Copyright – Douglas M. MacIlroy
I open the wrinkled envelope.
Dear Author,
I just want to thank you for the life you’ve given me. Though I’m only twelve, I know I’ve seen more than most. You’ve been my tour guide, from the Egyptian tombs to Mt. Vesuvius, all from the comfort of my own bed.
You didn’t mind that I couldn’t walk with you, and you didn’t look at me with the same devastation that my family does, as my body deteriorates. You took me on your adventures anyway, and it was within your pages that I truly felt alive.
Sincerely,
Lucy
Attached to the letter is an obituary of a brown haired, bright eyed, and grinning young girl.
Thank you so much for reading my submission to this week’s Friday Fictioneers, hosted by the ever-inspiring Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. This piece is slightly over the 100 word goal, but only because of the opening and closing of the piece, which I felt were necessary for the context of this note. That’s my excuse, whether you like it or not!
I’ve rewritten this several times, and this is just the way it wanted to turn out. Whether it’s a direct product of the recent chaos in my life or not, I haven’t been much of myself lately, and my writing seems to have lost its spark as well. However, I have been blessed enough to have such dear friends who lift me up and give me the steam I need to keep going. I’m doing my best to spread the love around by sharing the message that the impact of our writing can be far greater than we ever imagine. So, if/when you’re ever staring at a blank page and wondering if there’s really a point to all of this, take a moment to remember how the words of other authors have enriched your life. Realize that even though you write for yourself, for your soul’s passion, your stories have the power to change the world, even if it’s the world of just one reader. For me, that’s a good enough reason to keep going.
Don’t forget to check out some more fabulous flash fiction!
Artfully Aspiring 
Your words will never lose their spark Adelie, not so long as you write from the heart which you do very well 🙂
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Thank you so very much, Andy! I love sparkly things, so I’m really pleased to know that my words have that capability. You always say the nicest things! 🙂
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I love it! Thanks for sharing. If you’re into zombies and apocalyptic stuff too, check out: http://www.theapocalypsebites.com. Keep these cool posts coming. Cheers!
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Thanks so much for stopping by. I do tend to dabble into the apocalyptic realm, so I’ll definitively check you out!
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Love this!
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Thank you so much for reading and for the lovely comment!
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The power of words! And your words here are powerful too! Great piece.
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I’m sincerely grateful that you gave this a read and left such wonderful feedback. I think we often forget our full potential to make a difference. Thank you so much, again!
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Adelie- I needed this story today. I like the idea that what we do can impact others, that words and by their extension life can find meaning. Well written. Dana
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Dana, I’m so glad that my words touched you. Yes, I believe the impact of our words might extend beyond description. Thank you so much for reading and writing such kindness!
Adelie
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I loved, loved, loved this! How true, and how far our imagination takes us. The words of a fine writer are a salve that no doctor can provide, and dream fulfillment that no family or friend can give.
A wonderful story…well done!!!!
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My goodness, Jan! I’m truly touched that you enjoyed this, and I can’t tell you how much I love the inspirational words you’ve left me as well! Very true, as a good read can alleviate, or cure, several different ailments! (And you don’t have to worry about side effects!) 😀 Thank you so much for your kindness!
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Wow! Nicely done, Adelie. Our lives do touch others’ lives when we write and we don’t know the impact of our actions (good OR bad) on them.
Good job this week!
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Thank you so very much for reading and for saying such encouraging words. I’m always glad to “wow!” Made my day! 😀
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The more I read about you the more intrigued I am! though I’m sorry but I’m having a laugh about what you were telling the cute little kid lol! That’s so sweet what you did for your husband, that tattoo 🙂
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Oh, I’ve never thought I’d be described as intriguing, so it means a lot to hear that from you. Though, I believe there’s really nothing left to say about myself after my epic novel of a post. Don’t apologize about laughing at my awkwardness- it’s to be expected. 🙂 I just hope that poor kid doesn’t remember the “conversation” we had, later on in life! That tattoo was quite a pain, and a slightly scary experience. But whenever I look at it, I smile. Thank you so much for reading this, Andy! 😀
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Just saying what’s true 🙂 oh and you know what? the kid you spoke to is probably writing a blog right now and sharing liebster awards lol! 😉
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Hah, let’s hope our blogs don’t stumble across one another. There’s no way to recover from that awkwardness, and the last thing I need is for it to be exposed on the internet for all to see! :O
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oh now I gotta see if she’s old nuff to write and I’ll link your blog lol! 😉
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Hah, I believe she’s only around three, but some bloggers start very young! 😀
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’tis different times! the new generation and stuff 🙂
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To be able to do this for a child, for anyone, would be a writers dream come true.
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Very, very true, Dawn. Thank you so much for reading.
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It would be lovely to think one’s words could do that. Nicely done.
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Thank you so much for reading and for sharing your lovely thoughts!
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A sad story with a touching message. Beautifully said, Adelie.
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Karen, thank you so much for reading and for leaving such wonderfully kind words.
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Dear Adelie,
How dare you. You made me cry. Beautifully written piece that went straight for the heart. Brava!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh my goodness, I made you cry? I’m sorry, but at the same time, I’m highly flattered that I could move the almighty Rochelle (who I have immense admiration and respect for) to tears. Thank you so much for your kindness!
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Oh dear, Adelie…no almighty here, just a mere mortal with a passion. And never. NEVER apologize for making a reader cry. A job well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear AA,
This was a heartwarming and heartrending tale that sounded all too true. It behooves us to remember that our words move outwards, like ripples on the sea and we never know who they might effect, or how. Well done.
Aloha,
Doug
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Doug,
Thank you so much for supplying this week’s photo, for reading my piece, and for leaving such a thoughtful comment. It truly is amazing that every action, or non-action, we take can affect the lives of others across the world and through time. I especially enjoy your simile with the sea. It ties in with the photo and your piece.
Thanks again,
Adelie
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Dear Adelie, what a wonderful, wonderful story. You brought tears to my eyes, and what more can writer ask from his audience. As for the second part of your post, what can I say? There are always some rainy days in our lives that we just can’t escape. But what I learned from all the lemons and lemonades life gave me is – just take off your shoes and go dancing in the rain.
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I’m truly touched that my writing was able to move you. Thank you so much for sharing your philosophy. It’s very inspiring, and a truth that I need to remind myself very often. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read and to leave such wonderful words!
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Adelie, Well done. What you wrote is something I think we sometimes forget. Everything we do, especially our writing, affects everyone as Doug said, “like ripples on the sea.” This is either for better or worse, but it’s a reality. Good story. 🙂 —Susan
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Susan, thank you so much for reading and for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful and reflective comment. I apologize that I’m just now replying to this-I know I did a few days back because I remember how your lovely words warmed my heart, but there must’ve been some glitch. Glad I’ve got that sorted out now. Thank you so much, again! 🙂
Adelie
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Keep spreading th love.
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Thank you for reading, I do what I can! 🙂
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Adelie, I really like what you did with this story. Reading is one of my life-long passions and whether or not the reader is a child or is dying, the author opens portals for him or her. Some portals I choose not to enter :-), but there is so much available that can take you beyond anything you can imagine or inside to places you didn’t know existed. Good job!
janet
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Thank you so much for reading and for the kindness. I’ve missed you on Friday Fictioneers, Janet. I know you left for a bit due to a fully-loaded plate. I took a brief leave for the same reason. I truly look forward to reading more from you, and I hope all is well! 🙂
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This is only the second week I’ve not written on purpose, although it feels longer. I miss it, but don’t miss all the time it took to read, even though I loved reading all the stories. But it’s summer and so much calls. I’ve been enjoying taking a walk in the park every morning as well as trying to get things done around the house and yard.
I’m still writing as well as doing photography on my blog, so you’re welcome to stop by as you did today. Yes, all’s definitely well and thanks for asking and for missing me. 🙂 I hope your summer’s going wonderfully, too.
janet
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What a glorious take on the prompt! A small child traveling through the words of another. Gosh, now you’ve brought a tear to my eye. Thanks, I think, Alicia
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Alicia,
I know you’re super busy, so I’m truly touched that you gave this a read and left such wonderful words. I’m not sure whether to say “you’re welcome” or “I’m sorry” for bringing the tear to your eye! 🙂 Thank you so much for brightening my day!
Adelie
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So sad and sweet at the same time. I’ve got to wipe away a tear. It is an honor for a writer, any writer, to take someone away from their pains and into adventure in distant lands. You placed the role of the author, indeed artists of any kind, into the spotlight and put their greatest purpose into perspective. I salute you!
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Thank you so very much for reading and for leaving such a thoughtful response! I can only hope I might be talented enough to do that for someone, someday!
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This is a beautiful take on the prompt. Loved it.
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Thank you so very much for reading and for such kind words, Yarnspinnerr!
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HI Adelie
this is beautiful and it’s obvious that you’ve taken time to get it right. It’s the sort of letter that any author would love to receive (though so sad that it’s from a girl who’s died). Highly imaginative and thought provoking stuff.
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Thank you so, so much for reading this and for leaving me such wonderfully kind words, elappleby. I can imagine that this is a piece of fan mail that would make a lasting impression on the author. You made my day- Thanks!
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You never know who’s reading. This was beautiful, darling, even to an old cynic like me.
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Thank you so much for reading and for the lovely response. It brought a great smile to my face reading that the wildly talented (albeit cynical) Helena, found my writing beautiful! 😉
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I like your take on this prompt! Heartbreaking, but I like it.
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Thank you so much for reading and for leaving such a lovely comment, Pattisj! 🙂
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This was really heart-warming, Adelie. I totally understand what you mean by “losing the spark”. I’ve been struggling with that off-and-on for several years now. I love that you keep writing, and know that you won’t be stopping anytime soon!
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Hala J., thank you so much for reading this, and I’m really touched that you were able to connect to it as well. I think we all hit rough patches, sometimes it seems to be harder to pull ourselves out. I think it’s inevitable and human nature for our energy and inspiration to dwindle from time to time, but I’d really love it if I could find a surefire way to get myself back on track. If I ever do discover a cure, I’ll be sure to share it with you. 🙂 I’m really glad that despite your frustrations, you’ve continued writing as well because you have wonderful stories to tell!
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So so sad but so true as well. Words are magic and know no barriers. Thank you for this story!
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Thank you so very much for reading and for leaving such beautiful words, MM Jaye!
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Very moving – I love that sense of travelling through other worlds or other lives that comes from well-written books. You did a great job of capturing this through the voice of a girl that could not have travelled in any other way.
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I really appreciate you reading and taking the time to leave such lovely and encouraging feedback! It’s amazing how we can experience so many different things just by enjoying the creative works of others! Thanks, again!
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Dear Adelie, Well written and you made me teary – but a good feeling. Excellent! Nan 🙂
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Thank you so much for reading, and I’m really glad that I was able to move you. You’re too kind! 🙂
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How well you describe that passion of reading, the ending is devastatingly sad, but still that’s how it is traveling in books…
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Thank you so much for reading and for sharing your thoughts, Bjorn!
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I finally found some time tonight to sit down & catch up on some reading – I’m so happy this was the first one I opened up. You put a very unique spin to this photo prompt! I can literally see your story unfold around the picture. Great idea, executed brilliantly. This is hands down my favorite Friday Fictioneers response of yours! I felt genuine compassion for your character – which is the goal, right? 🙂
Love it!
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I’m glad to hear things have settled down a bit for you, and I’m especially touched that I was your first! 😀 I really appreciate the highly encouraging feedback, as I was slightly worried this story was almost trying too hard for the compassion factor. So, to hear that you appreciated it, and that it’s your favorite FF of mine! No pressure, but I do hope you find your way back to the fictioneers soon. Your fiction is always so compelling and versatile, and I’m really looking forward to what comes next from you! 🙂
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