Fallen But Not Forgotten
by
Tracey Delaplain
Casey welcomed the brisk air, ripe with fireplace smoke and the musty decay of Autumn. The fallen leaves crunched under her boots with a satisfying snap, she kicked a few releasing her anguish on everything in her path.
She couldn’t breathe inside the house, the available oxygen was thick with grief: not just a house but her parents’ home, the haven she had shared with her twin, a place to share their secret language, a sacred space where they had made promises. She held his dog tags, feeling the smooth edges that had been polished against his skin but would never mark a grave. She traced his name and blood type, searching for any remaining trace of him.
The dog tags had been delivered by the chaplain as if this would give her some measure of closure, “Your twin was shot down over France and is presumed dead”.
Presumed dead? I would know if it were true. Where are you?
You promised to come home. You, not just these scraps of metal. You.
Casey sunk to the damp mulch and lie staring at the canopy of red and gold. The leaves continued to fall silently, she begged them to consume her, to leave her in peace to decay.
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It's National Novel Writing Month and this is a micro-scene from my work in progress, "Saving Happiness" which fit beautifully with the photo prompt.
To enjoy more flash fiction based on the photo prompt go here.
What's for dinner, Doc? 
Very poignant
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Thank you
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Too many people don’t plan…
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Beautifully written Tracey, it sounds like it will be a wonderful novel.
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Thank you for reading my fiction. A novel is a daunting task. We shall see where it goes. I’m so far behind in reading my food blogs but I hope you are well.
Tracey
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This is very moving.
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Thank you for reading Steve. I’m glad you were moved.
Tracey
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Nicely done!
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Much appreciated.
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Heart wrenching story and you get the feeling of her complete dispair. Well written. 🙂
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Yes, despair is a great description. Thank you.
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Really moving piece. So hard to lose a sibling, especially one so close. Good luck with the rest of the novel.
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Thanks Patrick
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Brilliant piece with a lot of feeling in it.
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Reads like a wonderful excerpt!
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