The Parting – Sunday Photo Fiction

AnElephantCant play board games
He can never win at Chess or Monopoly
It just is not fair
When he plays Solitaire
He does not finish in the top three because he plays so sloppily

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 skilful story-tellers Scrabble for success in response to this week’s excellent prompt.
But please first cast an eye over AnElephant’s Ludo-crous* effort, he does not have a Clue, don’t you know!
*AnElephant understands that in North America Ludo is known as Parcheesi. Which clearly does not work quite so well in his excruciating pun.

Copyright Al Forbes

The Parting

She has never looked more beautiful.
I love her more than anyone, anything, on earth.
And my heart is breaking, because she is leaving.
I guess I always knew she would, she is so young, so alive.
At least she has the courage to tell me to my face, not wait until I hear from others.
I love him, she says, I have to go.
I don’t argue.
I know it is futile.
And, deep down, I only care about her happiness.
I try not to think about the lonely years of solitaire stretching ahead.
You will always be in my heart, I tell her, and if you ever need me …
I run out of words.
Her eyes moisten.
I help her out of the taxi, watch her smooth her perfect dress.
She kisses my cheek.
Thank you, Daddy.