It was well past midnight. The streets were dimly lit by the overhead lamps. The roads were empty and the shops had all closed for the day. The otherwise busy intersection was now deserted. Even the traffic signals had retired after a busy day’s work and were flashing amber. This was the very traffic signal and the intersection that had changed his life forever. Drew was rooted to the spot, on his motorcycle staring away into nothingness. In his mind’s eye, he replayed the events of that fateful day. His heart was still too numb and hurting to focus on his surroundings. There was a ringing in his ears that refused to stop. His eyes were red and swollen from all the tears that they had shed. Regret and heartbreak washed all over him. Warm streams of tears ran down his face as the memories flashed through his mind. It had been the first time he ran a red light, but it would be the last too. If only he had been patient and waited for the light to turn green, Kate would still be alive.
(185 words)
This post was written in response to the Sunday Photo Fiction hosted by Donna. Thank you Donna for hosting this challenge. The challenge is to use the picture prompt as an inspiration to write a story in 200 words or less.
For the visually challenged readers, the image shows an intersection with traffic signals at night. The shops are closed and the road is dimly lit and deserted except for a man in a motorcycle who can be seen from a distance.
P.S: That was heartbreaking. Violating traffic rules is extremely irresponsible and dangerous, especially in busy traffic lanes. Sometimes, the price is too heavy to pay. Always wear a helmet with the belt strapped in place if you are travelling by motorcycles. If you are travelling by car, please ensure that all the passengers are wearing belts.
Image courtesy: Unsplash
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© 2020 Shweta Suresh. All rights reserved.
Truly tells the importance of patience and today’s scenario
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I’m glad to hear that. Thanks a lot, Arshnoor ❤️
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🥰🥰
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Heartbreaking story, but an important lesson to remember. 🙂
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Yes, an important lesson. Thank you so much, CQC 😃
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Most welcome ☺️
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❤️🤗
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Great story especially for under 190 words!!!
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I’m so happy to hear that. Thank you so much 🥰
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You are most welcome!
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You are very welcome!
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😃
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Oh so sad! It really touches the heart the way you’ve written it.
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I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks a lot, dear friend ❤️
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You’re always welcome 🙏
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❤️🤗
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This could be the “opening hook” beginning of a novel. In just a few words you have readers sympathizing with the main character, Drew. Well done!
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Wow, Christine. That’s high praise. I’m overjoyed to hear that! Thank you so much. Maybe, I’ll think of developing it into a full length novel (or even a novella). Thank you so much ❤️
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🙂
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It is touching. Reminded me of Bangalore Days. 🙂
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Oh yes, that’s one story I had in mind while writing this. This was the first plot that came to my mind when I saw the picture. I was wondering if anyone else would recognise the similarity. 😃 I love that movie! Thank you, Reshmi.
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Me too, watched it again few days back! 😃
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Me too. 😃 It’s a timeless beauty
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Loved your placement of words and the way this story is written!
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Thank you so much, HS. I’m so happy to hear that 😍
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You know you’re the queen Of tragic endings.
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Haha. This is a new one. Thank you, Bharaaaaath and good morning to you.
Most of my stories end on a happy note. I guess I should explore more of tragic endings. 🤭
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Welcome to the other side Shwetaaaaaaaaaa! Good morning.
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I was already on this side. I had crossed the barrier so many days ago!
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Heartfelt!
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Thank you, Akshita ♥️
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Heartbreaking story!
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I’m glad it had the intended effect. Thank you, Aashi ♥️
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Anytime!
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That was a great short story and if we don’t have a seat belt on in my family we ain’t going nowhere!
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It’s the same here. They save lives! Thank you so much. I’m glad that your family takes safety seriously. I hope you have a great weekend 😊
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Thank you. You too!
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Reminder me of the Banglore days movie.
All of the nights… stars and the light… 😀
Good one Shweta 🙂
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Haha. That’s what this picture reminded me of. And I felt like writing a darker take today. Thank you so much, dear ♥️
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Tragic but as you rightly said the repercussions of breaking a signal or traffic rules can be fatal, I am aways a careful driver but I feel our system in India needs to improve and people who are the biggest issue here
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Oh yes. A moment of carelessness can have a huge impact. With stricter laws, people should become more cautious. Fingers crossed!
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A heartfelt story Shweta and you can make it into a nice story. The picture too is perfect.
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Thank you so much for the vote of confidence, Kamalji. I’m so happy to hear that 🤩
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You are always welcome dear Shweta 😊😊😊😊
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❤️🤗
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❤️❤️❤️❤️
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This is so touching Shweta and how you ended it, so heart breakingly beautiful.
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Thank you so much, Anushka. I’m so glad that you liked this one 🥰
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His sense of regret and loss is tangible through your words. So often I see motorcyclists taking unnecessary risks.
Shweta, thank you so much for the visits you paid to my blog today and the lovely comments you left me.
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I have seen many of them take unnecessary risks without any care or precautions. Thank you for dropping by, Keith.
I am happy that I was able to catch up on all your posts, Keith. It was my pleasure 😊
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Life in the fast lane.
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Which can lead to a express delivery to hell.. Or heaven!
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Well done, Shweta! 🙂
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Thank you, Susi ❤️🤗
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You’re welcome, Shweta! 🙂
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It is so important to drive carefully and follow the law because you not only put yourself in danger but others as well when you drive recklessly.
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Exactly! Sometimes, innocent people end up losing their lives even though they are not the ones who have violated the traffic rules.
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That’s a heartbreaking story, Shweta. I love the way you spin stories!
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Yes, but tragedy is beautiful in its own way. Thank you so much 🙂
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I agree!
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Happy to hear that. Have a great day, Anisha ♥️
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Happy Sunday to you, Shweta! ❣
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Veendum sangadam !!
But beautiful story tto ❤
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Felt like writing a tragedy that day. Thank you, dear ♥️
P.S: Have you watched Bangalore days?
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Oh yes…pinnallathe..
ithu vayichappo athu thanneya ormma vanne 😀
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😀
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