Wishing you were here
I remember how we used to scuttle up the trunk after one another, like a line of ants. So happy we had the balance. Forgetting the frustration and fear before this.
Then we’d straddle it, grinning like gibbons, threatening to push each other off and gripping the rough bark. Descending only when another challenge presented itself.
But when I saw him, alone, I knew he didn’t want to be followed. He’d gone out on a limb, suspended between ‘let’s make it work’ and ‘It’s over.’
Or elated about his travel and needing to say, directly, ‘wishing you were here’.
To join Friday Fictioneers, see Rochelle Wisoff-Fields’ blog
Underdown 
Reminds me of the old saying to write on post cards”wish you were here, glad you’re not”. 😀. Perhaps just my circle wrote it…
LikeLike
I remember people saying it, too. I never had the guts to write it on a postcard, though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved that last line.
LikeLike
I’m glad you did and thanks for taking the time to tell me.
LikeLike
A good story about feelings, KZ. Things change as we grow up. I watched a man pick coconuts for a neighbor one time. It’s a real art. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLike
I bet it is. That would have been an unforgettable memory. Thank you for reading my story and sharing your thoughts.
LikeLike
A touching picture of conflicting desires. So sad when an era, and a relationship, ends.
LikeLike
Very true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice seamless switch from the fearless glee of childhood to a couple’s uncertain attempts at balancing in a relationship. “Out on a limb”, indeed!
LikeLike
Haha, a bit corny, I know. But it didn’t escape YOU.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve left with with a nice mix of nostalgia and curiosity. Well done.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was lovely! You’ve managed to convey so much in so few words.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
LikeLike
That’s a wonderful response, thank you.
LikeLike
A tale of mixed emotions. A poignant piece indeed.
My go at Friday Fictioneers!
LikeLike
Thank you, Keith.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Trees are witness to it all. Nicely told story.
LikeLike
Thank you MSJadeli
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome.
LikeLike
I love the change from happy memories to wistful reflection, the different moods you set here are perfect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Privacy up a tree. Yes I remember those days swinging in the branches of an old oak. Who needed cimbing frames?
LikeLike
Indeed! A branch, a horse, a bridge, a gangplank. Who needed anything but imagination?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Evoked a lot of emotion at the end – well done!
DB McNicol
author, traveler, shutterbug
Author Blog
Personal Blog
LikeLike
Thank you for responding so positively.
LikeLike
Enjoyed the childhood memories. What a shame we all have to grow up. Nice one.
LikeLike
Haha. Too true. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear KZ,
Welcome to Friday Fictioneers. A lot of emotion surrounding that tree. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Thank you, Rochelle.
LikeLike
Nicely evoked
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike