Friday Fictioneers more stories here.
PHOTO PROMPT © Dawn Miller
When the Grim Reaper Calls.
I felt a headache and my vision blurred as blood dripped onto the desk.
My mind flew back in time and raced towards a barn, a place I don’t know.
Memories: mother, a dog, a swing, school, my navy days, Doreen, the children growing. A jumble of pictures, smiles and laughter, like a collage of fifty years flashing past.
Guilt crept up my spine with so much to repent and ask forgiveness for the way I treated my sick wife. Overindulgence with her insurance money.
What’s waiting in the barn? Is it Heaven or Hell?
Will Doreen be there?
James McEwan 
You rendered the collage of memories well
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Thank you ,Neil.
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Ut oh. Sounds like it’s karma time.
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Only one way to find out! Great take on the photo prompt, James.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Instant Karma!
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It’s unfortunate his last moments of life are etched with regret and that he is facing it alone. A poignant story, James.
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In 100 words is not easy to get across how guilty he felt as he may have saved his wife – and he misses her. I believe no one is sure if our lives flash before our minds at the moment of death, or does the light just go out. Thanks for reading.
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All the regrets and guilt hitting hard as he slips away.
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An excellent story, James. There are many layers to your character and his predicament.
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A very sad story of a man facing the end on his own with many regrets. You hear it said, but I often wonder if our entire life flashes before your eyes before we pass. You conveyed his memories and his despair really well, James.
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Well if he wants forgiveness, I hope for his sake Doreen is his wife’s name. So much said, Great piece.
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A man haunted by his past – it will catch up with you in the end!
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for better or worse, the time of reckoning has come.
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Ooooooooo
Well done.
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Dear James,
It sounds more like fear of retribution than remorse. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I felt hooked by your story. I specially like the section that starts ‘Memories; the tumbling, varied,disjointed list of memories. I think it works well.
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By the blood dripping, I fear he has taken his own life. I do love the series of images of his life scrolling as he comes closer to the end.
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Yes, life has that effect, there is no rewind button. Thanks for the comment.
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A powerful voice. His fear is palpable!
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What a creative way to use the barn. I expect he’ll get just exactly what he deserves.
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That is a unique take. Kudos for originality. I love the idea of the barn as a purgatory/gateway to the afterlife.
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The grim reaper does not let you hide the guilt you tried to suppress. Good post.
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Thank you.
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