For many years Jean and Albert walked through life together. Children, grandchildren and great grandchildren had blessed their lives.
Every day since retiring, they walked to the nearby park to sit and enjoy their time together. Their favourite garden feature was an unusual sculpture. It was reminiscent of a human form.
As time passed, so did Jean.
Albert returned to the park and his memories. A shadow touched his face. He turned to their favourite sculpture and smiled. The heart shape torso had never flowered before but was now covered in red blooms.
Albert knew Jean’s spirit was with him.
Ross's Writing Blog 
Sally-Jayne
September 16, 2011 at 23:11
Beautiful. I got goosebumps reading this.
Ross Mannell
September 17, 2011 at 07:57
Thank you for your comment.
The prompt picture was unusual but it gave me the idea for the story as I thought about the dressmaker’s mannequin shape. I decided to give it a spirit. 🙂
jfb57
September 17, 2011 at 22:22
This is truly beautiful Ross. It is so gentle and comforting. Many thanks for taking on quite a difficult prompt!
Ross Mannell
September 17, 2011 at 22:37
Thank you for the comment.
The idea reminded me of a short film entered in the Australian Tropfest Film Festival. It dealt with the loneliness of losing someone with whom you have spent your life. Brief film synopsis…
A man around 70 rises in the morning. He sets about making tea for his wife, adding a biscuit. Once he puts it on the bedside table, he showers and dresses in his best suit. He then lies down on the bed beside her. She had passed during the night.
I decided my character would have the comfort of knowing Jean was still with him thus giving him hope. 🙂
Anna Halford
September 18, 2011 at 20:43
What a touching piece. Lovely take on the prompt Ross.
Ross Mannell
September 18, 2011 at 20:45
Thanks for the comment.
I seem to be drawn to the more sentimental themes at the moment. Just a ‘phase’ I guess. 🙂
robinhawke
September 19, 2011 at 07:29
You translate sentiment well…Robin
Ross Mannell
September 19, 2011 at 19:30
Thanks for the comment and compliment. 🙂
gsussex
September 20, 2011 at 05:51
So lovely Ross : )
Ross Mannell
September 20, 2011 at 06:43
Thanks for the comment.
I was looking for something with feelings as the dominant emotion.
Lynda Dixon
September 20, 2011 at 05:57
That is superb. So full of hope and love. I love it. Beautifully written.
Ross Mannell
September 20, 2011 at 06:44
Thanks for the comment and compliment.
The idea was based on the notion love between a couple doesn’t stop when a life ends.