Sunday Photo Fiction is a weekly challenge to write a 200-word story based on a photo prompt. If you are interested in joining in or reading other stories like this, just click HERE.
The photo below is one I took on my visit to New York City a few years ago. New York is such a magical place, but surprisingly, I struggled with a story. Too many options. One of my favorite Frank Sinatra songs is ‘New York New York and I wanted to include it, although in the end, I simply elude to it. The rest of my inspiration came from personal life and growing older. I hope you like this week’s story. Let me know if you do.
The old woman gazed out the bedroom window, capturing the images of her world for the last time. Far in the distance, the Hudson River caught the light of the morning sun. Morning gems, she called them.
Outside the room, the stairs creaked with each step of her daughter’s ascent.
“Time to leave, Mother. The taxi is waiting.”
“I could have been a Rockette,” her Mother said to no one in particular. Everyone said so. I just wasn’t tall enough.”
“You father danced too you know. In the early years he was in a small troupe. Not Broadway, but it was only a matter of time. But then your older brother was born, and well…. It was a blessing your father got the job at the post office.”
Patiently, the daughter nudged her Mother back to the present.
“The taxi, Mother. It’s waiting.”
The old woman surveyed the room, now empty of everything that once made it hers.
“Where are all my things?” Her voice rose to the level of panic.
“They are in your room, at your new home. Waiting for you.”
“We could have made it,” she said sadly as she walked out of the room forever.
Redbuds and Roserocks 
I like the way you sneaked in the song at the end. Very nicely done and a sad tale of regret, although it still sounds like she’s had a full life.
Thanks Iain. And if this is a repeat reply, my apologies. I am either having memory issues or device issues.
She may have left the room but she’s taken the memories with her.
Nicely done.
Click to read my SunPhoFic!
Thanks Keith. Yes, she still has memories. And if this is a repeat reply, my apologies. I am either having memory issues or device issues.
Too often we look back and think things could be better.
Too different for me to want to change where I am now… ‘if’ is a very big two letter word.
Thanks Jules. There isn’t much reason to regret but unfortunately we all do from time to time
She has her memories, which means a life well lived. Life is never perfect but she has her daughter to look after her now. Very nice story! 🙂
Thanks Brenda
Everything passes, at least she has great memories, and her daughter, to give her company.
Yes, memories and family will help her through the end of her life. Thanks for reading Anurag
It seems I am the only one who found this brutally sad, a life full of regrets.
Nicely painful piece.
As the story was meant to be understood. Thanks C.E.