You wake me with a hand squeeze. It's late. Or really early.
Dutifully, I press PLAY. "Brandenburg Concerto No. 5” by Bach comes to life—softly to not disturb our babies down the hall. I snuggle against you, my behind hanging off the tiny, rented bed.
The opening chords remind us how to smile. You played this borrowed CD on our first date. The hair band devotee wooing the cellist. Your ploy worked. “Maybe better than you expected,” I later teased.
“I’m ready.” Your voice is weak but resolute.
Am I strong enough to end your pain?
I am.
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| Photo borrowed from telegraph.com.uk |
#
In celebration of their 99th week, Trifecta is mixing it up today. This week's challenge is to choose ANY word from page 99 of the Oxford English Dictionary. We can use any definition of our chosen word, but the piece must be 99 words exactly.
Beautiful and moving story. Sometimes love is letting go, no matter how hard it may be. Great work!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words, Jeremy!
DeleteSometimes is it tough to tell whether it is too early or too late.
ReplyDeleteUm ... Yeah, I got nothing.
DeleteOh Ivy, that was just beautiful and it ached too. I love how you bring the human experience to everything you write, the good stuff, the bad stuff, the ordinary and extraordinary stuff.
ReplyDeleteI'm wiping tears, but it's because I am moved.
XO
Kir, your comments always make my day. I'm thrilled to know my story touched you so deeply.
DeleteThank you, my friend! XO
Ivy, loved this piece from you. Very moving yet balanced as if love tip toes on the tight rope of life.
ReplyDeleteOh, what a lovely comment. Thank you so much!
DeleteSo beautiful! You certainly have a way with words. I'm never sure what I'll find each week: funny, sad, lovely, twisted. But I know I'll always enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I'm loving this feedback. Thank you!
DeleteMy natural inclination is toward humorous and/or dark, but I gotta stretch myself sometimes. This was a tough piece to write, so I'm glad to know it's resonating with readers.
Wow. Thought this was going to be happy, but it ended up sad. Good job in 99 words.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Paul. I thought surely I'd do a dark piece this week in honor of Halloween. But something moved me in this direction. That's the great thing about writing: you never know where the story will take you.
DeleteA sad but at the same time beautiful piece of writing. A great use of your 99 words.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, mj!
DeleteVery nice Ivy!
ReplyDeleteThank you, dearest!
DeleteSuch a sentimental tale... Beautifully written. :-)
ReplyDelete-HA
Thanks, HA!
DeleteWhat an emotional piece. A beautiful moment though. (I'm not sure I'd be strong enough.)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janna! I seriously doubt I'd be strong enough, either. Hopefully neither of us are ever tested in this way.
DeleteWow, heart-wrenching.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful writing, Ivy!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa!
DeleteGah! Beautifully executed! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Grace!
DeleteSuperb and powerful writing. You really set that scene well, and putting it in first person was masterful.
ReplyDeletePirate, thank you for the awesome feedback. Your words gave me a much-needed smile this morning. :)
DeleteBeautifully Sad. You have a way with words!
ReplyDeleteSo kind of you to say, Glynis. Thanks!
DeleteAbsolutely heart-breaking. Gorgeous writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I really appreciate the kind words. :)
Deletebetween late/early and the babies down the hall - such understated yet palpable heartache.
ReplyDeleteThen offering up the regret - perfect.
Thank you, Kymm. This was a hard piece to write. Your comment gives me hope that I did the situation justice.
Deletesad and lovely and powerful.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kelly!
DeleteSo sad and such a ride with so few words. It aches.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lovely comment, Jennifer!
DeleteVery tender and loving, and still so very heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind words, Tara!
DeleteI had to go get a kleenex, Ivy dear. This broke my heart. Love, in the ultimate manifestation, is being there at the end:) Gorgeous piece!
ReplyDeleteThe thought of being in this position terrifies me, but--as you said--it is the ultimate manifestation of love.
DeleteThank you for always leaving such thoughtful comments!
I want someone like this at my side when the time comes. Nice writing, Ivy. That's love, I think.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Steph. To me, this is love. Thanks for reading!
DeleteOof - such a painfully beautiful, connected moment. So well-written.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, MS!
DeleteOh, damn, Ivy - you totally blindsided me. This is a stellar bit of writing, and so so laden with emotions.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic comment. Thank you so much, Christine!
DeleteThat was so deeply sorrowful. A fortunate soul finds such love.
ReplyDelete"A fortunate soul finds such love." Well said and so very true. Thank you for reading and commenting!
DeleteOh I was sure I had a left a comment... very touching and strong..
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bjorn!
DeleteYou captured the journey of love and life so poignantly Ivy!Starting on a light note and ending with a sad twist-what ab brilliant piece of writing-kudos my friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Atreyee, for the sweet comment. I'm glad to know my story resonated with you. :)
DeleteYou write funny. You write poignant. You just write well, what can I tell ya! It takes a true talent to construct such an all-encompassing story; life and death, the present and the past, an entire marriage, family, music, etc., all in so few words. Consider my hat to be tipped and my head to be bowed. :)
ReplyDeleteTom, I am so sorry I missed your lovely comment until now. I doubt you'll see this response, but I am so overcome by your wonderful words. Thank you so much for always taking the time to leave such thoughtful feedback. This goes on my list of favorite comments ever. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
DeleteYou are most welcome. It was my great pleasure, believe me. :)
DeleteThat raised the hairs on my neck! So lovely, such a hard gift, but maybe the truest act of love.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I can't imagine having to make this choice but, yes, this would be an act of true love, I think.
DeleteYour ability of rolling the entire experience of letting go in just 99 words was breathtaking. Beautifully crafted, Ivy.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the kind words, Troy!
Delete