© shivamt25
Today Sanjay became a grandfather. He fondly recalled his own grandfather, who helped him understand we make our own joy rather than depending on possessions or people’s opinions. When his parents died, grandfather raised and comforted the boy.
The old man died and Sanjay went to America taking his grandfather’s spirit with him. Otherwise, he would have remained alone and bitter in a strange land. Instead, he met Riya. She fell in love with the old man’s soul Sanjay nurtured within him.
Life was good with their three sons and one daughter. Now it was his daughter Saanvi who married and had given birth. Sanjay held newborn Divit. “I love you so much. I promise you all the love I have. Someday, you’ll love your children and grandchildren the same way.
Yesterday, Dr. Benedict, his oncologist gave him good news. His cancer was in remission. “There’s no promises, but right now, you’re cancer free.”
“Promises are from God, Doctor. I know I will live to care for many grandbabies.”
Within Sanjay, his own grandfather smiled.
I wrote this for the FFfAW Challenge for the Week of September 12, 2017. The idea is to use the image above as inspiration to craft a piece of flash fiction between 100 and 175 words. My word count is 175.
The fellow in the picture seemed so happy and the environment, particularly the flowers, made me think of a hospital waiting room. I decided to create something optimistic, and being a Grandpa myself, this is what I wrote.
In editing and re-reading the story, I feel it a bit forced. Really, it’s something that requires about 200 words or a little more to flesh out. Hopefully, this will do.
To read other stories based on the prompt, go to InLinkz.com.
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A very touching story James! I’m so glad his cancer is in remission and he gets to share life with his grandchildren! Great story!
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Thank you, Priceless Joy.
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I like the idea of carrying the souls of our forebearers with us through life. funnily enough I read this as ‘A Complete Circle’, rather than an incomplete one.
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I almost made that my title, but the circle is incomplete until the grandkids grow up and integrate the love the grandfather has imparted to them so they too can pass it along.
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True, I suppose in that sense the circle never closes so long as each generation keeps passing it along.
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Actually, I was thinking that the current circle would close when Sanjay died, leaving his legacy to his own grandchildren.
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Wow ! That’s such a beautiful story , James. How our family become the source of our hope , strength , joy and inspiration . Great story .
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Thank you, Moon. Much appreciated.
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Great response James and well told…
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Thank you, Michael.
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…I smiled too! A beautiful story indeed with a delightful ending.
My story is called Potty Pete!
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Thanks, Keith.
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Circle of life… I liked the part of us carrying the spirit of our loved ones. It is so so true. Great story.
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Thank you.
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