#FF — Between 54 ½ and 71 ½

PHOTO PROMPT © Jennifer Pendergast

Between 54 ½ and 71 ½

I tell each adventurer:

You won’t find it on any paper map or gps.

You can reach it when conditions are just-so.

You must dress in a particular way to be acknowledged.

You must step in the right place on the right step.

You must understand that you may never come back.

They never turn around and walk away.

I help them through.

Most return. They are changed; but they don’t remember.

I’ve been there. I know.

If they remembered…

Why do I do what I do?

I wait here at the portal, hoping one day you walk back through.

[100 words]

Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host of Friday Fictioneers.

14 Comments Add yours

  1. gc1963's avatar gc1963 says:

    I loved your story Lisa. It’s got a labyrinth-ine quality to it. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Thanks much, Geeta. I like that term for it.

      Like

  2. Dale's avatar Dale says:

    Two portals with very different stories. Nicely done, Lisa :)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Dale, thanks so much. I was surprised to see this was not one of your pics, considering where it is!

      Like

  3. James Pyles's avatar James Pyles says:

    So many people waits at so many portals for the same thing. Alas.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      This one transcends time. So many get through when the conditions are met in just one moment… Thanks for reading, James, and for your comment.

      Like

  4. elmowrites's avatar elmowrites says:

    I’m not sure waiting at a portal is going to do your narrator any good, but I suppose it’s a living, and those are hard to come by these days.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Jen, you are probably right. The narrator finds a way to keep hope alive, which many of us struggle with.

      That’s a great pic of yours. I was reading on this place and sounds like a wonderful place to visit.

      Like

      1. elmowrites's avatar elmowrites says:

        It’s a beautiful city, and has a lot to offer summer and winter. You do have to be ready for the hills and stairs though!!!

        Liked by 1 person

  5. Oh that’s heart-wrenching and nicely done

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Neil, thank you <3

      Like

  6. A portal? Time travel? Intriguing story, Lisa.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Nancy, I’m not quite sure what it is. Thanks for reading and glad you find the story intriguing.

      Liked by 1 person

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