prompt. I could feel this one in my bones. Very well done.
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Oh, THAT is such a wonderful comment; thanks so much!
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You’ve got me wondering if the coffee is spiked.
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Tis indeed. Thanks Alice!
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