Time Flies – Sunday Photo Fiction

 AnElephantCant be AnInsect
When you see him it is obvious why
But sometimes he is snug
As a a bug in a rug
And he is often compared to AnElusiveButterfly

This is a weekly invitation to write a short piece of fiction (c. 150 words) based on a photo prompt (below) provided by Alastair.
Just click on the link to see some hopefully hopping histories in response to this week’s excellent prompt.
But please first cast an eye over AnElephant’s plagued parable.

Copyright Al Forbes

Time Flies

I approach the little café in the square for the first time in almost two years.
I remember vividly the last time I was here.
I was with her.
We had only known each other a short time when I got the message.
The rules say that I cannot explain anything to anyone, I just go.
I looked into her eyes and promised I would come back for her.
Sometimes my job takes me away for two days, sometimes two months.
This one was long and difficult.
But I made it, just.
Rafa, the proprietor, grins, shakes my hand.
A couple of locals do likewise.
It is a tourist town, I am just another transient.
They are not why I am here.
I want to see her once more.
No, I need to see her.
She is in my heart still, though I never told her how I felt.
So I know she will have moved on, forgotten me, like all the others over the years.
No explanation, no communication, for all this time; I can expect nothing else.
She passes here each evening when she finishes work at the Town Hall.
I watch her approach, as lovely as ever.
She sees me, and smiles.
I know the truth.
Rafa appears.
They embrace and go inside.