Those Were the Days

 Welcome to the Spot Writers. This month’s prompt: a story where someone gets an unexpected phone call.

 

This week’s story was written by Phil Yeats. In September, 2021, he published The Souring Seas, the first volume in a precautionary tale about the hazards of ignoring human-induced climate change. The second volume, Building Houses of Cards, appeared in May 2022. Book three should be out soon. For information about these books, visit his website–https://alankemisterauthor.wordpress.com/

 

 

Those Were the Days

by Phil Yeats

 

The call arrived as I walked home from work. No name and an unfamiliar number. The voice was one I hadn’t heard for years. “Meet me at the tavern,” she said. “I’m in town for a few days, and I’d love to see you again.”

She didn’t have to say which tavern, for there’d only ever been the one. Friday evenings we’d arrive from our week’s labours, and spend the weekend in each other’s arms.

I’ll never forget that final Friday. I arrived with the ring I hoped to give her, but she didn’t appear. Many weeks I returned, but I never saw her again. 

I’d placed the ring peeking from its elegant box on my bedside table, and there it remained for many years. 

I picked it up and put it in my pocket before setting out along the old familiar path.

Outside the tavern, I stopped, overcome by doubts. Should I turn and leave to avoid another disappointment? But then I heard the opening lines from the melody based on a nostalgic Russian folk song. We considered it our own. I opened the door to familiar laughter and entered, trusting she’d call my name.

 

*****

 

The Spot Writers – Our members:

Val Muller: http://www.valmuller.com/blog/

Catherine A. MacKenzie: https://writingwicket.wordpress.com/wicker-chitter/

Phil Yeats: https://alankemisterauthor.wordpress.com/

Chiara De Giorgi: https://chiaradegiorgi.blogspot.com/