PHOTO PROMPT © Nathan Sowers
Who are these humans milling about My Lady’s yard? And why are they touching her things?
Someone picks up my favorite treasure—My Lady’s mirror! The one that once hung in her hallway, where every morning, she’d lean in to put lipstick on before leashing me for our walk. What lipstick had to do with walking, I’ll never know. But I loved our walks. And My Lady. And her mirror.
I growl at the human studying it with smelly hands.
“Harold! Stop!” The Daughter snaps my nose—the very spot where My Lady’s red lips once kissed me.
THE END
98 Words
Friday Fictioneers is a compilation of writers from around the world who gather online weekly, guided by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. The challenge? To write a story in 100 words or less based on a new photo prompt.
To read more stories in an online flash fiction anthology by Friday Fictioneer authors, click:
One needs lipstick before one walks the dog. It’s a well-known fact. Only children are excused. Poor lady. Poor Harold. He has no clue about death. Enjoyed, as usual, Jan.
Thank you, Stu. I think I’ve been walking my dog all wrong then! 🙂
Dear Jan,
My heart aches for Harold. No one loves so unconditionally as a dog. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
It’s that unconditional love that makes me cry at so many dog stories, Rochelle. <3
I love the affection dogs have for their friends. Well done.
Thank you, Josh. Dogs hold a special place in my heart.
I guess dogs must be confused when owners disappear like that. Poor Harold.
It makes me sad to think about the rest of the story, Iain. Because nobody will ever replace My Lady. Certainly not The Daughter.
Awww. That was wonderful, Jan. Poor Harold. How could he ever understand?
That dogs so often can’t understand is what makes their plight so poignant, isn’t it? Thanks, Dale!
Absolutely….
awe – woof –
and I liked the many uses of “My lady” because it has stuck with me a bit
Thank you, Yvette!
The My Lady refrain made me think of tales of chivalry
Nobody knows that his full name is Sir Harold. 🙂
Aw this was so sweet and heart-wrenching! That last line makes me feel for Harald, being treated so differently from his Lady.
Thank you, Fatima. I felt sad for Harold, too, and was tempted to write an alternate ending!
Unique, and effective. The dog’s point of view was perfect for your story.
Thank you, Linda!
So much love there, and heartache. Unique perspective.
Thank you, Anurag!
Poor Harold! As lost and neglected now as that mirror. Well told Jan
I could totally picture this. Nicely written.
A doggy’s grief… so very sad. One often wonders what they see, hear, love.
I fear for Harold and his future. Excellently told, Jan.
Poor Harold, my lipstick is my wellies, Benny knows that!
Aw, my heart is broke for Harold!
Aww, poor Harold, he ain’t nothing but a hound dog.
Poor dog! They do mourn for those who are gone. And how perplexing it must be, to go from a human who understands and loves you, to one who bops you on the nose. As if humans weren’t perplexing enough already (love the lipstick comment!)
A wonderful story from the view of an innocent dog who could never understand the loss. Very well-done!
A lovely story about a dog that outlives her Lady, remembers the daily rituals and feels anger at the intrusion and loss.
Oh the faithful dog… how can you bring him to understand without loving him…
This new human needs better training.