He asks what came before my work in the lab? Before our worlds turned crazy and unrecognizable? What had I done for fun…late-night parties or early morning jogs?
I try to think back as I memorize the lines that frame his eyes, and then all thought is gone, like the years that came before. I just read books! I reply.
He gently presses his lips upon my forehead, as if to read all my secrets, like some deep, hidden braille, then his own breathing slows and I think he understands – I am a girl of two minds, two fish, one at peace with the tide, while the other heads upstream.
“Maybe when this over we can meet on the beach,” he suggests, “and bring no book, for this one day we’ll give to idleness and float as clouds hovering merely by desire.”
***
Written for dVerse Prosery where we are asked to write flash fiction no longer than 144 words and include an assigned line of verse. Writers may change the punctuation of the assigned line, but they may not insert words within the quotation.
And bring no book, for this one day
-from William Wordsworth‘s poem ‘Lines Written at a small distance from my House‘
We’ll give to idleness.
Tricia Sankey 
I really like this, Tricia, especially ‘ I was a girl of two minds, two fish,’ and the killer final line! 💕
Thanks! My mind is still in a romantic place, writing the ending of the novella right now! 😆
Exciting 🤩
Tricia, that’s just beautiful. Truly.
❤
David
Thanks, David, glad you enjoyed it! 💖
Lovely, Tricia. This sounds like it could be part of a larger piece.
Thanks, Merril! I see it as part of a bigger, sweeping romance! ☺️💖
💕
Marvelous writing, Tricia. My favorite part:
“He gently presses his lips upon my forehead, as if to read all my secrets, like some deep, hidden braille, then his own breathing slows and I think he understands…” Brought tenderly and vividly to life!
Thanks, Lisa, glad that part touched you! 💖
My pleasure!
Beautiful Tricia 👏👏👏
Thanks, Gabriela! 💖
My pleasure Tricia 🌹
This is SO beautifully scribed….really intense, lovely writing, and yet so peaceful, and gentle, just wonderful, the way the kiss on the forehead is described, all…and the last line is wonderfully done, for it shows both the masculine, and feminine mind…
I appreciate your feedback, Ain, so pleased you enjoyed it! 💓
nice job on this Tricia!
👏👏
” I am a girl of two minds, two fish, one at peace with the tide, while the other heads upstream”.
Thanks, Cindy! 💓
pleasure !!💖
‘He gently presses his lips upon my forehead, as if to read all my secrets, like some deep, hidden braille, then his own breathing slows and I think he understands ‘ ~ beautifully penned Tricia!
Thanks, Carol, so happy you enjoyed those lines! 💓
This was lovely to read. “ He gently presses his lips upon my forehead, as if to read all my secrets, like some deep, hidden braille”. Well done ☺️
Thanks, Christine, I love writing romance! ❣️
You do it so well Tricia ☺️
🥰
Beautifully done! I love the flow and romance in your story!
Thanks so much, Dwight, this was a fun challenge! 💓
Yes, you are welcome!
Beautifully written!
Thanks so much, Jay! 💞
Nice the way you prolonged the prompt line. Enjoyed the tale
Much love…
Thanks, Gillena! 💖
So beautiful lines! Well penned, Tricia👌👌
Thanks for your comment! 💞
Oh, how lovely, Tricia! Seamless how you incorporated the prompt. Great ending 🙂
Appreciate your feedback, Sunra, pleased you enjoyed!! 💞
“He “gently presses his lips upon my forehead, as if to read all my secrets, like some deep, hidden braille,” such beautiful words here….they evoke such a gentleness. Love your use of the quotation.
Pleased you enjoyed those lines, Lillian, appreciate your feedback! 💖
This is so well written with that hidden story of what kind of place they are at… why? all those questions and still that romance, and the hope that everything will be over.
Thanks, I did throw in some mystery there! So glad you enjoyed! 💞
This feels so ethereal, like floating in an ocean of memories.
Thanks, Linda! I’m glad it flowed easily and love your comment! 💓
Oh, yes, please. Let’s do it just as you said. This is spectacular. The way he kissed your forehead is tender and I’m sure he got the idea of the beach after stealing it from your forehead. Um, You didn’t know you had that thought rumbling around, right? I know. Such a lovely piece of writing. Loved.
You’re right! I think his lips read that idea in the hidden braille! 😄 My desire is always to be idle!! Thanks, Selma! 💖
>> My desire is
always to be idle!! <<
The evasive eidolon !! 🤦🏻♀️
I’m calling myself “zen” but maybe I’m lazy?? 😆
I love seeing how you weave the quote in until it is no longer a quote but a sure part of this prose! ❤
Thanks so much, Jaya, the quote really got my creative juices flowing! 💓