Written for The New, Unofficial, On-Line Writerās Guild.
This week the three prompts for OLWG #368 – We Both Know
are (1) an old Patti Smith song, (2) need more blue in the shadows
and (3) when I left El Paso. Here is my first story for OLWG.
Jenna pulled off the long empty stretch of highway and killed the engine. The view of the desert skyline was too stunning for words. She stepped out of the car and leaned against the door, the hot sun beating down on her face and shoulders. The late afternoon sky was intense, deeply saturated with shades of cerulean, and Jenna smiled. As a fledgling artist, she always found fault with her own artwork, declaring the colors ālacklusterā; she was more at home with a camera than a paint brush. Natureās palette didnāt need more blue in the shadows cast by the sun or more green in the desert grass. It was perfection.
Easing her way back into the driverās seat, Jenna caught a glimpse of herself in the rearview. The delicate gold chain with the heart from Miguel was dazzling in the desert sun. Jenna lifted the heart to lips and closed her eyes.
Reaching for her cell phone, Jenna snapped a photo of the desert and sent it to Miguel; then she called him. After three rings, her call went to voice mail. Jenna didnāt care; the time was right. She left a message:
āHey, babe! Can you guess where I am from the photo I sent? In an hour Iāll be home. Home. Just saying the word fills my heart with joy. When I left El Paso, I had no idea the photo shoot would keep me away so long. I miss you so much, mi amor. I canāt wait to be in your arms once again! I love you, papi.ā
Jenna pushed the engine button and started heading home. About ten minutes into her drive, she hear the familiar strains of an old Patti Smith song coming from her phone ā¦ Miguelās personal ringtone. She pulled over to read the message:
āJenna, mi amor! Iāve waited this long. Whatās another hour? Te amo!ā
Smiling at the sight of the desert sky in her rearview, Jenna hurried home ā¦ home to Miguel.
NARĀ©2024
This is āDancing Barefootā by Patti Smith
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