Written for Only Murders In My Mind
Weekly Writing Prompt #68. This week’s
inspiration is the photo seen below.
This is where the photo took me.
There he stood at the crossroads of his life. He never seemed to find his niche, his place in society. He was adrift, never knowing which direction to take. He was an indecisive man drowning in the sea of life.
On this misty autumn morning, he was suddenly consumed with the urge to take a walk, clear his head. He needed time to think, to find himself.
Now there he stood, frozen in place as he realized he had no idea where he was or how he got there. He glanced at his watch, shocked that several hours had gone by; how far had he walked? Reaching for his phone, he discovered nothing but empty pockets. He closed his eyes and clearly visualized his phone exactly where he left it … back home on the kitchen counter. With no phone, no wallet and no form of ID, he was truly screwed.
And to think he went off to find himself. Now he wondered if anyone would find him.
NAR©2025
This is “Stranded” by Rainbow
All text and graphics are copyright for Nancy’s Notes 🖊️🎶, The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk, The Rhythm Section, et al., and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
luckless pedestrian…
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It sure does seem like his luck has run out.
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I believe that’s why I like him, kindred spirits….
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As in much of life, I think, we just need to move. But now, with great caution…
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As a child I remember cutting through an overgrown empty lot to get to my friend’s house. Now our DIL hesitates allowing our 16 yr old granddaughter walk to school on a well-traveled road.
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Yep, scary times, but what else can we do?
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Oh dear, he could well become yet another John Doe.
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It happens …. and more often that we know.
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Sounds about right- when you are that far gone- somehow there is always enough room for fates last little kick in the ass…
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Yeah, It’s not what I would do it but I can dig it.
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If ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) encounters someone without a phone, wallet, or identification, they could be sent to Alligator Alcatraz.
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Let’s hope that doesn’t happen to my character!
Have you ever visited the actual Alcatraz? It’s quite something to see.
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No, I have never been to San Francisco, but it is on my bucket list.
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It’s a cool city; you’ll like it.
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It is the home of the Grateful Dead, and I want to go to Haight-Ashbury.
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Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.
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I guess I will have to wear the flowers on my arms, legs or chest, because I don’t have much left on top.
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I love your story. The last paragraph is such a powerful ending!
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Thank you so much, Lisa.
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It’s an eerie photo for sure. Like the way you took it.
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Isn’t it? Even though we can see his face, he looks lost. Thanks, Sis!
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Nicely done!!
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Thanks very much, Wanderer. Sorry, I don’t know your name.
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No worries, it’s Sarah:)
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Nice to meet you, Sarah!
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Funny how we need modern ‘gadgets’ to find out where we are … the natives of the land would never be lost; they would always be able to find their way ‘home’ …
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So wonderful, dear Ivor! You have me in tears this morning. 🥰
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Yeah, I knew would enjoy the music/video 🎶😊🌏😍
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An interesting story…lots of people do this…some never return. 💜
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Strange as it may sound, I can understand the need, the force that drives someone to chuck it all and leave everything behind. What I can’t wrap my head around is how disappearing without a clue will devastate those people left behind, totally destroy them. Not know what happened to a loved one must be like living in hell. Thanks, Willow.
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