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12.10.17

EMPTY NEST - a hundred word story

EMPTY NEST

That garden shed was a bone of contention from day one.
He wanted a man-cave to store his tools, while I envisaged a quiet retreat for writing. Grudgingly, we shared the space, each snarling when disturbed by the other.

Until sparrows converted his crusty, gnarled gardening glove into a nest. Stealthy as thieves, we watched noisy hatchlings feed and fledge. Indulgent, we brought insect gifts and wiped their crap off tools and books, naming each baby.

Then one morning they flew out to claim the sky.
We cleaned up silently, united in our grief, as bereft as university parents.
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Thanks to Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers on her blog   https://rochellewisoff.com/  and to Douglas MacIlroy for the photo prompt.
I was away last week for three days, celebrating my daughter's birthday in Ireland, and did not visit as many other FF blogs as usual, for which I apologise. Must try to do better, as the teachers used to say - perhaps they still do?

40 comments:

  1. Oh! That was lovely; charming.

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  2. Funny. They have a home but insist on sharing a space to disagree in. Sweet that they are brought together for the sake of a bird family.
    Wonder if they'll go back to bickering once they are over their empty nest syndrome... ;-)

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  3. And settled back into silent feuding once more - a nice respite.

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    1. Maybe they think of that proverb about birds in their nests, and decide agreeing is nicer than disagreeing!

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  4. Lovely story, Liz. It always amazes me how much you manage to cram into such short stories.

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    1. Thanks Susan - it's fun, you should try it!

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    2. I beginning to think I might have a go, given that I'm finding it hard to find topics to revitalise my languishing blog!

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    3. Go for it, Susan - you write well to a photo prompt, and if nothing else, you will be blogging once a week.

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  5. Dear Liz,

    When we first moved into our new house ten years ago, we were thrilled with the space. Enough for each of us to claim his and her spots. My husband says if this top floor had a kitchen he'd never see me. He just might have something there.
    Love your story. Very sweet, right down to nurturing the hatchlings.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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    1. I would love my own space but make do with a tiny desk in the bedroom!

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  6. Such a tender story, Liz. Beautiful!

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  7. Guess they'd been longing for kids and found solace in the nestlings. Very layered and lovely story, Liz.

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  8. You've written that story beautifully. You've captured so many emotions, so delicately and precisely. It's a really satisfying read.

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    1. Thank you for the lovely comment, Penny.

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  9. Loved this unique take on the prompt. What we nurture, we tend to love--and mourn when we lose.

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  10. perhaps another pair will come home to roost. that would be lovely. :)

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    Replies
    1. Now they've found the way in, the same pair could return.

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  11. That's life! Nice take on the prompt :)

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  12. What a lovely take on the prompt. I'm hoping those lovely little birds brought the couple back together.

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  13. This works so well and within the word count! Particularly like the insect gifts and the shared goal of 'raising' the birds

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    1. Thanks Rachel. Keeping within the word count is part of the challenge.

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  14. Love it.. much better to share an interest than competing for space-

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  15. Such a lovely piece, Liz.

    marion

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