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The storm

Henry looked nervously at the tall oak tree in the garden, the storm swirling around its branches pulling it this way and that. He wished he could bring it in, offer up a cup of tea and shelter from the savage weather.

Henry closed the curtains, climbed into bed and listened as the rain lashed at the windows and wind howled through cracks in the doors, begging to be let in.

When he awoke, somewhat cold, the noise of the storm had vanished; instead the sound of the ocean calmly washed over him, and sea salt smells filled his nostrils.

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Submitted for Friday Fictioneers photo prompt. See if you can write a piece of flash fiction in 100 words.

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39 responses to “The storm”

  1. rochellewisoff

    Dear Mr. Binks.

    An apt description of a storm and the relief one feels when it has passed. I’m on my second cup of coffee here. Cheers.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      Thanks Rochelle.

      Reply
  2. victoriabruce

    I love that feeling of the storm, going to sleep while the rain beats down. Only thing is I have a metal roof and it is really hard to sleep through that.

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      It’s a love it or hate it thing. Personally I love listening to the rain against a window. Thanks for reading.

      Reply
  3. David Stewart

    This is why I try not to anthropomorphize trees and cars and stuff. I feel really bad when they’re left out in the cold and rain. 🙂

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      🙂

      Reply
  4. Joe Owens

    I agree about the rain on the metal roof. We have to have some really hard rain to hear it on my home, but it is soothing. What a surprise to wake up with the sea all around you.

    Reply
  5. Sandra

    There was a kind of Wizard of Oz feel about this. Very enjoyable.

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      BINGO! 😀

      Reply
  6. sustainabilitea

    Perfectly captures that relief at the end of a storm and the freshly-washed smell.

    janet

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      Thanks for the comment, Janet 🙂

      Reply
  7. kz

    this is so wizard of oz! i love it. i’m imagining strange ocean creatures and a summer paradise. enjoyed this 🙂

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      Yay! Thanks KZ 😀

      Reply
  8. silentlyheardonce

    Poetically written. I could almost feel the calm after the storm.

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      Too kind, thank you.

      Reply
  9. liz young

    We’re expecting a storm here in Tenerife tonight, and some people might well find their homes surrounded by sea!

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      I hope you woke up still tethered to the land you left behind!

      Reply
  10. mike olley

    So apt, considering the weather a lot of people around the world have experienced recently. Nicely written.

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      Cheers Mike, thanks for reading.

      Reply
  11. Linda Vernon

    I like your approach. A storm, you go to bed and viola! Beach front property. And so well written!

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      Thanks Linda 🙂

      Reply
  12. lingeringvisions by Dawn

    I hope he looks out before he steps out.

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      I think I’d probably stare out of the window for an hour wondering what the heck happened. Then make a coffee. THEN consider stepping out. For another hour.

      Reply
  13. Jan Brown

    Henry, we are not in Kansas anymore….

    Interesting story, following a week of horrendous storms. At least Henry didn’t get sucked into the polar vortex!

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      As much as I don’t envy the USA’s weather at the moment I do love the name “Polar Vortex”. Sounds a bit… intergalactic!

      Reply
  14. Lindaura Glamoura

    I love the kind thoughts for the poor tree outside. Looks like it didn’t weather the storm this time. Nice one.

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      Thanks for reading 🙂

      Reply
  15. Lynda

    Nicely told, and the picture illustrates it perfectly. We have an old oak right outside our new (to us) house. I’m pretty certain I shall remember your story when I see it in the next storm!

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      Thanks Lynda, glad it leaved an impression 🙂

      Reply
  16. sandraconner

    As I browsed through the comments, I saw definite proof that each reader really does see a story from his own perspective. Some saw the ending as a calm and happy resolution to the storm. Others saw it as a total transition of the man into a completely different realm. I’m one of the latter. The idea that he began the night in his own home, looking at the oak tree in his own backyard, but ends that same night on the shore of some distant ocean is exciting indeed.

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      Thanks for reading, and taking the time to leave a comment. Much appreciated.

      Reply
  17. pattisj

    Now that’s what I’d like to wake up to!

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      😀

      Reply
  18. patrickprinsloo

    The storms and calms of life.

    Reply
  19. freyathewriter

    The silence after a storm is so sweet – and yes, the land air does smell and taste different, afterwards. A lovely piece.

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      Thanks for the kind comment!

      Reply
  20. nanclairefalkner

    Hi, I’m new and love your story – we have camped through storms before an I know how relieved you are when it’s passed. Brings back good memories. Thanks!

    Reply
    1. MrBinks

      Thanks for sharing the love. I look forward to reading your contributions in the coming weeks 🙂

      Reply
  21. Björn Rudberg (brudberg)

    I can clearly read that he’s in for a mighty shock on what’s left of his house

    Reply

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