THE LIVING DEAD
PHOTO PROMPT © Liz Young
By Neel Anil Panicker
John’s been gone for two years, but for me he’s here__as alive as yesterday’s memories.
He’s here in the caress of my frayed palms as I kneel down and furiously attack the myriads outgrowths that threaten to lay siege to what is rightfully mine.
It’s a losing battle__this dusting aside and brushing off and hacking away of ever burgeoning claimants to his heart.
Jo’s mine only to be savoured.
But I am tired.
I doubt I’ll be able to endure another minute of summer madness that is Kolkata.
As the moon waves goodbye, I slip into his arms awaiting deliverance.
©neelanilpanicker #100words #FF #shortstory
neelwritesblog 
Dear Neel,
I’m guessing that John and Jo are one and the same? Stunning opening line that set the longing tone for the rest of the story. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, her beloved Jo.
I am glad you appreciated my effort.
Thanks Rochelle.
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Beautiful and so melancholy. Lovely piece.
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Thanks so much, Wallace.
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Competing with the outgrowths is an out-of-box concept. Loved it.
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Thanks a lot, Reena
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The weariness comes through. Good one.
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Thanks. Glad you liked it, Sandra.
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The giving in to longing is so strong in this… can you bear to be separated.
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Sometimes grief is just too difficult, especially for the elderly. My husband understands that I would just let the weeds take over so maybe I should just bury him at sea someday.
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There’s so much passion in this. I like the mention of Kolkata, sets the scene and explains something of the heat.
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Thanks Jane. Your appreciation works wonders for me.
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I hope it encourages you to keep writing more stories like this 🙂
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I felt that I was reading about someone in turmoil. About to give up on life. Was I wrong?
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She is too distraught and wants to give it all up. Yes Michael, she desires to die and join her hubby in the nether world. Thanks.
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It is so difficult for many to find themselves alone at the end of their life. I could feel her exhaustion
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Very true. At times life can get very painful. Thanks for the read, Dale. Hope you liked my story.
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I did indeed! As I do pretty much every week!
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Well written. A sad tale.
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I enjoyed this very much, Neel. The last line was perfect.
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Thanks a lot, Rgayer.
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it’s really tough to lose someone. it takes to heal if it ever happens.
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Tragic – a very strong sense of loss throughout – nicely done Neel
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Thanks, Lynn.
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My pleasure 🙂
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I really felt the despair in this story. Also, longing and exhaustion. Very well done.
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It’s a lovely story but your use of John and Jo seems unnecessarily confusing within so few words; just my opinion, of course.
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