When Maurice was alive we played games together and laughed and laughed. Every Wednesday night was our game night. We had so much fun playing games. Maurice would try and cheat and I would catch him and make him lose points. That was when he was alive two years ago.
My children gave me a game for Christmas. It is called Solitaire. I don’t want to play Solitaire. I don’t like the name of it. I don’t like the thought of it.
I guess they think that lonely people are suppose to play lonely games.
(95 words)
Photo Credit: Alistair Forbes – Thank you for our prompt photo
This story is my submission for the fun challenge hosted by Alistair Forbes, Sunday Photo Fiction. He gives us a photo prompt and 200 words or less with which we are to write our stories. The challenge is fun and addicting. If you would like more information regarding this challenge or would like to read the other participants stories, click on this link (there is a link inside this link that will take you to the stories).
BEAUTIFUL WORDS 
Sad an beautiful at the same time. Love it.
Thank you so much. I appreciate you reading my story and I’m glad you enjoyed it.
And, I can’t spell anymore, 😉
LOL!
So sad that people think when you are on your own you would lonely games! 🙂
Yes, that would just make me feel lonelier! Thank you Scrapydotwo!
Yes I agree!
Awe,such a sad piece
Yes, very sad. 😥 Hi Cat!
Awe the 😥 icon didn’t work
Darn it! It works on some themes and others it doesn’t. But, you could picture it in your mind, right??
great piece PJ, although playing it is not that bad. 🙂
I’m sure it isn’t that bad! But it had to be bad (for the widow) in my story. LOL
A lovely bitter-sweet story.
Thank you Steve! 🙂
Powerful and poignant.
Well done.
Thank you! Thank you for reading and for the lovely comment. 🙂
Very nice, though sad.
Thank you. I appreciate you reading and your nice comment.
The word solitaire brings to mind that once there was a “doublitaire.” You really captured the essence of loss.
Thank you Phylor. This story just poured out of me for some reason.
Well, it was a great “pour.”
Thank you so much! 🙂
Oh Priceless!!!! This is AMAZING! This needs read and reread. Brilliant piece!!!!
Thank you so much Colleen! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
One of my favorites of yours! The list is getting long but this has moved to the top. 🙂
Ahh, thanks! 🙂
Well done Joy! I have to think about this photo and I love what you did.
Thank you Barb! When I first saw the prompt photo I didn’t think I would be able to come up with a story and then, this one just poured out of me.
YW. I wrote a story then trashed it then wrote the new one, which I posted. The MFtS post did not post as it should. It is now out there…. ^..^
Ok! Thanks!
🙂
This is a great example of people, perhaps not thinking things through…giving a gift without paying attention to the circumstances. A well meaning gift, but certainly not one received joyously. Great job, Joy! It was a happy occasion turning very sad and quite depressing.
Thank you Jessie. Sorry it turned out so sad. You’re right about not thinking things through about giving that gift.
I agree. She should not be at home playing by herself, she should go out and find new game partners.
Exactly! Senior Citizens is a good start. 🙂
I really like the way you interpreted this prompt, PJ. You have crafted such a well-rounded story in so few words. I agree that the name of Solitaire sounds very lonely.
Thank you Millie! I always love your comments. When I saw the picture I didn’t think I would be able to write anything because I have never seen this particular Solitaire game. We play Solitaire here with cards. So I had no idea what to say. Therefore, I just went with the name, “Solitaire.”
I’ve played it, and find it quite an interesting way to spend some time. (That is, when I have any time to spare to spare! lol) But the name, and the way you wove the gift into your story, really worked.
Thank you Millie! I appreciate it. I think people are amazing that can think up these games.
Definitely agree 🙂
I could imagine that Maurice and the narrator both enjoyed a beautiful relationship.
The second para and the last line both reflect the pain of the narrator.
“I guess they think that lonely people are suppose to play lonely games”
This is such a powerful line here!!!
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind comment. Thanks for reading!
Sad but a very poignant end.
Thank you Mark!
Life can be very lonely 😦 So much truth and sadness in your story.
Yes, you are right. A lot of sadness and loneliness in the world.
I do not think the children thought that gift through. I recommend lots of fresh air and exploring the world round her.
Very poignant story.
No, the children weren’t sensitive enough to understand. I agree – lots of fresh air and meeting other people her age.
Thank you Francesca. 🙂
My parents used to play games together. Now I don’t think my mother has enough memory to remember even solitary rules…
She delights in the older fashioned types of contact -phone calls, and letters with photos.
Especially when visits cannot be frequent because of the distance she chooses to keep.
That sounds very sad to me. She sounds like she isn’t comfortable with the new “fangled” contraptions. Too bad that she wants to keep her distance because she is missing out on so much.
You can brink a horse to water, but you can’t make her drink. She chose her good weather retirement community.
And there isn’t a whole lot we can do.
That’s very true. Does she live in Phoenix?
South Florida. The MIL who did live in Phoenix ended up moving near her children in her later years so she wouldn’t miss out.
She made a smart move!
That should be ‘bring’ not brink. Essh.
I understand. I almost moved to a retirement community in Phoenix but changed my mind.
And that was fine with MIL, while her hubby was alive and she could travel. Once he passed, and she lost her licence – it was time. And every winter she complained. But I think she was happy to see family two and three times a week other than maybe once every two years.
Absolutely! I believe she is happier. I certainly would be.
She was…up until her death.
Nothing to be sorry for though, she lived a long, full life.
Well then I’m sure she died happy.
I am very late! but I just wanted you to know that this is a beautifully written and compelling story, PJ. Love the last sentence!
Thank you Lori! I really appreciate you reading and for the wonderful comment.
You are most welcome, PJ 🙂
[…] SPF – Solitaire — sad but wonderfully written flash fiction […]
Thank you so much!