Written for Sadje’s “What Do You See”.
Here’s where the image took me.
She said she’d meet him at noon. Their room, same as last time.
That was 24 hours ago. The bed hasn’t been touched since he smoothed the duvet flat with his palm …. a nervous habit, something to do with his hands while he waited.
The curtains still smell like her perfume. He hasn’t opened them fully. Hasn’t really decided what opening them would mean …. stepping back into Chicago, into the ordinary gray business of the city. Willis Tower looms over everything like it always has, keeping watch.
He pours the last of the whiskey and sits.
Outside, the wind moves through the streets the way it always does in Chicago …. without apology, without direction. Inside, the room holds its silence.
His phone stays dark.
He knows she isn’t coming.
He isn’t waiting,
He just hasn’t left yet.
NAR©2026
This is “Chicago Blues – Windy City Breakdown” by Morgan Luna
Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me, unless otherwise indicated. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
Reality bites and he’s not ready to feel those teeth snap into his heart…
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Well put, Liz. Thanks!
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Oh that closing line kills
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A heartbreaker for him. Thanks, Ron.
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You took us into his mind, and described his feelings perfectly. Wonderful, Nancy.
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I really feel for this poor guy; she disappointed and humiliated him. That’s rough. Thanks very much, my friend.
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Being stood up in a hotel room is a disrespectful, hurtful experience that often indicates a lack of character on her part.
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It has to be an incredibly lonely and demoralizing experience. Lack of character, yes; she’s an uncaring coward. That’s why his phone stayed dark. Thank you for a very insightful comment, Jim.
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Oooo! That ending!
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I like that one myself! 😀 Thanks so much 😌
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He just hasn’t left yet.–what a perfect last line. So sad. So good, Nancy.
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I’m so glad you liked that last line, Lois. It reminds me of the many nights I waited up for my sons to get home, but I would never admit I was waiting for them; no, I was “just watching the end of the movie”! Thanks very much 🥰
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A sad tale relayed so perfectly Nance – I love all the little details which is why your writing is so good 🙌
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Ange, my mood was in the crapper when I woke up this morning, but reading your comment just now was a welcome ray of sunshine. I so appreciate the thoughts you shared. Mille grazie, cara amica. ❤️
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I’m sorry you were down Nance it must be difficult trying to cope at the moment- I’m surprised you are writing such great work 💜
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If I don’t write or do something with my brain, I’ll go nuts. I’ve been pretty good at keeping my spirits up, but I’m so frustrated at how this hand “thing” has affected my entire life and I’m tired of having this “club” at the end of my arm. Writing is my only outlet at the moment, the only thing I can do well, and WordPress gives me the social stimulation I need. Thank you for your very kind comment, my friend. ❤️
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Hang on in 🩷💞🩷
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A very well written story Nancy! The emotions are very palpable. Thanks for joining in.
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This is a very touching, but also mysterious image, Sadje; I tried to maintain that feel. I’m glad to know you enjoyed it. Thank you.
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Very true my friend. I try to select images where different angles can be seen to write from.
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And you’re doing a splendid job! 😊
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Thank you so much Nancy
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You are most welcome. 💕
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🙏🏼♥️🙏🏼
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