The red balloon danced in the apple tree, caught by a ribbon that fluttered in the breeze. She had loved balloons, when she and the world had been much younger. Every balloon had carried a wish… a wish of the heart sent soaring into the sky on bright wings.
She wondered about the child who had released this one. Had they let go by accident, or did this one too carry a wish?
Her old bones protested as she climbed the ladder, carefully untangling the ribbon, setting it free to fly. She was still smiling when they found her.
For Charli Mills’ 99 word flash fiction challenge.
Aw, sweet and sad at the same time!
LikeLike
Thanks, Jacquie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
LikeLike
Thanks, Michael 🙂
LikeLike
Oh, so touching Sue !
LikeLike
Thanks, Ritu 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, this was the best!
LikeLike
Thanks, Jennie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Sue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sad Sue, but they found her smiling. Perhaps her final wish had been granted and was released with the balloon.
LikeLike
I’d like to think so 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fly, balloon, fly!
Very well written little story.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Pingback: Wishes #flashfiction – The Militant Negro™
Thanks for sharing 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge | Pat Bean's blog
This post earned a Bean Pat as blog pick of the day. Check it out at: http://patbean.wordpress.com
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Pat!
LikeLike
Oh, dear, I hope this autobiographical! 😉 Although, I’ve often thought it not a bad way to go, staring up through the canopy.
LikeLike
Not a bad way… though I’d rather go in the heather 😉
LikeLike
In bloom, of course! 🙂
LikeLike
Of course 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very poignant, Sue.
LikeLike
Thanks, Robbie.
LikeLike
How nice that her last act was releasing somebody else’s wish, Sue.
LikeLike
Who knows, maybe it was her own 😉
LikeLike
Surprising, sad, beautiful!
LikeLike
Thanks, Lyn.
LikeLike
Oh! That’s a sad one!
LikeLike
❤
LikeLike
Oh, not what I expected! Great twist, Sue. At least she died with a smile.
LikeLike
No one said she died 😉 odd how much we read between words.
LikeLike
Pingback: Balloons « Carrot Ranch Literary Community
That’s a lovely story, Sue. It’s a great way to go – releasing wishes, going quickly, staying happy in the thought of helping another. Who could ask for anything more? You’ve created a delightful image. Just gorgeous!
LikeLike
Thanks, Norah. It would do me nicely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And me.
LikeLike