#FF — The Best Kind of Rap

PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

The Best Kind of Rap

On the couch, snuggled in a throw, sipping a mug of Bailey-splashed hot rooibos tea, I listen to Roy Orbison sing, “Only the Lonely.” I feel abandoned by the present and sense no future. Snowflakes drift by outside, a flurry of past memories reminding me of what will never be again. Laughter, gentle touches, mountain vistas, scent of fresh cedar…

My reverie’s interrupted by sharp rapping at the door. Package delivery? The peekhole reveals Barb’s bright, shining face.

The opened door shows that behind her are the rest of our book club friends, holding bottles and bags.

Hey Girl! We’re here to party!”

[103 words]

Note: I am not feeling depressed, but I drew from times that I was to write today’s story. If you’re feeling this way, and no wonderful friends rap at your door, please seek a friendly voice at a helpline. It can make all of the difference.

Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host of Friday Fictioneers.

59 Comments Add yours

  1. Unknown's avatar Anonymous says:

    Loved this!

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Thanks, Cheryl! Glad you do.

      Like

  2. rugby843's avatar rugby843 says:

    I’m not anonymous😄

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Nice story and great advice!

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Nancy, so happy you feel that way. Thanks :)

      Liked by 1 person

  4. James McEwan's avatar James McEwan says:

    When friends call , the mood lifts. Nothing like good company to cheer everyone up.

    Liked by 1 person

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

      So true, James. Thank you.

      About changing the ending of your story, I hope you consider putting it back the way it was.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Thank heavens for book clubs and for books

    Liked by 1 person

  6. memadtwo's avatar memadtwo says:

    Friends are indeed our lifeline. (K)

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Will's avatar Will says:

    Where can I find friends like that :)

    Liked by 1 person

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

      :) Google book clubs near me.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Lovely story! Girlfriends are lifesavers, I tell you.

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Joy, thanks so much, yes they are!

      Like

  9. Violet Lentz's avatar Violet Lentz says:

    Beautiful storytelling with a message!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. A touching tale with a heartwarming conclusion. Nice one, Lisa

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Keith thanks very much.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Dale's avatar Dale says:

    Oh, I know that type of feeling where we could easily wallow. How wonderful to have friends to ensure we do not remain in tha slump! Beautifully done… Now… how to get that song outta my head?

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Dale, which song???

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar Dale says:

        Only the Lonely!

        Liked by 1 person

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

          Oh right, sorry, it’s been a long day out of the house. I should have waited until tomorrow before signing in. Now you have me singing it lol

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Dale's avatar Dale says:

            Hahah! I had to go up and check because I could no longer remember! So sorry!

            Liked by 1 person

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

              No worries. I appreciate you, my friend.

              Like

              1. Dale's avatar Dale says:

                The feeling is mutual!

                Liked by 1 person

  12. Sadje's avatar Sadje says:

    This story has a happy ending.

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Yes! :) Happy Friday, Sadje.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sadje's avatar Sadje says:

        Same to you too dear friend

        Liked by 1 person

          1. Sadje's avatar Sadje says:

            🙏🏼♥️🙏🏼

            Liked by 1 person

  13. There’s a feel-good story, Lisa. Good friends to the rescue. We all need that, to be sure. I hope your week goes well.

    -David

    Liked by 1 person

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

      David, you are so right. Thanks and I hope yours does also.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. GHLearner's avatar GHLearner says:

    Beautifully written, Lisa, and that feeling feels familiar even without the depression. Nostalgia is like that sometimes too. It’s so good to have a few people who care.

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Gabi, thank you for your wonderful comment <3

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Black reverie of past giving way to brightness of present blessing!

    Kudos!

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Indeed! Thanks much, Sabina.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Carol anne's avatar Carol anne says:

    Awesome Li! 💝💝 I think reaching out when you are lonely is always a good thing! 👏👏

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Thanks so much. I agree with you.

      Like

  17. Those are real friends with a good sense of timing. Lovely vignette.

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Patrick, I appreciate your comment, thanks.

      Like

  18. Dear Lisa,

    I love a happy ending. I know that feeling of depression all too well. Glad she had friends show up at the right time. Lovely. Thank you for your epilogue as well.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Rochelle, thank you very much for your kind comment.
      Shalom,
      Lisa

      Like

  19. Chris Hall's avatar Chris Hall says:

    That’s definitely my bag – books and bookworms. Nice one, Li.

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Chris, me too! Thanks much.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. I’d be sincerely lost without my friends.
    Online and in real life.

    Liked by 1 person

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

      I hear you, Dawn <3

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Bailey-splashed hot rooibos tea – I’ve got to try that. Very well-crafted story with a poignant message.

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Thank you very much. Yes, you do. It’s yummy :)

      Like

  22. Laurie Bell's avatar Laurie Bell says:

    A lively break to a moment of quiet reflection

    Liked by 1 person

  23. poetisatinta's avatar poetisatinta says:

    I love this account from true life thanks for sharing 🩷

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Thanks much, Ange.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Winter can be very difficult for many. I love the ending, with her friends showing up. I also appreciate the sensitive last bit, encouraging those who feel this way to seek a friendly voice. :)

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Brenda, thank you so much for your thoughtful comment <3

      Liked by 1 person

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