This flash fiction is in response to Rochelle’s photo prompt for Friday Fictioneers. .
Word Count: 100
Together
Nowadays we do not talk much.
We used to. Not anymore.
But we do things together like going for walks, taking meals, reading , lounging, thinking, being in two different worlds.
And drinking coffee from two different pots – one silver and the other glass.
“It’s companionship”, says mom.
But I sometimes wonder whether we have forgotten to talk or we have nothing more to say to each other.
The silence surrounding us is weighty and pressing till we learn to ignore and turn our backs to it.
And go off to sleep.
And inhale and exhale together without steam.
(97 Words)
You can read the other posts here.
Nicely done
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Thanks
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Dear Geeta ji, 🙏
In “Together”, you have said so much by saying so little.
Silence in relationships often speaks louder than words. Where once there was conversation, now there are only habits walking together, sitting together, living together, yet in separate worlds. The simple image of drinking coffee from two different pots beautifully conveys the emotional distance between the two.
Your sensitivity resonates most deeply in this line:
“The silence surrounding us is weighty and pressing till we learn to ignore and turn our backs to it.”
It is a sentence that echoes in the mind long after reading.
This short story is not merely about a relationship it reflects that quiet fatigue which silently settles into our lives over the years, without any argument, without any storm.
And then, we slowly learn to sleep… inhaling and exhaling without steam.
To capture this silence, this distance, and this companionship all in one breath is a deeply moving and admirable art.
Respectful salutations to the soul of this story.
— Vijay Srivastava
(A reader who has felt this silence.)😊
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Oh! Vijayji heartfelt thanks for your effusive comment. I cherish these reflective notes.
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Wise words 😊
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Thank you 🙏
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You’ve captured a quietly discontent marriage well.
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Thank you 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 so much
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A sad reality
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Just a story Derrick. But yes for some
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Understood
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Quietly powerful. This piece captures the aching beauty of shared silence and the shifting rhythms of long companionship. Poignant, tender, and deeply human.
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Really glad that you liked it.
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A relationship captured in so few words 🙌
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I am glad the post made sense to you.
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So many kinds of silence – comfortable, companionable, awkward, stony…
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A reality for so many couples. Nicely done.
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Thank you very much 🙏
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😊
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So well written Geeta. No wonder the youngsters don’t want to get married these days.
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Truly a very beautifully put together piece of not only writing but as you say reality for some, maybe their accepted reality.
For all who have been part of any relationship, marriage, friendship . . .they all have their different stages. The getting to know each other exciting stage, the wanting to go and see the world stage, maybe having a family stage for some, but there are different stages and levels. It’s not until you see another couple and how they behave that you think ” we were like that” and yes, you were but look at how far you have come, thru all your ups and downs, fought thru anything that came your way, and built the future you want together.
And yes, as you so calmly put it, we get to that very comfortable stage with each other where we can sit in silence for hours or have our me time apart, but then get together and have a little catch up. Youve found different things to do together, new interests and hobbies.
It is a form of friendship, companionship that suits the both of you perfectly. Only you can decide if that is how you want to spend the rest of your days, or does your destiny ly elsewhere.
Beautifully written and relayed.
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Glad that the post resonates with you. Thank you for your detailed response which adds meaning and significance to the micro fiction.
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Beautifully written.
I feel every moment of this. Two worlds together but apart. Someow you have captured silence as sound. Well done
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Thank you so much
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Geeta ji, whatever works is what I say and you demonstrate that philosophy in your story. It’s good they found a gentle place between them.
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Thank you so much Lisa. Grateful for your words of encouragement 🙏
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You are very welcome.
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