I’d been driving for hours. My brain and body aching for sleep. Searching, searching, for anyone. For any human life. But I am surrounded only by dirt and trees on these broken roads.
The rusty door of my pickup truck creaks as I push it open to stand on the dry soil at the end of this dusty vacant trail.
“Is there anyone out here?” I yell into my own echo. My hope of finding a single soul dwindling with my gritty voice as the days pass.
The virus is gone, but so are the people. Gone, but never forgotten.
100 Words
I realize I’m very late to this party, but I do hope you all had a very Merry Christmas if you celebrate. If you don’t, I hope you enjoyed the peace and joy of the season. And I wish you the very best in the upcoming year. I am certain we can’t wait for this year to be gone, and I’m sure it will never be forgotten.
Friday Fictioneers is a place for flash fiction brought to us by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Visit Rochelle’s site and use her Wednesday photo as a prompt to write a complete 100 word story.
Life with Alegria 
It feels like what you are describing a lot of the time around here. Will be so relieved when things get back to normal. I listened to an NPR program today talking about the arts and how humanizing the arts are, especially when shared with others. I miss that sharing.
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I agree Ms. Jadeli, the arts are humanizing. They provide room for creativity, which we all need. Creativity is the seed of invention and resourcefulness. The one thing this pandemic has given many is time, that precious commodity, when in abundance, allows creativity to flow. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
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You are very welcome and love your comment here.
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Woefully descriptive and a perfect accompaniment to the picture. Very well done.
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Thanks very much Keith. Much appreciated!
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Dear Shelley,
Better late than never. 😉 A bleak but well-told tale.
Shalom and Happy New Year,
Rochelle
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Thanks very much Rochelle! And a very happy new year to you too.
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I think you story would be my protagonist pulling over and yelling. Fantastic atmosphere. Well done!
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Haha I think you read that right. Thanks T!
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Bleak and atmospheric, We were lucky it was covid, this pandemic. It could have been much much more deadly
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Thanks Neil! You’re right, could have been much worse. Thanks for reading.
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Love that phrase: yell into my own echo. Evocative. Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks very much Anne! So glad you like it. Loved yours too.
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