PHOTO PROMPT © Sandra Crook
They say he milled diamonds from stone, but I never saw it. The river had run dry for an age by the time I came upon the mill.
The old woman stood in the doorway, one gnarled hand blooming atop her cane. She nodded at the thing. “It’s yours now.”
I moved closer, ran one hand along the beam, the wood worn to a sinew of grain, the stone beneath it polished smooth. I looked back at her. “I can’t see getting a diamond from that.”
She laughed, crackling and smoky. “And you won’t, son. Not unless you turn.”
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99 words
This has been an edition of the Friday Fictioneers, hosted by the gracious and talented Rochelle. This week’s photo courtesy the amazing Sandra Crook. To read more flash fiction inspired by the prompt, or to submit your own, click the blue froggy button:
k. Rawson 
Really beautiful language in this, and I relate very much to the deeper meaning. Well done.
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Ohhhh, I love that concept, diamonds from stone. Reminds me of John Denver’s lyrics,
“Some days are diamonds, some days are stone.
Some times the hard times won’t leave me alone.
Some times the cold winds blow a chill in my bones.
Some days are diamonds, some days are stone.”
Great job.
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Oh wow, I wasn’t thinking of that song, but that really captures the sentiment I was feeling.Thanks for reading!
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Nicely done, a parallel to a lot of things in life, writing included! Excellent.
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Thanks so much. I was definitely thinking of writing.
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Gorgeous description, succulent chewy vocabulary
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That is a succulent chewy comment! 🙂 Thank you kindly Neil.
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Some excellent descriptions in here, Karen. I loved the ‘blooming’ hand. Very evocative.
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Dear Karen,
I can’t improve on Neil’s comment. I loved the descriptions in this and the dialogue. Work ethic…something that’s becoming a thing of the past. Beautifully written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Aw very sweet of you to say. Thanks for reading Rochelle!
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I think maybe he’s taking “diamonds” too literally. Put in the work, though…
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There is always the work, eh? Thanks for reading and commenting.
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“Gnarled hand blooming atop her cane”—absolutely love that picture!
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Aw I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for reading!
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I love your descriptions, your use of sensory details. Beautiful!
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Thank you kindly!
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Ha! Well told. Good last line!
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Thanks Laurie 🙂
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Interesting story here. Sounds like the next part would be interesting as well. I had no idea what this thing was. Is that actually what its used for?
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To tell you the truth, I”m not sure what it is. Just a guess… Thanks for reading and commenting!
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It does take some work too… but that’s where wealth should come from. maybe he will learn
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Such a lovely writing Karen.
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Beautifully written! Yes, methinks he was taking it too literally… lovely, lovely images…
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Great lesson to be learnt from this story. No diamonds without hard work. Nicely done.
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I read and enjoyed your story, but it doesn’t seem like my comment went through. Vivid and warm story!
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She nodded at the thing. This line says a lot about the old lady’s idea about the mill. Beautiful story.
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