PHOTO PROMPT © Sarah Potter
She pulled her cardigan close, leaned out the door, and stared down the block to where the snow-haloed streetlights vanished into the night.
“I’ll be home before the storm even starts, Mom,” he’d said on their call the day before. Then he’d gone on about the lousy campus food and his second term classes, and the red-headed girl in Philosophy 101.
She pulled the door closed, shook the snow from her hair and checked her phone. He hadn’t answered. Which was good, because she’d always told him not to text and drive. But tonight, she needed a word.
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100 words
This has been an edition of the Friday Fictioneers, hosted by the gracious and talented Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. This week’s photo courtesy Sarah Potter.
To read more flash fiction inspired by the prompt, or to submit your own, click the blue froggy button:
Glad to join in the prompt this week! I usually refrain when life is hectic and I know I won’t be able to read and respond to the other stories. Hoping I am able to this week. Look forward to reading your tales!
k. Rawson 
I can feel her anxiety. Hopefully just delayed. Nicely done.
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Yes, that constant worry.
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Sometimes we can’t help but fear the worst. Very well written and wholly relatable.
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You never stop worrying about them – they can be in their fifties and you’ll still worry. I felt that anxiety come through clearly and your description f the ‘snow haloed streets’ – perfect. Great tale
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Reality made tale.
We don’t want to know every single detail of their lives–well, we are okay with know knowing *cough*. But we must know that they are okay, we need that little heart-filling word that tells us they are “Okay”.
Love how you tell us so much about the characters in just a few sentences.
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Dear Karen,
My sons are 43,39 and 33. I never stop worrying about them. You captured the feeling very well. Love the descriptions..particularly snow haloed streetlights.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve definitely had nights like that, particularly before cell phone technology.
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The late night fears of a parent on a stormy night. Well told.
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Nothing worse than waiting, worrying, fretting!
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ARGH! I’m a mom about that age, with a son almost that age. This captured mood and scene all too well.
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I would worry too.. I hope all is ok.
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My Mum always likes me to phone if I drive home from their place after dark. Nice piece!
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That sense of worry comes through perfectly.
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I can relate to her worry. Not wanting to distract and at the same time wanting to hear from our loved ones is difficult. Lovely story, the son’s indifference to mum’s worries is very realistic.
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Oh, I sense a long night of hoping he will call mixed with hoping he doesn’t.
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Poor worried Mom. I can imagine if he’s first-Year university she’d still be concerned quite a bit.
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I am starting to relate to this now. Nice one.
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Oh no, hope you never wait/wonder long. Thanks for reading!
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Nicely written Karen, a mother’s worry comes across perfectly.
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Great Story! Left me wondering … as it should. Have waited for kinda that same call.
I missed the deadline. Here’s what I would have done: https://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2017/10/12/you-dont-know-jack/
Scott
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Thanks kindredspirit! Thanks for reading.
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