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.
Tao Talk 
I loved your story Lisa. It’s got a labyrinth-ine quality to it. Thank you.
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Thanks much, Geeta. I like that term for it.
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Two portals with very different stories. Nicely done, Lisa :)
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Dale, thanks so much. I was surprised to see this was not one of your pics, considering where it is!
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So many people waits at so many portals for the same thing. Alas.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!!!
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Oh that’s heart-wrenching and nicely done
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Neil, thank you <3
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A portal? Time travel? Intriguing story, Lisa.
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Nancy, I’m not quite sure what it is. Thanks for reading and glad you find the story intriguing.
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A pleasure, Li.
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It does appear like a portal… kind of like in Harry Potter?
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Yes, I think it is a portal. Not sure about Harry Potter as I know nothing about him or his world.
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Nor do I, other than the address with a half number, near a train station or something. I didn’t read the books but endured one of the flicks for family pizza and movie night many years ago.
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Those between places are always potent. (K)
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YES! That’s exactly what came to mind when I saw this image.
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I like your story Lisa but sadly the outcome doesn’t look too promising ☹️
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<3 Ange, she is probably still waiting…
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Awww…sweet story.
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