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.
..........................................................................................
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?
Oh! That was lovely; charming.
ReplyDeleteThanks Helen.
DeleteFunny. 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.
ReplyDeleteWonder if they'll go back to bickering once they are over their empty nest syndrome... ;-)
Coupledom is an odd state to be in!
DeleteAww, lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks Helen.
DeleteAnd settled back into silent feuding once more - a nice respite.
ReplyDeleteMaybe they think of that proverb about birds in their nests, and decide agreeing is nicer than disagreeing!
DeleteLovely story, Liz. It always amazes me how much you manage to cram into such short stories.
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan - it's fun, you should try it!
DeleteI beginning to think I might have a go, given that I'm finding it hard to find topics to revitalise my languishing blog!
DeleteGo for it, Susan - you write well to a photo prompt, and if nothing else, you will be blogging once a week.
DeleteThat's lovely.
ReplyDeleteThanks,Patsy.
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteWhen 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
I would love my own space but make do with a tiny desk in the bedroom!
DeleteSuch a tender story, Liz. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Moon
DeleteGuess they'd been longing for kids and found solace in the nestlings. Very layered and lovely story, Liz.
ReplyDeleteYoumight be right, varad, and thanks
DeleteDelightful Liz.
ReplyDeleteClick to read my FriFic!
You've written that story beautifully. You've captured so many emotions, so delicately and precisely. It's a really satisfying read.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lovely comment, Penny.
DeleteLoved this unique take on the prompt. What we nurture, we tend to love--and mourn when we lose.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda.
DeleteWhat a lovely story!
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it, Clare.
Deleteperhaps another pair will come home to roost. that would be lovely. :)
ReplyDeleteNow they've found the way in, the same pair could return.
DeleteThat's life! Nice take on the prompt :)
ReplyDeleteThanks dahlia.
DeleteWhat a lovely take on the prompt. I'm hoping those lovely little birds brought the couple back together.
ReplyDeleteI think they did.
DeleteThis works so well and within the word count! Particularly like the insect gifts and the shared goal of 'raising' the birds
ReplyDeleteThanks Rachel. Keeping within the word count is part of the challenge.
DeleteLove it.. much better to share an interest than competing for space-
ReplyDeleteThanks bjorn.
DeleteThat made me smile.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dawn x
DeleteSuch a lovely piece, Liz.
ReplyDeletemarion