Santiago set his guitar on its stand, and then closed the cover on “the Beatles complete easy guitar” book. This small upstairs room was his refuge, someplace where he could visit his youth. Aging fingers would never be as nimble again, nor his voice as clear.
He whispered,
“Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away…”
Hearing a car pull up, he walked across the room to the window that overlooked the driveway and smiled. His children and grandchildren were here. Today, he turned sixty-four and would let himself rejoice in the present and whatever future he had left.
I wrote this for the Rochelle Wisoff-Fields writing challenge. The idea is to use the image above as the prompt for writing a piece of flash fiction no more than 100 words long. My word count is 99.
When I saw the songbook (I looked it up on Amazon to verify the title), I immediately thought of Paul McCartney’s Yesterday, but since I turn 64 next month, When I’m Sixty-Four also came to mind. Growing older is often a mixture of anticipation and regrets. You can never go home again, but you can sometimes visit.
To read other stories based on the prompt, go to InLinkz.com.
He might well have half as long to come yet. Better not put that song-book away.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I don’t think he’s ready for the grave yet, but as Picard said in the 1994 film “Star Trek: Generations,” Lately, I’ve become aware that there are more years behind than there are ahead.”
Of course that was nearly 25 years ago, and Patrick Stewart is still plugging along.
LikeLiked by 3 people
rejoicing in the present is good advice
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Neil.
LikeLike
A couple of classic songs – my Dad had the complete Beatles guitar book – fond memories of him strumming away.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Must have been a great way to grow up. In 1965, I was 11, so I remember when those songs were being newly played on the radio.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved this sweet, uplifting story!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Susan.
LikeLike
Dear James,
You aren’t fall off on the photo. It’s my husband’s getaway room downstairs. Of course I hear Sir Paul singing in my ear…”When I get older, losing my hair…” 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Ha! Nailed it. 😀
LikeLike
There’s a great demo of how Paul came up with this song on Youtube. “Originally called Scrambled Eggs.” Well done with this story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P3UpuGnYKA
LikeLike
Yes, I read about that. Thanks, Josh.
LikeLike
Life changes, but new joys emerge — nice story, James. Funny how when I first heard that song, 64 seemed so old, and now it seems middle aged to me! (Okay, *late* middle age.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL. I know what you mean, Joy.
LikeLike
Well, his fingers might not be so nimble, but he still loves his life and what more can any of us ask for? Lovely story James
LikeLike
Thank you, Lynn.
LikeLike
Life sure isn’t over at 64… and for some it’s their prime! All in your head, I say… Because some are not given the chance to make it there and others go way past it. Methinks it is a good thing to live each moment.
I think his life is pretty darn good
LikeLike
I got my haircut over my lunch hour and was longingly looking at the senior discount price, which for me, won’t kick in for another 13 months.
LikeLike
Haha! Silver linings…
LikeLike
Literally.
LikeLike
😉
LikeLike
Smart man!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You post has got me thinking, if I lived for a hundred years, there will still be things to achieve… publishing a story..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hopefully, it won’t take that long, Michael.
LikeLike
Well, at least he hasn’t given up on trying to learn. 🙂
LikeLike
True enough. Thanks.
LikeLike
I remember singing along with ‘When I’m 64’ – it seemed so old at the time!
LikeLike
Yeah, I know. Thanks, Liz.
LikeLike
What an evocative and sentimental story. I could identify so easily!
LikeLike
I think a lot of us can now. Thanks, Linda.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great story, James. I’ve played and sang a few songs with my Granddaughter (age 7). Rejoicing in the present can be a lot of fun.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, it can be. Tonight, we’re celebrating my granddaughter’s 3rd birthday.
LikeLike
Will you still need me, when I’m…?
LikeLike
I imagine so. Thanks.
LikeLike
I think there is someone still who needs him when he’s turned sixty four.
LikeLike
I agree, Björn. Thanks.
LikeLike
Lovely story.
LikeLike
Thanks.
LikeLike
I didn’t even see the song book. Good eye!
Your story certainly speaks to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Age should never be a barrier. The Stones are currently touring and they all passed 64 many many years ago and now have a combined age of 294!
Click to read my FriFic tale
LikeLike
I hear they need teleprompters during their concerts because even after all these years, they can’t remember the lyrics. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nostalgia’s fine but he’s wise to put as much effort into the future. As John Lennon said, ‘life is what happens when we’re busy doing other things’
LikeLike
Probably true of all of us, Michael. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great story, James! Lovely character, and lovely atmosphere. Taking pleasure in our grandchildren is an excellent way to stay young at heart!
LikeLike
Agreed. My granddaughter’s third birthday was yesterday and it was a lot of fun. Thanks.
LikeLike
Lovely story – kids and music are sure to keep anyone young at heart.
LikeLike
Thanks, Ellie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s a smart man, doing things that bring him joy like music and spending time with family. A beautiful story, James!
LikeLike
Thank you, Brenda.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sixty four? Lots of future left.
LikeLike
There’s a high degree of variability involved. Some people live a lot longer than others.
LikeLike
Very uplifting. A really lovely piece.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I like that he focuses on the present. Lovely.
LikeLike
Thank you, Sascha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Music is ageless. And at sixty-four he has many happy years ahead of him. Just think of The Rolling Stones! Lovely story, James.
LikeLike
Thanks, Jilly.
LikeLike