I wake, my dream so real I can almost grasp it. Hold it. Live it. Make it come true.

In my dream I had wings. In my dream I flew back in time and lifted Jason from the debris that was his car. I pulled him free and…

But it fades into the night and unable to return to sleep I switch on my laptop and spend the next hour playing Mah-jongg, trying to forget.

We’d argued. A silly disagreement and Jason stormed off before I could tell him I was carrying his baby.

Just before my neighbour’s rooster began his pre-dawn reveille, I fell into another fitful dream-filled sleep. Once again I had wings but this time I found myself on the edge of a pond. In its depths a small boy, trying to reach the surface. I grasped his outstretched arms and together we flew towards…

The rooster woke me then. Who was the boy? There was something familiar.

I showered, dressed and tried to camouflage the bags beneath my eyes. Jamie would arrive soon.

I wandered into the garden, checked the mail box and pulled a few weeds from around the daffodils nodding their heads toward the sun. A kind policewoman had brought me a wilted bunch of daffodils found on the seat of Jason’s car. Daffodils, flowers of forgiveness. He’d been coming back to apologise for our silly argument. I planted more and more each year.

Jamie arrived carrying a huge bunch of daffodils. ‘I don’t think you need any more,’ he said, kissing my cheek. But he knew how special they were.

‘I’ll put them in water,’ I told him.

‘No. Wait. I want to tell you something first.’ Jamie took a deep breath, then grinned. ‘Kim’s pregnant!’

I almost dropped the daffodils. Jamie and Kim had experienced so many disappointments. We held each other tight, rejoicing through happy tears.

Finally, I wiped my eyes, looked down at my flowers and watched a beautiful butterfly rise from one of the golden trumpets.

Jason used to call me his little butterfly. He knew. He knew.

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    Voice-Team
    Voice-Team(@voice-team)
    Admin
    2 years ago

    A well-crafted double story of life and love, with wings at its heart. 

    Eric Radcliffe
    Eric Radcliffe(@eric-radcliffe)
    2 years ago

    Hi Sandra, I’m amazed by the huge variations on wings, all of them so different. I enjoyed your story Sandra, sad as it was, but the end offered hope as you watched a beautiful butterfly rise from one of the golden trumpets.

    Eric Radcliffe
    Eric Radcliffe(@eric-radcliffe)
    Reply to  Sandra James
    2 years ago

    Sandra, it is never selfish to wish to give life. I bet he looks down on you as you remember him, and smiles a big thank you for keeping him alive in your heart and soul, and just think, there will be lots more who will come to know of him through your writings. That includes me. Thank you for sharing.

    Last edited 2 years ago by Eric Radcliffe
    Eric Radcliffe
    Eric Radcliffe(@eric-radcliffe)
    Reply to  Sandra James
    2 years ago

    It is good Sandra, that you understand that writing comes from that part of us that is the centre of expression, the soul. Writing can be a balm not just for ourselves, but to others. Words reach out, they can resonate to others, so pick up your pen and let it RIP, if it makes sense to you, then that is all that matters.

    Greene M Wills
    Greene M Wills(@greene-m-wills)
    2 years ago

    The poor lady must have carried so much guilt over the years but I love the fact that she felt his joy at the happy news and forgiveness through the flowers. i really liked it!

    David Drew
    David Drew(@david-drew)
    2 years ago

    What a moving and touching story. And I loved the daffodil element. I lived for years in Tasmania and always felt the magic of daffodil season

    Daisy Blacklock
    Daisy Blacklock(@daisy-blacklock)
    2 years ago

    This is a beautiful story. I loved how you opened it and closed it with short sentences. They give a great effect. You used the theme brilliantly and in so many different ways.

    Daisy Blacklock
    Daisy Blacklock(@daisy-blacklock)
    Reply to  Sandra James
    2 years ago

    No problem. Congratulations on making the shortlist.

    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    2 years ago

    A sad but uplifting story Sandra. I felt for your protagonist waking from her dream wishing it were true. I’ve often experienced this. Daffodils were the first mother’s day present I ever bought, I remember so well taking my few shillings to the market and buying them. I love how you have used them in your story.

    Christer Norrlof
    Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
    2 years ago

    What a beautiful story, Sandra! I love the way daffodils show up over and over in your story, symbolizing forgiveness and, in this case, the memories kept alive for Jason. Dreams can be very inspirational and also very symbolic. My favorite dreams are the ones where I could fly. Here, it seems as though your protagonist, thanks to her ability to fly in her dream, gets a glimpse of a happy future,… Read more »

    Danielle Burke
    Danielle Burke(@danielle-burke)
    2 years ago

    Sandra, I love your varied use of wings in the story! I have a friend who lost her daughter, but she constantly sees beautiful butterflies that allow her to know her daughter is still with her.

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    2 years ago

    I love this story, Sandra. It was a different kind of wings. I love how you end a very sad story like this into forgiveness, a new hope, peace, and joy through a new life (grandchild).

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    Reply to  Sandra James
    2 years ago

    You’re welcome, Sandra. Yes, I could imagine that too.

    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    2 years ago

    It’s always lovely to see a joyful end to a sad beginning and a sense of hope, especially when you’ve just reached the last of a lot of wonderful stories. This piece is written with such sensitivity. Nicely done.

    Julie Harris
    Julie Harris(@julie-harris)
    2 years ago

    Congratulations on having two stories in the finalist list, Sandra! What a wonderful tribute to your skills as a writer!

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