“Frozen in Time”

Photo prompt by Hello I’m Nik 🎞 on Unsplash

Author’s Note: This is a Take Ten to Write story and has not been proofread for errors. If I feel inspired or if there’s interest in the story, I’ll post a revised, edited, and extended version at a later date. Happy reading!

I carefully place the record on the turntable and wait for the music to begin. The notes float through the air and I close my eyes.

I sit perfectly still, deeply inhaling the music surrounding me. A gentle hand on my shoulder steals my attention. I look up to see my love standing beside me, smiling down at me.

I reach up and grasp the offered hand. I stand and pull my love toward me. Together, we sway gently to the song.

No, not the song. Our song.

Our song is joyful, powerful, special. Our song had been playing when we first met, in a grocery store of all places. Our shopping carts had collided, as had our hearts.

Now, as we gaze into each other’s eyes, time seems to stand still. My heart feels so full, so content. For now, there’s only us and our music.

The final notes of our song float through the air. When the music fades, so does my love. I stare at my empty hands, at the place where my love had been just moments before.

I sit back down heavily as the next song begins. Letting out a deep sigh, I turn to the picture frame beside my couch. A smile reappears on my face as I reach out and gently caress the last picture that had been taken of us together.

Final Comments: I really loved the idea I had when I started writing this, although I’m not sure I love my execution of it. I think I’m possibly becoming more and more critical of (and less satisfied with) my own writing, but I guess that’s a good thing?

Overall Rating: 🥺