Short Story

TO EACH HIS OWN

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

It’s time once again for
The Unicorn Challenge.
This is my response to
the photo below.

© Ayr/Gray

As far back as Rob could remember, he’d had a love affair with water. All his life, whatever the circumstances, he was drawn to water.

Whether it was to seek comfort or solace, an escape from a busy day, a place to be one with nature watching the sun rise or set – being by the water’s edge was a mainstay in Rob’s life.

Today, as he sat on the docks with his faithful sheepdog Petra, Rob was seeking an answer.

He lived in a nice house and a had a great job, a group of good friends and lots of social activities. Rob and Petra were quite content. The only thing missing was a life companion. He had his share of relationships but two years ago someone special had entered his life. Rob now knew he was ready to make a commitment. She was the girl of his dreams – beautiful physically and in spirit, intelligent, outgoing and vivacious. She had a loyal and trusting heart and a lovely disposition. Rob had never felt such a connection before and he knew this was true love.

He spoke quietly to Petra:

“You know, girl. I feel like the time is right to finally settle down with my true love. It took me a while to realize how I felt but now I know there can’t be anyone more perfect for me. I’m truly happy and ready to pop the question.

What do you say, Petra, my sweet girl? Will you marry me?“

NAR © 2023
250 Words

The Unicorn Challenge-29/12/23

This is The Ink Spots with “To Each His Own”

This portfolio (including text, graphics and videos) is copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and not for use by anyone without permission. NAR © 2017-present.

43 thoughts on “TO EACH HIS OWN”

  3. Thank you, Nancy, for a delightful story with a twist, and a serving of 1940s music. Confession – I think I was born about 20 years too late if my taste in popular music is anything to go by. That’s my absolutely favourite era. (Followed perhaps by the 1960s, but even that doesn’t stir me like the 40s – big bands, gorgeous harmonies, boppy tunes etc etc …. Bliss!).

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    1. You are most welcome, Margaret!
      Now it’s my turn to thank you for your gracious comment! For whatever reason, that storyline immediately popped into my head and I ran with it. One thing I can definitely say about my story: no one else wrote anything remotely like it!
      We are musical kindred spirits, Margaret; while I enjoy everything from Albinoni to ZZ Top, I have a special place in my heart for the big band sound and gloriously tight 3-part harmonies which the Andrews Sisters did so well. I’m delighted to know the music “struck a chord” with you as well!

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  7. Nancy, your flash fiction piece beautifully captures the serenity and significance of Rob’s connection with water, intertwining it with the poignant moment of proposing to his true love. The simplicity and authenticity of the scene, with Rob sharing his thoughts with his faithful companion Petra, add a heartwarming touch.

    ~David

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  9. You just reminded me that I hadn’t commented here, Nancy (lack of power prevented me at the time🙄) but I’m back now.
    A loyal companion… unconditional love… all the exercise needed… sounds ideal! 😊

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    1. Haha! My father used to say that a lot, too!
      Doghouses were much more common at one time than they are now. They’re hardly used anymore, thank goodness!
      The link to the poem wouldn’t open but I’ll Google it. Thanks, Jenne.
      Wishing you all the best for the new year!

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    1. Thank you, Sanjeet! You have no idea how pleased I am to read your comments! This song is pretty old, from 1940, and the Andrews Sisters were big stars back then. They were famous for many songs like this with close three-part harmony and for entertaining the troops during WWII. Their best known song is “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”, covered my many people, including Bette Midler and Christina Aguilera. So glad you liked it!

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