
Letting It Go with a Swim
After the plane crash, Andrew was forced to live with his grandfather.
“Change will do you good,” the therapist said. “Country life can settle a person.”
On the way out, Andrew remained unconvinced. He’d wish for different from time to time—childish maybe, but really… what did he have left that could be lost?
***
The farm backed into tree-crammed woods. Sometimes, if it was windy, Andrew thought he could hear his mother’s voice twisting through the clash of limbs and leaves. She had been a nightingale, off key, but forever smiling.
He discovered a stream. The water tasted pure, almost spirited. It reminded him of the time his father let him have a sip of his summer cordial.
A trout leapt, slamming down between a pair of stones. He watched it thrash, its gills fleshy pink.
Overhead, a vulture circled. Two chipmunks scurried after an invisible foe. Sunlight shot through branches in beams of bright pageantry. Near the shore, two raccoons regarded him for an unmoving moment, then they carried on.
A cloud of mosquitoes hovered over the trapped fish.
Andrew saw its big mouth go even wider as it sucked air.
It flayed in his hands, slimy and coarse at the same time.
He thought about the fish, how it may represent his parents’ untimely death, or possibly even his own discontent.
He gave it a gentle toss. The fish floated, glinting rainbow scales in the sun. After some moments, the fish thrashed, leapt, and swam again.
Andrew watched it disappear. He felt the sun sting his face and for the first time in weeks, he sighed. He let himself smile again. He kept on wishing.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleMelissa, this is a lovely and touching story. I enjoyed reading it.
Thompson, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for your comment.
This is such moving micro fiction. I really enjoyed your descriptions of the countryside, Melissa.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you, Margarida. I do enjoy the countryside, it’s where I grew up. I’m much more familiar with this particular setting.
I always think that when you help someone else you help yourself so much more and Andrew in helping the fish began his own journey towards healing. A heartwarming story with a very satisfying conclusion. Well done, Melissa.
Thank you, Sandra. I wanted the best for Andrew even though his situation was a really tough one! A smile is a good place to start.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleMelissa, I can practically feel an oasis of calm and peacefulness settle on me when I read this. Wonderful writing and story! I enjoyed the description of the scenery surrounding your protagonist very much!
Thank you for your kind comment, Bella! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the story. Writing the description of the scenery was fun.
Hello, Melissa. After reading your story, you make me smile with satisfaction. It is a lovely and heartfelt read, Melissa. You perfectly portrayed how to acquire happiness when you learn to let go of things that make us sad and out of our control. Very well done.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you, Lotchie. I’m happy to hear you took this life lesson from my story. This comment made me smile!
Melissa, not only did you picture a beautiful scene in my mind’s eye, but your story also has a feeling of hopefulness. I agree with Sandra, that if you help others, you help yourself so much more. This is a lovely story.
Thank you for your lovely comment, Marianna. Helping others may just be the secret to living a life that’s not only happier but healthier and more productive! I’ve always thought this. It only has positive outcomes!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleSome lovely images in here, especially the mother being an off key nightingale! Loved that.
Thank you, Sophie! I’m glad you enjoyed it.