PHOTO PROMPT © Sandra Crook
There’s No Place Like Home
My lids are closed, my breathing even and shallow. Sheepskin bedding cushions me. The air carries a hint of lilac over linament smell. Cat Stevens’, “Tea for the Tillerman” croons low in the background, in a duet with intravenous machine beeps. Minnie is warm against me, curled at the crook of my arm. She whines softly.
Eyes open now, I see a halo of loving faces. Faces I’ve watched come into being and grow through our shared lives. I rest at each set of watery eyes, joined in wordless communication. We know this is goodbye.
Sun sets as I fade away.
[101 words]
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
How absolutely beautiful. Who could ask for more.
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Nobody could ask for more, you’re right, Violet. Thank you <3
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Incredibly peaceful, Lisa. A beautiful write.
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Thanks much, Nancy <3
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I feel at peace here. I’m confident all the details made the protagonist’s journey home unforgettable. All the pleasures of this world with one goal for her send off. Thanks. It’s lovely, Li.
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Selma, what a wonderful comment. Much appreciated <3
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So poignant Li. A beautiful way to say goodbye
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Sadje, I couldn’t imagine a better way to go <3
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Very true my friend
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That is a good death. Who could ask for more?
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<3
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Cat Stevens is one of those artists I used to like but somehow lost interest in.
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I understand losing interest in people/places/things that once were at the top of the charts literally/figuratively/existentially.
I don’t listen to Cat/Yusef often, but when I want to feel inspired or at peace, he’s still one I go to.
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What a beautiful way to let go. Beautiful writing, Lisa. Would that we could all leave this lifetime in such a gentle manner…
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:::fingers crossed::: Not just yet, but… Thank you very much, Dale <3
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I am in no way near to weanting to experience such… but when my time comes – in many years, it would be lovely.
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So beautiful and peaceful, one can hardly get a better closure on life. Love the music too. Cat Stevens’ songs are part of my youth, and were part of many a beloved book I reas at the time. And I’ve rediscovered the old albums again. So many of the lyrics fit my current WIP, and the voice with its mixture of magic and passion is inspiring.
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So happy to hear you say what you said. What’s your ‘eta’ on WIP?
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Part 1 rough draft is done, I’m editing, and found an alpha reader (for later) for whom I also beta read. It’s a somewhat cheesy fantasy with adventures and magic and a love story. It will take approx. two more parts until it’s finshed should I ever get there. (I have yet to finish something).
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Cool, Gabi.
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If only we could all go like this, a beautiful piece of prose, well done.
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Shrawl I wish it could be so. Thank you.
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Wow. I wasn’t sure where you were going at first. Beautifully written! Love this piece!
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Susan, I didn’t have the heart to put a twist at the end (this time!) Thanks much :)
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An ending we could all wish for. (K)
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indeed, K
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A wonderful piece Lisa :-) stunning in every sense of the word!
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Carol Anne, thanks so much.
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Dear Lisa,
A sweet tale, full of peace and love. It touched all the feels. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
Thanks so much <3
Shalom,
Lisa
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I think that’s what they mean by ‘a good death’. You wrote this beautifully.
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Thank you, Sandra <3
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i suppose to die in the presence of loved ones is the best way to go. she was lucky in that regard.
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If they were loved ones, yes, and yes, she was.
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wow! What else can I say?
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that Clare G btw…notbanonymous
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Thank you for reading and your comment, Clare.
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Well, dang! This wee story is SO beautiful. Thanks for sharing it with us.
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You’re most welcome, Alicia :)
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Sweet story.
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Thanks, Will.
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Oh, how sad.
Beautifully described.
You’ve got me emotional over here
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Thanks so much, Laurie.
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This gave me chills in a good way. I’ve been there as one of the faces looking down. As well as you described it, I assume you have, too. Here’s to staying on this side.
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I’ve seen it countless times in movies. It’s a trope they like to have people remember so they don’t get too uppity and/or careless.
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Such a sense of calm, this story.
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Dawn thank you.
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