For a writer, inspiration can strike anywhere. This beautiful image of a sunrise was shared by a friend in his stories and I immediately requested him to send it to me. I didn’t know what to do with it at the time when he suggested that I use it as a picture prompt for a short story. The romantic in me wouldn’t let the lovely opportunity go. After all, I thrive when beverages are around! If you don’t remember the Ganpatipule post, check it out. 🙂
She stepped out the front door, groggy and slightly disoriented. It was Sunday morning and her plans for sleeping in had been unceremoniously thwarted. Her hands had met with a cold, empty bedspread instead of his warm and welcoming touch causing much confusion. Was everything alright? Why was he up so early?
The cool morning air laced with the heady aroma of honeysuckles and gardenias caressed her cheeks. Its crispness was in stark contrast to the soft hues of the sun peeping out the clouds, the gentle rays sweetly cajoling the world to rise for another wonderful day. A calming hum of bird song and water sprinklers brought her out of her reverie. It was the perfect morning with life’s best gifts one could hope for, but most of all; him.
He was sitting on a lawn chair with his feet up on the other and back facing her. Dressed in his favourite faded blue t-shirt and off-white shorts, he seemed lost in the natural beauty on display. His palms were wrapped around the coffee cup for warmth, wafts of steam emanating from it. Strange that he didn’t wait for her or wake her up. Why would he do that?
His sixth sense promptly registered her presence and he turned to look at her with a bright smile. His morning face and mop of tousled hair took her breath away. Oh, how he could still turn her insides to mush! He stretched his arm out and sought out her hand. She took the few steps between them with slow anticipation. He pulled her close and planted a soft kiss on her open palm. She opened her mouth to say something but he put a finger on her lips and shook his head.
Removing his feet from the chair he gestured for her to sit. As she settled down he produced a flask and her coffee cup from under the table and poured her her first cup of the day. She gratefully accepted it and taking cue from him, quietly allowed herself to be consumed by the beautiful scene.
They sat in silence, together. Any questions she had could wait for later. All that mattered right now was the comforting companionship that was too precious for any words to do justice to.
Do you think I did justice to the picture prompt? Let me know!
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Bohemian Bibliophile.
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It was very fast paced and soothing at the same time. Beautifully written. Though one wonders what questions were on her mind, if any. Wish this story had a second part !
Sometimes some suspense is fun. 🙂
Well written
Thank you!
I am waiting for its second part. The first one was damn good Ms Blogger.
Thanks. Let’s wait, hopefully inspiration will strike again.
One way I can try to steer the story is this: She thinks he is having an extramarital affair and what other time than to confront him on a beautiful morning. They have discussion calmly while sipping the tasty coffee. At the end of the discussion she is convinced that there is no basis to her doubts. The dark clouds in their life disperse and a new morning similar to one they are enjoying takes entry into their life.
I had picturised it as a beautiful day with a much-in-love couple. Wouldn’t want to tarnish it with misunderstandings. He could be back after a long trip and they could be enjoying togetherness after a long time as well.
Beautifully descriptive
Thank you! 🙂
Yes that makes sense. Still there are questions in her mind crying for answers, the story has to incorporate that even if love quotient is reduced a bit.
How precious was this morning!
Soaking in the sun , breathing in the fragrance of fresh blooms, listening to bird songs and having each other for company.I read somewhere that happiness matters only when it can be shared, seems true here.
True, happiness lies in the small things and moments. 😊
Happiness truly lies in the moments we spend with the loved ones and small things like a smile from a stranger as you mentioned in one of your earlier blogs.
The moments we spend with the loved ones are the most treasured once, to be present in that moment and just cherish it is the best way to be
Happiness truly matters when it can be shared. As it is said “khushi baatne se badhti hai”.
This was so lovely! You brought the morning to life such as the breeze, the scent, the sweet awkwardness of love waking up with such gentle detail.
Natural beauty is so intriguing and inspiring, isn’t it?
What a beautiful morning, the sunrise, coffee and love! I think you turned the picture prompt into a beautiful beginning of a beautiful day.
Thanks, Ambica! 😊
You not only did complete justice to the picture prompt, you left us wanting more! Please continue this story!
Oh, let’s see if I can steer it in some direction. Thanks, M!
Can a morning be so lovely …. I really really wish to see such amazing and beautiful morning in my life. Amen….. I manifest this morning for me. Very well written.
Know what, I would love such a beautiful morning too!
Absolutely loved how you brewed a morning so magical, one sip of your writing and I felt the warmth, the hush, and the love in that sunrise! Perfect proof that sometimes the sweetest conversations happen in comfortable silences
Thank you! 😊
That’s the skill of every writer. Any picture can become a prompt for a write-up. I was anticipating a lot of things; thank God none of that happened. I’m glad it was a happy Sunday after all.
Thank you!
What a lovely thought to bring this into a story varsha. It was short and sweet
😀
Such a sweet and wholesome anecdote. I wouldn’t call it a story because this felt more like an episode/chapter and I definitely craved for more. But yes, you’ve definitely done justice to the prompt.
Thank you! I wanted to create a moment and hopefully that came across. 😀
This is beautifully tender and evocative—your words paint the morning so vividly I could feel the sun, the scent, and the quiet intimacy. The subtle gestures between them make it profoundly personal and achingly sweet. Absolutely heart-melting.
Thank you so much!