I can feel the cold from the window, but still I refrain from closing the curtains. To block out the raindrop trails and to mute the storm would be to tempt fate.
I sit wrapped in a blanket staring out of the window, waiting for his headlights to turn into our driveway. The news continues in the background. An accident on the A4.
Relief engulfs me. I focus on the yellow glow the headlights create. My brain refuses to register the blue flashing lights.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHello, Mary. Is this a true story of your life? Is one of your family members involved in a road accident at A4?
No Lotchie, just a story about the anxiety we feel when a love one is overdue and the relief when we think they are safe. Unfortunately our mind sometimes plays tricks on us. I’m sorry this one didn’t have a happy ending .
I see, Mary. No. you do not have to say sorry; it is still nice and a little confusing. But I like how you opened up your story: “I can feel the cold from the window.” I feel like I am in the story too. Good job.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleA very well-written story, Mary, which reflects the anxiety many of us feel when a loved one is late arriving as expected. I was bowled over by the ending.
I have lived this scene so many times, even down to the idea of not wanting to tempt fate. I think all mothers and fathers could identify with this story, even though you don’t say whether your protagonist is waiting for a son, a husband, or perhaps even a brother. Thank heavens my anxious waits have always had happy endings. Excellent writing, Mary.
It is a very common theme. I imagined while writing it that she waited for a partner, but now you mention it, it could be any parent when their child first gets a licence. What an anxious time that was to live through.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you for your kind comments.
I like the way you avoid going into details about what happened and that the waiting person all the time is unaware of what’s going on, although the radio gives a hint. Also that she refused to take in the flashing, blue light outside the window. This is what happens when amnesia strikes and, in a way, it’s interesting that the brain does that.
Very true Christer. Thank you for reading.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleMary this is such a sad story I think many people can relate to the anxious feeling of waiting for someone who is running late. Really well told.
Thank you Marianna – many of us have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of a loved one at one time or another and have experienced that same feeling of relief to see the headlights finally arrive.
You’ve expressed the anxiety that anyone with a loved one who is running late feels really well. A heart rending ending; that your protagonist blocked out what was really happening, their sense of relief when they see the glow of headlights, is utterly believable. Well done.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThanks Carrie for your kind words.
How often does our brain refuse to accept what is right in front of us? It’s a form of self-protection, for to accept what we see or know would mean losing all hope. You expressed this and so much more in so few words Mary. Really well written.
Thank you Linda.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleWaiting for a loved one who is due to have arrived and hasn’t could stir so much anxiety. Worst still is if the person can’t be reached on phone. Well crafted story.