Genre: Fiction; Word count: 100 Come along and join in with Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers. Rochelle asks that we use the photo prompt (© Sandra Crook) and limit our words to 100 or less.
I counted them too, you know: every turn, every curve, every meter. Every pothole, aggravation, near disaster.
For what it’s worth, the load was never the point.
It was where I was going.
My only regret is you were stuck with me for every millimeter of it, and you hated it.
Life was too slow for you.
It was too fast for me.
I had a load to carry: responsibility to those who depended on me.
You were looking for an escape.
I was looking at the journey’s end.
I wish you could know now it was worth it.
This Jolly Beggar 
Sad and yet there seems to be redemption in there somewhere.
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Thank you, Athling!
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I really liked the way you developed the metaphor here
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Neil,
I’m glad you liked it. Thank you!
pax,
dora
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This is beautiful. So much unsaid.
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Sandra,
Your kind words are most appreciated. Thank you.
pax,
dora
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A class of taking responsibilty on life’s journey. Sometimes, someone has to take control and keep the wild cards in check.
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James,
You got it! Thank you for your considered comment.
pax,
dora
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A really creative take on the picture. Hopefully, their wish will come true. Well done.
Here’s mine!
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Keith,
All’s well that ends well, right? Thanks for reading.
pax,
dora
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Dear Dora,
Someone has to be the responsible party. When the other partner doesn’t feel the load, it can be like mixing oil and water. Good one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
It’s sad but true. Thank you for your thoughtful, affirming comments. Hope you had a great Rosh Hashanah.
Aleichem shalom,
Dora
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one of your best. well done.
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Plaridel,
Thank you for that!
pax,
dora
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I feel sorry for the person who missed out and admire the person who carried the load for those depending on her. I hope he’s doing well also, wherever he is.
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Lisa,
My sentiments exactly. Thank you.
pax,
dora
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You’re very welcome.
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One of those “what’s left unsaid” type of stories. Like it! Have a great week, Dora!
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You too! Thanks for reading, Bear.
pax,
dora
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Not every couple is compatible I guess.
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Ali,
A case of marry in haste, repent at leisure methinks.
pax,
dora
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What a sad last line. “I wish you could know now it was worth it.” Even though the writer can clearly see that their partner was responsible for their own life and decisions, there is still that wistfulness. They must have loved them deeply. I hope they had always been able to tell them how much they loved them.
Pax
Penny xx
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Penny,
Thanks for those thoughtful, discerning comments. I was hoping the narrator’s wistfulness would come through.
pax,
dora
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Sometimes oil and water can form an emulsion, more often they want to go their seperate ways. And if responsibilities and ‘what’s proper’ doesn’t allow them to go their ways, one or both will suffer. You described that ‘helpless understanding’ so well. I’m glad the narrator feels affirmation for his life in the end.
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Gabi,
Thank you. So much wisdom in what you say. I too am glad that instead of bitterness resulting, there is an affirmation.
pax,
dora
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While the journey’s end was worth it for her, there is a sense of wistful longing — to be sharing the ending, even if not the burdens along the way.
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Lorraine,
I think you understand her feelings exactly. Thank you.
pax,
dora
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