Author’s Note – This was inspired by equal parts Friday Fictioneers and the FPGeek’s InCoWriMo. As usual, the challenge lies in finding a non-obvious way to interpret the photo. Hope y’all like it! (100 words exactly)
When the postman arrived, the condition of the once beautiful house proved he was too late. The plague had driven the last villager away months ago, leaving behind the collapsed ruins of what had been. Despite the dangers, the postal workers had let nothing, not even the risk of imminent death, keep them from their duties. This note, from a child by the looks of the handwriting, was a voice that too had been silenced by life’s cruelty. He tucked the letter under a wilting bougainvillea vine and left, hoping that someone would find it and knowing that nobody would.
Jen's Rambling Thoughts... 
Dear Jen,
A poignant, yet desolate tale. One note…the plague had driving. I’m guessing this is a typo and you mean driven. Aside from that, quite nice.
shalom,
Rochelle
Yes, that was a typo. Thanks for helping me find that. I’m glad you enjoyed it – this one sort of wrote itself.
Mail makes for rich desolate fiction. Have you ever read Ray Bradbury’s short story, “Great Wide World Over There”?
No I have to say I haven’t read that one, but I have read a lot of his other work. Thanks for stopping by:)
One question: is it supposed to be a “wilting” vine? My monitor, which admittedly isn’t too sharp, makes it look as if it says “witing” and I couldn’t find any definitions for that. If it’s just me, sorry! 🙂
Enjoy the weekend,
janet
Yeah another typo. As tired I was last night, I should have posted this morning. Thanks for reading. I do appreciate your support.
I’ve done plenty of emails or comments where I press “send” and spot a typo just as it’s going out. 🙂 With the black background, my eyes as well as my monitor have a hard time discerning what’s really there sometimes.
janet
Oh..okay..now I get it.
Hi Jen — this made me think of duty, and when it becomes ritual. Stories that make us think are the best ones.
and now, they won’t be delivering on Saturday anymore. poignant piece.
Depressing. Wonder who sent the letter?
A sad sad tale…
A very sad and tragic tale, very beautifully written.
Good work!
Ah the post office and thier crazy mantra. Is it really service when no one benefits/ A nice tale Jen!