The fireworks stopped, the last silver starburst fading over the water. And then there was blackness. She wanted the display to continue. It was pretty, and she didn’t like the nothingness.
“Go on,” she ordered. “Don’t stop. I want more.”
The darkness and the silence continued.
Now came anger. “Stupid. Unnecessary. Do more.”
And next, contrition. “I’m sorry. Really, I can be better. Tell me what you want.”
At last, she said. “I am alone. Show me please, how do I get to shore?”
.
Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here
Neil MacDonald Author 
An intriguing and well-worked allegory, Neil. It could represent several different things. If I had to guess at one, I’d think it was the need to hit rock-bottom before it was possible to recover from an addiction. However, the important things are the multiplicity of readings and the beauty of the writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Penny. You’re right. It could apply to several situations
LikeLike
What an interesting ending, Penny is right, so many possibilities, even dreams
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Michael. Yes, more than one possibility
LikeLike
Dear Neil,
You left me wondering how to get to shore myself.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the trick is not to look into the light
LikeLike
This story put me in mind of counseling clients I had who were desperate for help but couldn’t see through the darkness right away. Poignant and realistic, Neil.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was loosely based on the stages of grief
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I picked up on that. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Like others, many ways to read this, which is a good thing. I saw death and I saw dealing with grief.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was actually thinking of losing a lover, but death would work too
LikeLiked by 1 person
Neil this scenario is poignant, whatever situation you want to put it into. The discomfort is palpable. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Jade
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome, Neil.
LikeLike
I like a story that gets me thinking, and this is just perfect!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Keith
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel like this is not a story about fireworks. I’ll be thinking quite what it is about for a while to come!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right. It’s not about fireworks
LikeLike
i don’t know, but it sounds like her lover was failing her big time. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Or perhaps they’d just reached the end
LikeLiked by 1 person
This brief tale gives us much to ponder. I like that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Russell
LikeLike
“Hello Darkness, my old friend.” A wonderfully intriguing story, Neil.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Bill. And for the suggested sound track
LikeLiked by 1 person
The last line is a prayer on many peoples’ tongue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much
LikeLiked by 1 person
The three stages of desperation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so simple-minded, I saw a shipwrecked kid talking to the fates. The other interpretations hit it spot on though and it is beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That would work too
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s a lot of unsaid things in this , Neal, but in between there’s a lot said.
It’s a bit dark but a good dark with lots of meat on the bone. Intriguing. I’d love to read more.
Have a nice weekend … I’m back from vaca
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Isadora
LikeLiked by 1 person
It certainly does take us a few steps to struggle through our dark spots, whatever they may be. I’m glad your MC made it to the one that will help her to come through – asking for help. Powerful story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Margaret
LikeLike
Wow. The various stages of grief. Over love or life or death or loss. Nicely done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Laurie
LikeLike