Bus Trip – Flash Fiction for 10/19/12

The light was red and I was stopped in front of the bus depot behind a line of cars. I looked over and there were a group of people lined up to get on the bus. On impulse I picked up my phone and took a grabshot. When I looked at the photo later, I was reminded of the times I’d put someone on the bus, or met the bus, or gotten on or off the bus myself. There was always emotion attached to those comings and goings. I wondered what the stories were of the people in the photo.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Madison Woods for starting this group, maintaining it so diligently, updating the technology and for providing guidance and support to new members. The Friday Fictioneers has come to mean a ridiculous amount to me, and to many others I’m sure. Thanks, Madison, for bringing us all together and leading us in this creative endeavor. You have the heart of a warrior princess. I also want to thank Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for stepping up and accepting the leadership role when someone was needed to carry on this fun, creative, weekly tradition.

In line waiting to get on the bus, my earthly possessions clutched in my hands. A fine day, the sun shining, the sky cornflower blue, cottony clouds curtaining the horizon. In my pocket, the letter from the father I never knew, who abandoned his family when I was a baby. I see him always as a young husband smiling in a wedding photo. In two days, I will visit him in the hospital where he lays dying. My feelings swirl, confusion, curiosity, resentment, loyalty to my poor dead mother. At his bedside, I will ask my burning, haunting question. Why?

If you would like to come out and play with Madison Woods and the Friday Fictioneers, click here and follow the instructions.