I’ve been skirting the idea of writing something for Friday Fitcioneers at the wonderful Madison Wood’s blog (link takes you to today’s post). After seeing the incredible photo prompt for this week, I had to give it a go:
House Of the Rising Sun
What a difference a few hours made.
Earl sat in the dirt outside the house and smoked his last cigarette. Twenty-four hours ago the dawn sky had looked bruised – all purple and red and black – but this morning it was beautiful. When last had anything seemed beautiful? Except Annie, of course.
The fury swelled through his veins like a river in flood when Earl remembered Annie. He looked at the two black entranceways to the house as he dragged agitatedly on his cigarette. If she was still alive she would finally be safe. She and Earl could go to Vegas.
Scribbla 
Gorgeous picture. 😀
His ability to see the sky as beautiful when yesterday’s sky was bruised shows his new perspective, like he’s healing from something.
But then he remembers, and the fury is back. I wonder what tomorrow’s sky will look like.
The grieving process. Down then up then back down again. Good days and bad. Forever. It may ease but it never goes away.
You are an incredibly observant and thoughtful reader. That’s why I’m always so appreciative of your comments. You are right on the money with this one. Thank you so much for your thoughts.
So glad you joined in! Have you ever heard Goodbye Earl by the Dixie Chicks? Not to suggest that this is the same kind of Earl… but like Robin said, when that fury swells in him, I got a little worried for Annie.
Anyway, you’ve definitely got a hook in there, thanks for writing!
I had not heard the song, but checked it out on YouTube. Hehehe… definitely not the same Earl, but I guess there could be an overlap in there somewhere. Thank you so much for making time to stop by, read and comment.
Favorite line: The fury swelled through his veins like a river in flood when Earl remembered Annie.
I even had a visceral reaction in my temples. Well done, Robin
Woohoo! 🙂
Lost my unreliable internet connection before I could comment last night. Loved what you did with the prompt. It makes me wonder what happened with Annie. Wondering also if smoking his last cig is a foreshadow to life-changes or if he’s going to buy another pack when he gets to town. How can so few words open so many questions.
Glad to have you on board and hope to see you again next Friday. It’s going to be hard to find another photo as inspiring as that one, though!
I loved the photograph. So deeply atmospheric and I’m sure I could get many different stories from it. I liked the idea of a piece that opened up lots of questions, but that could also be resolved by the reader. Thanks for your comments in that line. I feel encouraged.
Wow! Your image of the bruised sky is just perfection. As is the whole piece!
Thank you.
Amazing Picture.
the simplest line grabbed me this post
“like a river in flood”
Thanks for the read.
Welcome aboard, Scribbla! Nice post. Has me asking a lot of questions about Annie and Earl. I hope they make it to Vegas.
See you next week?
Aloha,
Doug
Thank you so much Doug, for taking both time to read and comment on my story. I’m busy with another projet this week, but will definitely return to Madison’s challenge! And I’m sure Annie and Earl make it to Vegas…