The rain has stopped, but the water keeps rising. It’s risen a foot since last night, and it’s predicted it will only get worse.
Grandpa guides his wheelchair to the window overlooking the river. “The Johnsons have gone.”
I squint at the “For Sale” sign hanging from their banister. “Maybe we should too.”
“All my years at sea and this is how God decides I’m to die,” he says, brushing the dust off his collection of nautical navigational instruments.
“God didn’t say you have to stay.”
“Did he say I can go?” he asks, but we both know the answer.
word count: 100
—Nortina
Friday Fictioneers challenges you to write a story in 100 words or less using the provided photo prompt as inspiration. Click the froggy icon to ready other stories and add your own.
Ouuuu, well told, dear, well told indeed! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! 🙂
LikeLike
the struggle to accept the destiny, no?
LikeLiked by 1 person
He ought to go but maybe hasn’t the inclination to start again. Maybe he’s had enough. Sad if so
LikeLiked by 1 person
Something’s definitely holding him back. Maybe he can rediscover the will to survive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope the granddaughter can give grandpa enough hope for him to want to leave. He could take his nautical instruments with him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She seems to have given up too, but maybe they can find a way to inspire one another again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like he wants to go down with his ship.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, as the saying goes, the captain always goes down with his ship…
Thanks for reading! 🙂
LikeLike
A nicely reflective piece, reminding us that whilst we think we might be masters of our own destiny, that isn’t always the case.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think you wrapped that up nicely. 🙂
Thanks for reading!
LikeLike
Sounds like he wants to stay around his nautical equipment. Wonderful story, Nortina!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, he’s not quite ready to let them go 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Difficult situation. I guess he wants the comfort of his house and life around him. But maybe, it is best for him to leave before things get too dangerous. He will always have his memories and it might be harder to help him leave later. Great write.
LikeLike
Such a true-to-life tale! I’ve known many a man or woman who refused to go when there was a damn good reason to go but didn’t for similar reasons. Great story! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re so right! It’s very common with older people too. They think that if they survived this (whatever “this” is), they can survive anything!
LikeLike
Nice story. I like the reflection part of his life. I guess if he was Noah he would have got an email or something.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hahaha! Yea, an email, a text, a bolt of lightning…something!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
He has to have a good reason to leave… yet his reason to stay seems greater alas…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, he may have accepted his fate…
LikeLike
Oh I hope he goes, but suspect he won’t.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think he’s just an old man reflecting on life and wondering if it’s too late to change. In my opinion, it’s never too late. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person