Travel Plans

Ruth slipped away from the annual fall party and wandered down to the dock.  She found the bench and sat facing the lake.  Moonlight danced over the water, and leaves skittered across the boards.

She and Robert had been coming here every year for the past 15 years.  They had shared their first kiss next to the water.  He had proposed here too.  Last year, they had reminisced about their trip to Europe and planned their next big vacation to Australia.

Now, she had to force herself just to leave the house.  She wouldn’t even be here but for her sister insisting.

Ruth sighed and blew on her fingertips, her breath rising and dissipating.  Robert had always held her hands or offered his coat.  She shivered.  His warmth, like their dreams, had died with him. 

“Excuse me, Miss?” 

Startled, Ruth looked up. “Yes?”

“It’s rather cold out here.”  He held out a pair of gloves. “I’m Jonathon from next door. I’d be happy to wait until you are ready to head back….  Or if you would prefer to be alone, you can leave them on the deck.” 

Ruth shook her head, but smiled at the gesture, so like Robert.  For some reason, she nodded to the bench next to her.

“So why are you out here and not with your friends?”

Ruth shrugged. “Memories…. You?”

“Couldn’t sleep.  There’s this noisy party going on next door.” He smiled and winked.  “Nah, I was up researching a trip to Australia.  Ever been?” 

“No, that dream died with my husband.”

“Ahhh, I’m sorry for your loss,” Jonathon whispered, “but…. but would your husband want your dream to die too?  Or just change a little?”

An image of Ruth driving a jeep through the outback flashed through her mind and settled in her heart.



Submitted for

Daily Flash Fiction Challenge  (13+) Enter your story of 300 words or less. #896794 by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon

300 Word Limit using water, leaves, and party