
I fell in love. Not so strange, you may say—people fall in love all the time. But my lover and I are separated by all the vastness of space and time.
From an ancient book, he reached out and spoke to me, and I was captivated. These were the words he spoke: “I am only the house of your beloved, not the beloved herself: true love is for the treasure, not for the coffer that contains it.”
Now I stretch out, strain back, all the way to him. Truly, to be in love is a terrible thing.
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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

This story truly carries a deep message about love that transcends the boundaries of space and time. Although at first glance it may seem that love is tied to presence and physical existence, it is actually something that lasts in the hearts, regardless of the circumstances. A beautiful reminder that true love is not bound to material things, but to the spiritual connection and what is in the heart. Thank you for this inspiring piece!
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Thank you for the lovely comment
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Dear Neil,
To suffer a heart filled with love for no reason. (a line from a friend’s poem that seems to fit your story). Lovely write.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks so much, Rochelle
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Who am I to argue with the wisdom of the ancients? Lovely write, Neil.
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Thanks so much, Violet
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What an interesting and original story, Neil. Having a long-distance love myself, I must agree, love can be a terrible thing 🙂
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Thanks so much, Dale
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Well written
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Thanks so much
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To comment on perfection seems superfluous.
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Oh I hope it’s not perfection or there’s only downhill from here. But thanks, Linda
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Nah, just maintaining 🙂
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I love this piece. It touches the tenderest parts of the heart. And I must agree with that last line. It is a terrible thing. Well done!
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Thanks so much
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Reaching across time and space for love is an interesting concept.
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Another name for it, of course, might be delusion
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This piece draws the mind to ponder the predicament that love often puts a heart in. I feel like I should shed a tear or two but yet it’s sweet.
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Thanks so much, Clare
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Neil, I love your quantum leap. Who is to say it isn’t just so?
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Thanks so much, Lisa
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You’re very welcome.
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A lot of story in a few words, Neil. Readable pain. However, a sceptic might claim that distance not only lends enchantment; it actually creates a near-perfect relationship. Thirty miles could do it 🙂
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Thanks so much, Jilly. I always find absinthe makes the heart grow fonder
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Beautiful words. Is this love or obsession? Who knows where one starts and the other ends.
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Thanks so much. And your question is spot on
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Ooooooo I love this. You’ve got me thinking about the concept of love and what it means as an endless spirit. A body as merely a soul vessel as it were.
Nicely done.
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Thanks so much, Laurie
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Indeed it is a terrible thing, I love the way you took the prompt, clever stuff, mine reflects yours in a kind of way… Good stuff.
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Thanks so much
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the ying and yang of falling in love. such is the fate of us humans.
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She may be in love with being in love
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Me thinks the woman doth obsess too much! Good one, Neil.
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Thanks so much, Nancy
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As they say, love hurts. Great story.
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Thanks so much, Will
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Wow, this is beautiful and so heartfelt! Falling in love across time and space—what a concept. Reading this makes me feel like unpacking my boxes after moving last week might not be the most dramatic thing happening in my life after all. 😅
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Thanks so much, Jeanie
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To be in love is truly a terrible thing. Unrequited and impossible love is all the worse. Well presented.
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Thanks so ,much
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You sir, have the mind of a poet.
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Why, thank you, Dawn
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