The Heart You Left

Posted on by areadingwriter

The Heart You Left

Our children, our great grandchildren, and our great great grand-kids wanted to have a big centenarian birthday bash for me. I refused. I am too old for a party. I can’t even do jiggly jives any more. All I want for my 100th birthday is to be with you. That’s why we’re all here.

While our children’s eyes admire the grandiose Dôme des Invalides’ ceiling, I slowly closed mine and let my soul feel the dead heart you left— interred inside the vaults of Les Invades.

Time was not able to take my pain away. I still long for your body, your probably-mutilated-body left undiscovered. Most of all, I still wish your heart is still beating with mine today.

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Word count: 120

©2016 Rosemawrites@A Reading Writer. All Rights Reserved.

Photo credit: TJ Paris

NOTE: This is a work of fiction inspired by a non-fiction detail. There are real tombs and vaults in Les Invalides. While the most notable is Napoleon Bonaparte’s remain, there are French soldiers, now considered military heroes, whose only their hearts’ remains lie inside Les Invalides’ vaults.

–

In response to Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers (FFfAW) May 24, 2016.

Rules:

  • a flash fiction challenge (stories in 100-175 words or less)
  • each story should have a beginning, a middle, and an end
  • no serial (continuation) stories
  • include a pingback to the challenge post

Thank you for the breathtaking prompt, Priceless Joy! ❤ 

Read more short stories here:

Published by areadingwriter

I read because I write. | I write because I read.

87 thoughts on “The Heart You Left”

      5. Am searching for enrichment classes for my little girl. Teacher wanted her class to focus on Composition/Creative Writing. I don’t know how this could be taught. I thought if we have great imagination, we could write anything! What do you think?

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      7. Thank you so much, my dear! ❤️❤️❤️ What an irony, isn’t it??? I’m writing here and yet have to send my girl to learn how to write… Hahaha. 😀 I don’t seem to be able to get my words into her cluttered brain. LOL! 😀

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      8. HAHAHA! I think teaching writing and writing are too different things. But I believe your mother instinct will kick in! 😀 😀 😀
        And your lovely lass will surely learn a lot from you! 😀 😀 😀

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      10. You are welcome! I am just being honest. 😉
        Hmm. NAH! I am not sure if Rainbow has plans for a sequel. She said: “I always thought I would (write a sequel)– I almost started it as soon as I finished Eleanor & Park. And now I sort of wish that I had. The success of the book has made the prospect of writing a sequel really intimidating. I’d hate to disappoint readers who really love the characters. (I don’t want to Jar-Jar Binks myself!) And I know I’d disappoint somebody! It would be impossible to write a sequel that lives up to everyone’s hopes and imaginations. “

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      14. Yeah. And I somehow understand her. Eleanor and Park is such a huge hit. (the best example is the two of us! :D) And… it is tough to satisfy those who loved the first book.

        Liked by 1 person

      15. And “Turtle” too! (hope I get her name correct) 😀 But whatever ending she writes, I believe the readers will respect her decision. ‘Cos we love the way she writes! 😀

        Liked by 1 person

      19. No… But I love you more than I love her! ❤️❤️❤️ I won’t get to know her if it wasn’t for you. 😀 She should pay you advertising fee. 😀 Hahaha!
        Oops! Is your boyfriend reading this? LOL!

        Liked by 1 person

      27. I’m honoured! 😀 😀 😀 ❤️❤️❤️ Actually I told my hubby about you too! About all the books you’d recommended and how you’ve encouraged me along the way. 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  6. A hundred years and how much of that was spent wishing for another’s company. Someone lost in the indiscriminance of war. Thank you for reminding us, Rosema, about long loss and long-held feeling.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. This brings me warmth in a weird way. It’s a sad story but it feels wonderful to know that love lasts longer than ever and nothing can destroy that 🙂 ❤ It's refreshing to read especially since nowadays love does not last even longer than a meal! It's a sad, painful yet beautiful and joyful read 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. thank you, NJ! That is such a heartwarming comment that I surely love. Despite of the sadness, you see the bright side that I tried to convey, that love endures time and life’s span. 😀

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