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Whispers, by Jim Bartlett

8/9/2023

 
"Tell me you love me," she says.

A rush of warmth flows through my body; I'm almost too choked for words.

"Of course I love you. And always will."

Her eyes aglow, she smiles that smile that takes my breath away, causes the old ticker to skip a beat.

"No, no. You know what I want. Whisper it. Whisper it in my ear. Like you always used to."

Tears stream down my cheek. Good lord, where did those come from? I pull her close. The scent of strawberry shampoo overwhelms, taking me back to picnics in Stow Canyon, walks along the boardwalk, lying in bed on Sunday mornings.

"I love you," I say in my softest whisper.

"55 years, Henry. Can you believe it? 55 years."

I shake my head, but now it's my turn to smile. "Never thought in a million years you'd put up with me for that long."

"Well, here we are."

She's quiet for a bit – it’s what she does when something's on her mind.

"Henry. You need to watch the time. You're going to be late."

I glance over at the clock. 12:30. Mark, our grandson, is graduating from the university today. I haven't been out much lately, but I promised I'd be there.

"You'll be okay while I'm gone?"

"Silly boy. I'm never far away."

I set her picture back down on our nightstand and give my eyes a quick wipe with my hanky. It takes me a minute to find my legs – always does when I sit down for a visit – and, straightening my tie, I head for the door.
Angela Carlton
8/9/2023 12:37:05 pm

Touching, a story that builds with an emotional twist at the end.

Jim Bartlett link
8/9/2023 03:31:16 pm

Thanks, Angela!
Jim

Michael McCarthy
8/9/2023 06:18:58 pm

That is really something. Such a love does not die. Great!

Jim Bartlett link
8/9/2023 06:49:40 pm

Thanks so much for the kind words, Michael.
Jim

Don Tassone link
8/9/2023 07:40:52 pm

"Well, here we are." What a moving story, Jim.

Jim Bartlett link
8/9/2023 08:27:41 pm

Thanks, Don. Really do appreciate it!
Jim

Michael Borjon
9/9/2023 05:08:27 am

Yes, I’m pretty sure I read it in an earlier publication, grabbed my emotions and touched my heart. Great story Jim…

Jim Bartlett link
9/9/2023 06:12:22 am

Thanks so much, Michael. Yes, it was originally on Postcard Shorts, but they folded in 2017 or 18.
Thanks again,
Jim

Sue Clayton
9/9/2023 07:42:13 am

An aged love that's lasted through the ages.

david milner
9/9/2023 09:11:57 am

Heartwarming. A portable story. Lots of love to Island Tales.

Jim Bartlett link
9/9/2023 04:29:37 pm

Always appreciate your comments, David. Island Tales sends its love right back at you.
Jim

Jim Bartlett link
9/9/2023 04:28:41 pm

Thanks, Sue. Your comments are always spot on.
Jim

Carol Garrasi
9/9/2023 02:14:04 pm

So lovely and touching. Beautifully expressed. Let's hope we all survive that kind of loss so gracefully.

Jim Bartlett link
9/9/2023 04:30:36 pm

Thanks Carol. Ain't it the truth...
Jim

Doug
9/9/2023 07:47:39 pm

Masterfully done, which is no surprise coming from you.

Jim Bartlett link
9/9/2023 11:42:26 pm

You're too kind, Doug.
Thanks so much.

Jim

Marjan sierhuis
15/9/2023 09:15:19 am

It is always a pleasure to read your wonderful stories, Jim. This one is lovely.

Jim Bartlett link
15/9/2023 05:37:49 pm

Thank you ever so much, Marjan.
It's always a pleasure to read your wonderful comments.

Take care
Jim


Comments are closed.

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    Friday Flash Fiction is primarily a site for stories of 100 words or fewer, and our authors are expected to take on that challenge if they possibly can. Most stories of under 150 words can be trimmed and we do not accept submissions of 101-150 words.


    However, in response to demand, the FFF team constructed this forum for significantly longer stories of 151-500 words. Please send submissions for these using the Submissions Page.

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    ​Please note that we tend to post longer flash fiction exactly as we find it – wrong spacing, everything.

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