THE FANS
Maggie and Nell were Valerie’s
staunchest fans, reading each book the moment it came out and discussing every
bodice-ripping page over glasses of Prosecco.
When Valerie died they wore black
arm-bands and planned a pilgrimage.
After months of research they found
the place, but the caretaker was reluctant to admit them.
“We only want a quick peek,” Nell
pleaded, but Maggie’s fiver was more persuasive. He pocketed it swiftly. “Don’t
touch anything.”
They walked down the brick path,
found Valerie’s retreat beneath rampant roses, and stepped inside reverently.
After a long silence, Maggie said,
“Well, she always did love nature.”
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This week's photo prompt comes courtesy of Sarah Potter via Rochelle's blog https://rochellewisoff.com/ If you follow the Blue Frog link from there you will find many other interpretations of the same photograph.
But first, please do leave a comment on mine, if only to prove I am not talking to myself!
.................................................................................
This week's photo prompt comes courtesy of Sarah Potter via Rochelle's blog https://rochellewisoff.com/ If you follow the Blue Frog link from there you will find many other interpretations of the same photograph.
But first, please do leave a comment on mine, if only to prove I am not talking to myself!
I'm glad her fans enjoyed the books before her death - not after.
ReplyDeleteThat was a cry from the heart, Patsy!
DeleteLove this take. And their reaction!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dale - I reckoned it was time for a light-hearted one!
DeleteEveryone needs a retreat.
ReplyDelete(not sure that was worth waiting for, Liz)
My comment, not the story!
DeleteI would love my own shed, though without the invaders!
DeleteYou managed to paint a very vivid picture with the two of them, so irresistible. Lovely story, indeed.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lori.
DeleteIn the end seeing their idol's retreat meant more to them then it's condition. Nice one.
ReplyDeleteThey got what they wanted - atmosphere.
DeleteSuch a lovely story , Liz. Loved it.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes ,
Moon
https://aslifehappens60.wordpress.com
Thank you, Moon.
DeleteA delightful story Liz.
ReplyDelete'Look at it now' My story.
Thanks Keith - liked yours too.
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteSweet story. Valerie left a legacy, didn't she? Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle - Valerie had two fans, at least!
DeleteThis is a great idea, quite different from any of the others I've read with this prompt. I love the unscrupulous caretaker pocketing the fiver ;-)
ReplyDeleteJudging by the state of the place, he wasn't very conscientious anyway!
DeleteMaybe for a ten-spot he would have shown them the wood shed too. :) I could see writing in a place like that.
ReplyDeleteOoH Naughty Russell! I would love such a hideaway too. Right now my OH is watching cricket on his own laptop, in the same room, with sound. Grrr!
DeleteDelightful. I think Valerie's room is wonderful. We all choose the perfect place to write ~ for ourselves, anyway.
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived abroad I would go to a cafe to write. Although I speak Spanish, it was easier not to hear it.
DeleteOh, very nice :) Sometimes we're better off just keeping our dreams.
ReplyDeleteThey seem to have handled the shock pretty well!
DeleteI think that it means she was very very focused on her writing (and very little else)
ReplyDeleteYou could be right, Bjorn :)
Deletei can relate. when i visited the parsonage where emily bronte grew up, i felt the same emotion.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to have been there!
DeleteLovely story.
ReplyDeleteThanks Clare.
DeleteLovely they adored her work so much - would that we were all 'Valeries'! :)
ReplyDeleteOne day perhaps, Lynn!
DeleteShe seemed to love nature in the extreme. Whatever she experienced it seemed to work for her. Good writing, Liz. :) --- Suzanne
ReplyDeleteThanks Suzanne.
DeleteI love the way you take a picture and weave a story from it, Liz. I must say, I find using a visual stimulus very inspiring too. Books and Prosecco are a great combination, by the way!!
ReplyDelete