For fifty-six years I’ve pinned this photograph to the wall or taped it to the mirror.
Sometimes it’s buried in my wallet.
How I miss you.
Because it was Christmas, you wore a red velvet dress.
Because I was angry I wore black boxing shorts and a torn yellow shirt.
At the party, you laughed, smiled and flirted with me
as if I weren’t the biggest jerk around.
We both drank too much, I know that, but I drank until I couldn’t see.
Still, I heard – brakes squealing, shattering glass.
And. One. Shrill. Scream.
(94-words)
Up From the Ashes 
Such a tragedy that will follow him for the rest of his life. Thankfully attitudes to drink driving seem to be changing.
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Thanks, Iain. I think it already has. I appreciate your leaving a comment.
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Oh my goodness, a very powerful story. A decision that will haunt his remaining days.
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Thanks for stopping by, Brenda, and leaving a comment. I think that photo pinned here and there has haunted him forever.
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A memory that will never go away. How sad.
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I can’t imagine! Thanks, Keith
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That’s very sad. And told with such tangible regret and nostalgia. Well done, Alicia.
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Thank you, Sandra. I always appreciate your stopping by. Maybe someday you can stay for tea!
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A real chiller, Lish, especially that last line. He’s been an idiot, and yet you still manage to make him a sympathetic character. Skillfully done
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Yes, he has been an idiot. As they say, youth is wasted on the young. Thanks for reading and leaving such a kind comment. Hope you had a delightful Valentine’s Day.
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A moment of stupidity, a lifetime’s regret. Damaging so many lives.
I’m a florist, so my V Day and the week run up was spent working very long hours in the shop, making bouqets for very harrassed looking men before going home and collapsing with a beer! Hope you had a nice one 🙂
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Thanks, Lynn, it was lovely. Flowers (purchased at the local grocery store) and a card full of butterflies then cheese fondue with a good bottle of wine. Sorry yours was filled with harried men who neglect to plan ahead! It’s nice to know what you do “on the side.”
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That happends way too much. Don’t know how he can live with himself with that memory.
DJ
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I don’t think I could. Thanks, Danny.
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poor chap. he’ll carry the guilt the rest of his life.
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He will. Ah, youth.Thank goodness times are changing.
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It’s probably not a good idea to go to a party when one is really angry.
I feel so terrible that she was dressed in a pretty red dress and hadnt the least idea what awaited ahead.
Wonderfully told.
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Thank you, Moon. And him in his tacky clothes, too. I always appreciate your comments. Alicia
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Now it’s his burden for the rest of his life. Sad and powerful story, Alicia.
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Thanks very much. One mistake in judgement can make a HUGE difference. I appreciate your stopping by.
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A lot of story 100 words. Marvelous.
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Thanks very much, yarnspinnerr.
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Many years ago… i was in junior high, I think. I wrote a drunk driving story that read something like this. I won first place for the state Young Authors that year… sigh… I patterned it off the reality of my brother’s car accident, but only Mom knew the real of it. I haven’t thought about that story in years…wish I still had a copy of it to share,
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So do I, Jelli. I would love to read it. So many young people die due to a momentary lack of judgment. Thanks for sharing your past with me.
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For all this years we still wish that day undone…. the day where the roads divided… a very strong tale.
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What a great way to put it, Bjorn. So many wrong roads taken through life counterbalanced by the ones that were so very right. Thanks for stopping by.
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Some images stay frozen in our consciousness, but having a photo only makes it more unforgettable.
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Self-torture? A bit of flogging? Thanks for that observation!
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Looks like he is trapped in the cycle of remorse and regret, After fifty six years he should forgive himself.
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I think something like that would be hard to forgive. But, yes, he should probably work on it. Thanks so much for stopping by.
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Pow!
Terrific tale of personal torment.
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Thanks, c.e. Hope all is well in France.
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How kind of you to ask, Alicia. All is well, thank you. We do have winter, but not like Scotland. It never really gets cold (by my standards), no frost, no snow, no ice, no hail, no sleet. Oh jings, I am homesick now!
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You made me smile. Love the term “Oh jings.” I’ve never heard that before. Enjoy the winter you have. The pictures you’ve posted on Facebook are lovely, and make me want to visit France.
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Dear Lish,
Powerful story. That poor man will forever live with that regret. Well told.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks, Rochelle! I always appreciate your taking time to read everyone’s stories. You are one busy lady.
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That’s a long time to carry such a burden of remorse.
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It is a long time. But when you cause an accident that kills someone, I imagine it would be hard to forget. Thank you.
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You capture his remorse very well. The guilt and pain of that mistake will never leave him.
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Thank you for the lovely comment, TRG.
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🙂
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An intriguing story and cautionary tale all in one. I find myself wondering what their relationship was and how much of this is survivor’s guilt. Who was driving and who let who drive. And if she was even in the car or a hit and run or…? All the possibilities make it a good mental puzzle.
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Oh, so many good questions. Thanks, Alicia
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So well done. His regret is palpable. I wonder if he drank again…
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Another excellent question! I think not. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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Oh my gosh… that last line. What a haunting piece
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Thanks. Laurie. I changed the last line a time or two. Are we writers ever satisfied the first time? Glad you stopped by.
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Love the terse prose style, the tautness of the plot- what a gripping story.
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Thanks very much.
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