“DETOUR” was the prompt for this week’s Five Sentence Fiction challenge, from Lillie McFerrin. We don’t have to use the word itself, just write a five sentence story using that word as inspiration. (I’m cheating a bit this week, as I originally wrote this one for another prompt. But, I think it fits better, here.)
This one is for all the people out there who don’t always go where they want to go, but get taken to where – and with whom – they need to be.
“In a Word”
There had been other men, of course, before him: the deliriously brilliant swashbuckler who’d spoken of strange and ancient mysteries; the handsome, charming defender who’d nearly swept her off her feet with flattering want; even the wise but wicked gentleman who’d wondered with her what could have been.
He wasn’t as brilliant, handsome, or as wise as them, nor delirious, charming, nor wicked.
But, he was strong and warm when they held each other, tenderly passionate when they kissed, and he filled her with such joy when he made her laugh. And, sometimes, when she least expected, he could be stately, like a gentleman, and as courageous as any knight, and even as exciting as a daredevil…in his own sometimes silly, sweet way.
He was, simply and in a word, her husband.
Yes, yes, I know: I’m a sap. But, I write what I know, which makes me a happy sap.
What DETOUR did your characters take, with this prompt?
Sap? I saw no sap here. Nor sappiness.
I only felt a great love that I could relate to, and I know exists in my own life with my partner. Thanks. Randy
Thank you, Randy. 🙂
I suppose I figured I needed a warning for something so close to my heart. Glad you enjoyed it, though.
This is lovely and a great use of the prompt. Sometimes the Universe saves you from yourself and steers you in the right direction.
Awww, that’s nice. I will admit, did not expect them to be married. I guess that’s largely due to the fact I rarely read about happily married couples in literature. I’m used to seeing much more conflict and tension. Or, at the least a wistfulness for the way things used to be.
Thanks for commenting, Jayne. I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about Fate, but, sometimes, it does push us to what we need most.
Ha! Yes, this one does lack conflict, doesn’t it? I can’t help it, though; these characters represent overcoming adversity, for me.
Thanks for commenting, Kate.
And I always enjoy your sap, it’s always so warm and sweet!
Seriously this has all the love and tenderness I would expect from your work. Keep it up Mayumi!
Thanks, Shade. I know the sweetness doesn’t make for good conflict, but it always makes me feel good to write something happy.