I love this picture from Dale Rogerson. I feel like there are so many stories originating from it that just need to be written so this might not be my only one. Thanks so much, Dale, for the inspiration. And thank you, as always to Rochelle for giving us this wonderful flash fiction outlet that is Friday Fictioneers.
The Dream
The skeletal tree limbs seize life like characters from the Wizard of Oz. I am momentarily transfixed despite my toes freezing in the silly canvas sneakers I donned.
I wait in shadows, shivering arms folded.
Then I hear the crunch of approaching footsteps in the snow, dance forward, my smile breaking my frozen lips. It’s not Antoine.
“Get your butt home, girl. Forget all that nonsense about Broadway. Who do you think you are? Barbra Streisand?”
Father’s angry eyes melt the snow around us.
After tears, I fall asleep, hearing: somewhere a place for us in my dreams.
end
So many dreams…. so many snowbanks. 😳
Well, at least the snow provides a soft landing. Many thanks for reading! 🙂
Father’s eyes melt the snow – that sums it up. If looks could kill…
Loved the heat ray eyes
So many parents try to snuff their children’s dreams…
I’m going to have this song in my head all day – thank you 🙂
And what a lovely thing to say. Glad you like the picture!
She’ll get to Broadway. 🙂 (No one sings like Barbra)
Wonderful story. I sometimes envy those who had father’s who were so protective… then, I consider all the “father figures” I had via the police and fire departments… talk about protective. Oh, I could tell you the tales of times they scared boys away. That is, until I met the man I married. Then, I told them that if they “f*d” up my relationship with him I’d NEVER EVER acknowledge their existence even after they died. hehe… they all showed up at our wedding. When we turned around to face the people and be introduced, the whole back wall and halfway up the sides of the church was a sea of police and fire persons there to support us. Outside for two blocks was a line of cruisers and fire equipment. The fire dept. brought their trucks, just in case they had a call. Gotta love my “Dads”. Geee, now I miss them…
Dear Sascha,
Who knows what a child can accomplish as an adult when their dreams are respected by their parents? Dad, you missed the boat. Well done. Interesting we both used Barbra Streisand 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
Dear Sascha,
Who knows what a child will accomplish as an adult when their dreams are respected and encouraged? Dad, you missed the boat. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Very well-told story and I love how you ended it.
Father had the right idea for that particularly cold night – she can realise her dream in spring.
Crushing her dreams or a pragmatic realist who knows his daughter? Good story.
Good old practical Dad, who figures Antoine is. up to no good and rescues his daughter: or, kills her dreams. Kind of a Hugo-esque situation.
There’s a fine line between protecting children and killing dreams.
Thank you! 🙂
You’re right, you really can get lost in that picture and a great story to go with it
Thanks so much, Jan! 🙂