Image: Louise at the Storyteller’s Abode
The train steamed in and her hopes were high. It had been six weeks since the end of hostilities and each day she came to greet her two sons.
Once again she found herself on the platform her hopes up that they would stick their heads out of the carriage and wave frantically to her.
Around her villagers stood awaiting the arrival of their loved ones and smiles were exchanged with their expected appearance.
They knew of her daily vigil. The woman’s resilience was admired. Many recognised her inner strength. In secret they saw little hope for her after this amount of time.
As the engine passed, the steam from the wheels escaped in a cloud that engulfed the platform. She heard none of the exclamations of joy around her as the passengers disembarked and again she felt that recognisable pain in her heart.
Maybe tomorrow she thought, turning away.
Written for: https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com/2015/09/01/fffaw-challenge-week-of-09-01-2015/
Very sad, one wonders how long she can keep making the trip.
Thank you Dear Widow, yes such a thought struck me too.
That is so sad. You can’t imagine her pain each time the train pulled out without delivering her sons. Hope springs eternal.
Thanks Lyn, I think it does no matter the odds.
Poignant story. Shame she didn’t have a happy end. Perhaps next week ….
Thanks graham, we shall see.
This is one that makes you think. You can really feel the pain of the woman involved.
Thanks Angie, I appreciate your comment. Have a good day.
Really sad yet very beautiful. how much hope and courage she need to carry on
Thanks you MissD, you are right its hope that so often moves us forward.
Reminded me of the real story of Hachiko the dog. One really feels the pain. Great job!
Thanks Uday, appreciate you stopping by. Have a good day.
I agree; I felt her pain and strained hope. I love how you didn’t give her (or us) the satisfaction of a happy ending. “Maybe tomorrow” holds too true.
Thanks Izzy, its often hope that keeps us moving forward….
You have a beautiful way with words. I could feel it…great post.
Thank you so much, hope you are having a good day….
I like how you ended this – hope is such a powerful force.
Thank you Sonya, it is indeed….
Heartbreaking..!
Thank you Huma, if you thought so then I have achieved my goal. Have a good day.
A beautiful tale of desperate and faint hopes. I love the whole setting of this story.
I especially like reading this sentence 🙂
“As the engine passed, the steam from the wheels escaped in a cloud that engulfed the platform”
Thank you so much Madeeha, you are very kind. I hope you have a good day.
Oh how sad. Everyday. She has more stamina and hope than I would I think.
Thanks Tessa, I think it is her undying love that motivates her.
I hope her daily vigil is rewarded with the return of her sons, even if the chances are reducing. You depict her mingled pain and hope really well. Nicely done, Michael. 🙂
Thanks Louise. Have a good day.
I hope she gets her happy ending.
Thank you Jenn, I’m not all that hopeful but you never know…
A wonderful story that tugs at your heart. Great story, and I really enjoyed it. Thank you for participating in FFfAW challenge!
Thanks Joy my pleasure as always….
Hope springs eternal. I’m sure many a mother or wife waited and hoped along time for loved one’s during war. Great story Michael!
Thanks Mandi, lovely to see you stop by.
This story reminded me of my cousin who yearns to see her sons every weekend. She’ll get really depressed whenever they can’t make it.
Thank you there are many such tales. Thanks for stopping by.
Really? Oh dear, that means I haven’t read enough. Will make sure I read more ☺️
This is such a heartbreaker, a great read, really enjoyed this 🙂
Thank you Gretal, appreciate you stopping by….
The hurt in her heart may be difficult to put into words.
Thanks jacqueline, yes I think if you imagine the worst sort of pain and add ten to it you may get close.
Poor thing. The feelings were very vivid.
Thank you for stopping by, I appreciate your comment.
I really like the way you give us that glimmer of hope at the end of this. Most of the story suggests otherwise, as she treks daily to the station. But even though the villagers believe there’s little hope, they can’t help admiring her perseverance and unwillingness to give up hope. It leads us to believe that just perhaps, tomorrow will bring her joy. Beautifully told, Michael
Thanks Millie, for some of us if not all hope is what keeps us moving forward…hope you have a great weekend…
Well done. I get a real feeling for the town and its people in your writing!
Thanks Emilio appreciate you stopping by….
Well written…certainly causes you to feel her pain and also her strength of not giving up. It’s very sad and it leaves you hoping that one day she will see her sons again and she will have peace again.
Yes Jessie while there is hope she continues to do so. Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your weekend.
Hope is all she has. I could feel her unwillingness to give it up! Beautifully done!
Thank you so much Yolanda I appreciate you stopping by.
A sad story, I wonder how long she will wait.