Never Forgotten (2nd Place)

Ginger’s silk nightgown shimmered in the moonlight as she traversed the terrace and leaned against the stone balcony railing. She clutched a wineglass full of Montrachet. She sipped it and scanned the quiet lake.

A soft whisper upon the wind caught her ear… “You have to listen to me.”

She jerked around to find the white-laced curtains waving in the gentle breeze amidst the large double doorway. She turned all the way around, searching for any movement. None caught her eye.

“I must be imagining things.” She said in the stillness.

“You have to listen to me.” Came the whisper again.

“What do you want? Who are you?” Her brow furrowed. She remained surprisingly calm.

“Look toward the lake.”

Her eyes wandered to the sparkling water. A small boat glided into view. Her heart raced and she swallowed hard. No. It can’t be.

A silhouette of a young man rowed in the craft. A sprinkling of water from each rotation fell upon the glassy surface causing small circles to emanate in every direction. The boat drifted toward her and landed upon the sandy beach. The young man exited the boat and peered up at Ginger.

“Jimmy…” The glass fell from her hand and shattered on the stone two stories down.

“I told you I’d come back.”

“What do you mean I have to listen?”

“Listen?” Jimmy’s face swept with confusion.

“You didn’t say that?”

“Say what?”

“’Listen to me’”

“I came to take you away from this place. What are you talking about?”

The voice whispered, “Go with him. You know you’ve always loved him. Leave this life.”

Ginger trembled at the still voice. She grasped the locket around her neck and felt her heart swell with passion and desire. She felt alive again.

My heart tells me to go…


300 Words


Flash Story
Limited to 300 Words
Must contain the line: "You have to listen to me."