The old man
He watches and waits for his family, hoping to be remembered. (Snow Micro).
He would sit on the old rickety porch every morning whenever a bit of sun peeked from the overcast sky. Most other days he just sat by the window and stared out at the almost invisible roadway, rendered unrecognizable by the sheer volume of snow which just kept falling. The stark bare trees seemed to mimic his life, mocking his solitude.
He knew that the kind lady who came to help him would bring someone to clear a pathway for him to carefully walk if he was of a mood to do so. He missed his strolls with Betty, yet he would go to her soon enough.
Silas raised his head as the echoes of children's voices sounded from between the colorful blooms of the trees and flowers, the sun shining brightly upon the frolicking kids, dog, buzzing bees and butterflies, they shouted for him, running forward to hold his hands, pulling him towards play and fun.
The wind suddenly picked up, swirling cold wisps of snow across his face. The sunny image faded into silence, only the wind and snow remained.
The one who had come home from the war was resting not far away under the snow, his spirit and will had been as broken as his body. It had been a long time since the other two came to visit.
Silas perked up as a car approached. Family at last he hoped, he prayed.
It was Marianna, his nurse.
Maybe next time it will be the family!
About the Creator
Novel Allen
Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky. ~~ Rabindranath Tagore~~
Keep reading
More stories from Novel Allen and writers in Fiction and other communities.
The night stalker
Nathalie sat staring out the window as the snowflakes danced back and forth in the late November wind. How can they not sense her turmoil, her disappointment that Elizabeth Brighton, owner of Brighton Books had cancelled their meeting again, this was the third one this month. Nath had already written two books and had barely made enough to pay her bills.
By Novel Allen4 months ago in Fiction
The Whisper of Shadows
Isla was born into a distinguished family in Killarney, Ireland. As the younger of two daughters, she often felt like an afterthought in a household that longed for sons. Her sister, Morgana, was six years older and married when Isla was just twelve. Morgana's wedding was a grand affair, filled with laughter and joy, but Isla's heart ached as she watched her sister depart with Mr. O'Connell, leaving a void in her life that her parents, distant and preoccupied, never filled.
By Jonathan Strydes2 days ago in Fiction
Comments (11)
Awww, I felt so sad for him 🥺 Your story tugged at my heartstrings. I loved it!
The number of times I've seen this play out in nursing homes & with shutins wherever I've served. Powerfully expressed here, Novel.
Thank you, Novel: Speaking as an "Old Man"...Truly the smallest of gestures can make your lonely days. j-bud
A story that reminds me of hope and how we keep holding on to the belief that something we want so much will happen. Lovely story Allen. How is your Sunday?
Fascinating story
Oh my. That is so sad yet so beautifully done.
Snow has a way of adding cold to isolation. Nicely told.
Incredibly well written. That first paragraph was breathtaking
Sad and beautiful!
Thank flip the old guy didn't die! 😁
This is so beautiful and moving- thank you for sharing!