Well I’ve managed another one. I haven’t posted lately as everything is hectic here and I couldn’t commit the time to commenting on others, so didn’t feel I should post mine. Hence I have two or three stories in the bank which will hopefully fit the next time we have a toilet or cold weather for a prompt. I hope you all enjoy this week’s effort and look forward to hearing your views.
PHOTO PROMPT © Sandra Crook
Drab moths streamed toward the streetlight, like they had to her when she shone, clamouring to be close and desperate for transference of some of her butterfly colour.
They came mouthing exaggerated air kisses and contrived adulation and drowned her in “Darlings!” and “Looking absolutely gorgeous! Loved the show.”
But with the light fading, the moths deserted her for this year’s sparkle.
Tears of realisation trickled over her raw cheeks.
She slid down the lamppost to slump at its base but firm hands caught her and pulled her up.
“Why? It’s you. You’re here.”
“Always have been, didn’t you notice?”
Written for Friday Fictioneers – a 100 words story based on a photo prompt. Hosted by Rochelle. Read the other entries here.
Michael Wynn 
Lovely
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Neil
LikeLike
Dear Michael,
That’s one way to escape the faux glamour of adoring fans. Well done.
Shalom,
Rchelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Rochelle
LikeLike
Wow, really loved this one. The metaphor of the butterfly surrounded by moths is nicely done, as is that desperate feeling as your light and fame fades, then wrapped up happily with the one who’s still loyal, who always loved the her that was underneath and not her bright facade.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for a great comment, you’ve nailed exactly what i was trying to get over. Thanks again
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I loved that so much I had to read it twice! Beautifully done.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank-you, it’s very flattering and rewarding to hear it was good enough to read twice.
LikeLike
Very well done. Enjoyed this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sandra
LikeLike
Nice metaphor, and very true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank-you, pleased you thought so
LikeLiked by 1 person
Simply delightful. Nice one Michael.
Click to read my FriFic!
LikeLike
Thanks Keith
LikeLike
Loved the drab moths descriptions! Very well told. Beautiful piece. Lots of emotions
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Laurie, kind of you to say so
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like that there was someone to catch them at the end.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The one she forgot on her heady trip through fame. Thanks Iain
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww…that was so sweet!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you liked it Dawn
LikeLiked by 1 person
Insincere flattery. All the butterflies of this world have to Deal with it. Well told
LikeLiked by 1 person
They have to deal with it and often recognise it for what it was when it’s too late
LikeLike
Really liked this. Its hard getting older or just not as famous – glad there was someone there for her that cared. That helps.
LikeLike
Thank-you, I’m pleased you liked it so much
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sad!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Louise
LikeLike
Excellent metaphoric piece. Lots of emotions. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank-you, glad you liked it
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to see you back and writing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve only been away due to other writing priorities, I miss it each week so hopefully I’ll be able to contribute more often from now on in. Thanks for your comment Michael
LikeLiked by 1 person
What beautiful imagery. Very atmospheric, Michael.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank-you Neel
LikeLike
The poor guy had been friendzoned, but true love triumphed in the end 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for the comment and introducing me to a new word, friendzoned.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful – esp loved the metaphor
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank-you
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is so much in this story. One of your best!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think maybe it is one of my best, thanks Clare
LikeLike
Welcome back! Lovely story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Alicia
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is one to re-read to get its full impact. Great images of false friendship; a wonderful bitter sweet piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sarah Ann, I’m flattered you think it worth a re-read and quite proud.
LikeLike
Lovely word painting. Welcome back.
LikeLike
Thank-you and it’s great to be back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love your words… the metaphor of the moths and lamppost works very well
LikeLike
Thanks Bjorn
LikeLike
Very nicely done. Looks and stardom fade away but truely loyal friends will be there for you.
LikeLike
Thank you very much for your kind comment
LikeLike
Great use of metaphor, Lore`.I loved the descriptions. Good writing. Keep the toilet and cold weather stories. You’ll no doubt be able to use them sometime in future. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLike
Thanks, Suzanne. I’m sure we’ll get another toilet prompt soon, there’s been two I can remember already 🙂
LikeLike
I must be getting tired.I don’t know how I got you and Lore` mixed up. I’m really sorry, Michael. Good writing. —- Suzanne
LikeLike
No problem Suzanne although for future reference, Lore is the prettier one
LikeLike
Felt drawn into your story straightaway- lush descriptions, her air of decadence plus his down-to-earthness. Good one.
LikeLike
Thank-you very much for reading and commenting
LikeLike
Beautiful imagery there, Michael, and as Joy says, such apt metaphors for fame and its fleeting glamour. Well done
LikeLike
Thanks Lynn, apologies for the late reply.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really no need – I’m replying to everything days late myself! It’s the time of year I’d say 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is, so much to be eaten 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! Very true
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderfully done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLike