Accidental Bestseller

His book was on the best sellers list and it was the worst possible thing that could have happened. – Today’s Author

He had never expected to send that draft to print; it was his first novel, and it was meant to remain unpublished.

Despite the people who appreciated the work, he knew it fell short somewhere. After countless scrutinizing drafts later, he had decided to put it off for sometime.

Then came the flourishing era.

He wrote another book, published it, and from there, his path was paved with success.

Throughout the years, the first novel remained a draft, collecting dust in his drawer. He never made an effort to revive it.

His family tried to coerce him into getting it published but he wouldn’t budge. He had convinced himself that his first book wasn’t meant for public readership.

Then it happened.

One bright Sunday, he left home for his morning walk, never to return.


Floating in mid-air, he gaped longingly at the shelves. After what seemed like hours, a young girl picked up a copy and flipped it to read the synopsis.

He read it over her shoulder.

“The critically acclaimed first work of the great novelist Bradly Wilson, published posthumously by his loving family.”

“This is his greatest contribution to the literary world. Pity he never got to see it in print.” — The New York Times.

“He was always like that; he gave away a lot without trumpeting it” — Mrs. Wilson.

Priorities

priorities

“Look, Mom!” The child pointed excitedly at the speeding car. “Mr. Bean!” Her face lit up at the sight of the green Ford. Her mother smiled mutely.

Her smile faded as she recognized the numbers on the plate; her birth date.

She remembered the day they registered the vehicle. It was her birthday – seven years ago. He had bought his first car and spent extra money on those particular numbers. She had been thrilled.

Now she just felt numb. He still had the car – but had easily abandoned her and their unborn child.

Everything that has a beginning…

Paris!

He signed. She echoed. Next moment, he was on one knee — “Yes!”

They stood at the base of the majestic tower, looking upwards. Memories thronged.

He signed, she echoed. “It’s over.” “Oh, yes!”

Paris


Love is pretty uncertain, isn’t it? What do you think?

As a part of my collection of Flash Fiction.

An Endless Love Story

Whether it’s a soul-sucking Monday or a heavy Sunday brunch, coffee is my go-to beverage. It’s more than a treasure; it’s a life-saver. My response for today’s Photography 101 prompt: Treasure.

treasure-coffee


National Blog Posting Month – #Day24

The Love Letter

He pulled the book from the shelf and a letter slipped out of its pages and fell to the floor.

Picking it up, he saw it was an old postage letter, neatly sealed and addressed to someone he couldn’t recognize. The ink had been smudged with the lack of human touch, and the paper was light between his fingers.

He turned it over in gentle hands, wondering who Dearest Josephine was. As far as he knew, there had been no one by that name in his family. Who then, was Josephine?

After a moment’s quandary, curiosity forced him to tear the letter open. A white feather fell from within the folded letter. Picking it up with a smile on his lips, he placed the feather on his desk and sat down to read the letter.

There, in slanting tiny letters, was a note —

Dearest Josephine,

I know I should have told you earlier, but I couldn’t bring myself to face you. Every time I saw into your blue eyes, my heart skipped a beat – or two. Words failed me. Your eyes drank in my youth, making my spine tingle with emotion.

I know I should have told you earlier, but you seemed beyond my reach. I was just your manservant, and though you treated me like the best of your friends, I couldn’t face myself to confess that I wanted more.

I know I should have told you earlier, at least when you prepared for your marriage with that wealthy weasel. I knew you didn’t want him, I knew of your tears, of those sleepless nights that led to your marriage. The coldness in your eyes, when you told me of your fate —

Oh, I know I should have told you earlier, not to woo you, but to offer freedom, from your father. I could have taken you, away to where you most desired.

I know I should have told you earlier — I could have saved you.

I’m sorry, Josephine. I love you.

X.

He folded the letter with a quizzical expression. “Dearest Josephine,” he whispered to himself. “What’s your story?”

Taking out a fresh notepad from his desk drawer, he began writing.

———–

“Welcome to Entertainment Now, and on top news today – renowned author breaks writing block! Mark Stephenson launches his latest novel, Dearest Josephine — A Life to Remember. Critics say, it’s his best work yet!”


For some time now, I’ve been following Today’s Author where they periodically give us one-line prompts. I’ve been wondering if I was in the writer’s block zone and so, when I opened my mail to this prompt, I decided to try it. This is the first time I’ve responded to one of their prompts – and it was just so spontaneous.

National Blog Posting Month – #Day19