All That Remains by DBA Lehane
;All That Remains’ by DBA Lehane
Darling,
Recognise the postcard? Yes, that’s right it’s that delightful little market in Montbron. You remember, it’s where you insisted on buying a kilo of Fourme de Montbrison cheese before saying you loved me for the very first time. Later, sat upon a bench nibbling cheese, we made plans for our future life together.
But then cancer came along and changed everything forever.
So I’ve come back to Montbron to paint a postcard reminder of that wonderful time together. After all, you always encouraged me to paint, remember? You said that life was nothing without art. But now, here on my own, I’ve come to realize that in reality life is nothing without you. So that’s why I had your ashes mixed with these oils. You will live on forever in these painted scenes of mine.
It’s all that remains.
Wish you were still here with me, darling.
Me xxx
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This 150 word story is for the Flash Fiction Wish You Were… postcard challenge. For a more reader friendly version, please click here
The fantastic watercolour is Market Scene, Montbron, France by the hugely talented Ian Osborne who I am hugely indebted to for allowing me to use his work in tis way. Go and check out his work and buy, buy, buy!
Tags
dba lehane, fiction, flash fiction, france, ian osborne, story
Comments
A dark twist on the traditional ‘wish you were here’ postcard Darren. Like the mixture of ashes and paint which gives it an extra special texture. Nice painting!
Thanks Ian…the idea of ashes being used in paint to “prolong” someone’s existence has been with me for a few years (I think I read an article once on different things people do with a loved one’s ashes) and this seemed the perfect opportunity to finally put idea into the story. Your painting was the icing on the cake! (Hmmm…now I wonder, ashes in the icing of a cake….)
– DBA Lehane
lovely
Thanks Anne, appreciate it
– DBA Lehane
Awe….this is so sweet, Darren. I’m glad you did this, I wasn’t sure exactly what to do for this challenge. Thanks. :) Solar
Thanks Solar…it’s interesting the different ways in which people will use, create or send postcards…so there’s a lot of opportunites for stories out there.
– DBA Lehane
ooheerrr
a little on the macabre side perhaps
but well written
annie
Macabre? And there was me trying to write something quite touching.
– DBA Lehane
WOW, so much emotion and a complete story in this short format.
I love the idea of immortalizing someone with the art. And the picture you paint with your words is as gorgeaous as any canvas can be. Love it.
Thanks you so much Madra – a very kind comment indeed!
– DBA Lehane
Beautiful and gentle, ties in so well with the lovely painting.
I am so liking the Dorian Greyish feel here … :O)
Beautiful write Darren
beautiful write