Over on my Facebook Group, Chatting with Sharon, I asked for suggestions for a flash flash fiction short story (1,000 – 1,500 words).
Here’s the short story Sunflowers and Memories
An excited Coleman family decided to take a road trip over the long holiday weekend. Their journey took them through winding roads and picturesque landscapes, the scenic beauty making the hours pass quickly. Finally, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, they reached a small town tucked away in the countryside. The town exuded a charming, old-world vibe with its quaint buildings and friendly locals.
“We should find a good spot to stop for the night,” Mark suggested, glancing at the map. “How about we stay at that cozy inn by the edge of town?”
The family agreed and soon settled into the welcoming inn, their rooms furnished with vintage furniture and floral wallpaper. As they prepared for dinner in town, thirteen-year-old Sarah noticed a pamphlet on the bed detailing local attractions.
“Mom, look at this! There’s an old cemetery just outside town. It says it’s full of history,” Sarah exclaimed, waving the pamphlet in the air.
Being a high school history teacher, Kelly’s curiosity piqued. She suggested they visit the cemetery the next morning as a family outing. The kids jumped at the idea, eager to explore the mysterious site.
The following day, under the clear blue sky, the Colemans set out for the cemetery. As they walked among the rows of weathered graves and broken markers, a somber silence surrounded them.
“Look at this one. It’s almost completely worn away,” Mark remarked, stooping down to examine a deteriorating headstone.
As they wandered deeper into the cemetery, they suddenly stumbled upon a striking sight. A large black monument stood tall in the center, surrounded by vibrant sunflowers. Unlike the other markers, this monument appeared untouched by time, its surface smooth and polished in the sunlight.
“Wow, that’s impressive,” Kelly murmured, her eyes drawn to the monument. “I wonder why this one is so well preserved while the others have crumbled away.”
The family gathered around the mysterious monument, studying its intricate carvings and ornate design. Young Sarah reached out to touch the cold stone, feeling a shiver run down her spine.
“There’s a story behind this,” twelve-year-old Lucas said, his gaze fixed on the monument. “Maybe it’s a special tribute to someone important.”
As they enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the cemetery, a soft breeze rustled through the rows of sunflowers, their golden petals swaying in rhythm. The sun cast a warm glow over the scene, creating a sense of serenity and tranquility.
“Let’s sit here for a while and appreciate this moment,” Kelly suggested, guiding her family to a shady spot near the monument. They settled on a nearby bench, taking in the sight of the sunflowers dancing in the gentle breeze.
As they sat in quiet contemplation, a soft voice drifted through the air, causing them to turn in surprise. An elderly woman stood at the entrance of the cemetery, her kind eyes twinkling with a hint of sadness.
“Hello, dear ones. I see you’ve found the Black Monument,” the woman said, her voice as soothing as a lullaby. “It holds a special place in the history of our town.”
Intrigued, the Colemans motioned for the woman to join them, eager to hear her tale. She settled next to Kelly; her weathered hands clasped in her lap as she began her story.
“Long ago, when this town was just a fledgling settlement, our town faced great hardships,” the woman began, her voice filled with emotion.
As the woman’s story unfolded, the Colemans listened with rapt attention, their hearts heavy with the weight of the past. In the mid-1800s, the Wilson family left their bustling city life behind and settle in a small, quiet town nestled in the mountains.
With dreams of a simpler life and a fresh start, the Wilsons quickly realized that the town was struggling, with dilapidated buildings, failing businesses, and a sense of hopelessness looming over the residents.
Determined to make a difference, the newly transplanted family threw themselves into the community, working tirelessly to rebuild the town from the ground up. Through hard work, perseverance, and unwavering determination, the family inspired their fellow townspeople to join them in their mission of revitalization. Together, they overcame many hardships, including financial struggles and natural disasters.
Ultimately, their efforts paid off as the town began to thrive once again, with new businesses opening, infrastructure improving, and a sense of pride and unity blossoming among the residents. The Wilson family’s legacy lived on for generations, with the town becoming a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Black Monument, she explained, was a testament to the Wilson’s enduring legacy and the sacrifices they had made for future generations.
Tears welled up in Kelly’s eyes as she realized the depth of the woman’s words. The sunflowers swayed gently in the breeze, casting a golden light upon the scene.
“Thank you for sharing this story with us,” Mark said, his voice soft with gratitude. “It’s a reminder of the resilience and courage that run deep in our roots.”
The woman nodded, her gaze lingering on the Black Monument before she rose to leave, her presence a fleeting memory in the quiet cemetery. The Colemans sat in silence, their hearts touched by the poignant tale they had heard.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the cemetery, the family rose to leave, their spirits lifted by the beauty and history they had encountered. The sunflowers whispered farewell as they made their way back to the inn, the memory of the Black Monument etched in their minds forever.
And as they drove away from the town, the sun sinking below the horizon, the Colemans carried with them the legacy of the past, intertwined with the promise of new beginnings. The road stretched out before them, leading them toward unknown adventures and the unbreakable bond of family.
Sunflowers represent loyalty, trust,
hope and happiness.
hope and happiness.
You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction
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