The Last Time We Meet: What Do You See?

As Ella walked to number 115, her heart hurt, knowing it was the last time she and James would meet. She would miss how he always spoke the right words to uplift her spirits. When they first met, he seemed as strange as a Martian on planet Earth. His manners were impeccable. He was never aloof, rude, or quick to judge others on the street.

But it was time to move on for them both, him to a job in another city and her to a duty to marry a suitable mate. James wasn’t wealthy and had no title, so she knew from the start that their friendship was temporary.

She watched him walk toward her, that ubiquitous smile on his face and flowers for her. He brought her one last Bullseye, “Sweets for a sweet lady,” he said in his raspy voice. . They would step inside in the shadows, away from prying eyes, and say their goodbyes. She would never forget the joy of their special acquaintance.

As she walked away one last time, she realized how much she would miss the building. She loved how the shadow of the tree spread across it, as though the tree wanted to enter the building and share in what the occupants were doing. Today, even the tree seemed sad at their parting.

Fictional story for What Do You See #199. Fandango One Word Challenge is Bullseye. Ragtag Daily Prompt is Raspy. Word of the Day Challenge is Martian. The Daily Spur prompt is Meet. Three Things Challenge #M420 prompts are aloof, rude, and quick.