This is my contribution to Monday’s Finish the Story for this week. Every Monday a new picture prompt is given by Barbara Beacham along with the first sentence to be used for the story. The story is to be written with only 100-150 additional words. I’ve bolded the first sentence given with the picture prompt.
The link for all other stories is as follows”
http://mondaysfinishthestory.wordpress.com/2014/12/22/mondays-finish-the-story-december-22nd-2014/
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Word Count: 145 Words
FAREWELL FRIENDS By P.S. Joshi
As the year wound down to a close, they gathered around the table and raised their glasses.
They’d met at the local business club. “To friendship,” they toasted. Pals since high school, every ten years they went to Central High reunions. Yearly they got together to toast their long-standing friendship. Christmas cards were exchanged.
They spoke of children. Only Jill and Frank were childless by choice.
Brad hated to admit it, but everyone knew he was an alcoholic. His wife, Grace, had no control over his addiction.
They all ate and drank their fill. All had to drive home, and there were no designated drivers. About 11 p.m. they went to the parking lot. “Farewell,” they shouted and climbed into their cars. Henry and Ellie were last to pull out.
There was a sharp curve about three miles from the club. The next morning, large headlines read, “Accident at Miller’s Hill. Mrs. Ellie Edmundson pronounced DOA. Henry Edmundson is in critical condition..”
Very sad story, but a good message.
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So sad.. designated driver means an absolute zero to drinking.
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Wow! Sad story and well done! Thank you for participating and stay tuned for next week’s challenge! Happy holidays to you! ^..^
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So sobering, but such a needed reminder, especially around the holidays. Thanks for sharing!
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A tragic celebration.
This happens so often. Kudos.
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Seems to happen to young people quite a bit also.
DJ
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Thanks Danny. You’re right. I happens to people of all driving ages. — Suzanne
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Excellent ~A very timely message~ A great build up~ 🙂
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Thanks John. I’m so pleased you liked the story, and I got the effect I wanted. We all have to be careful on the roads, especially this time of the year. — Suzanne
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Its that time of year where this stuff happens sadly. Powerful story Patricia, well written a very strong and pertinent point made.
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Thanks Summer. Yes, unfortunately this is the time when that kind of thing happens the most. I’m so pleased you liked the story, and I achieved the effect I was tryuing for. Thanks for the encouragement. 🙂 — Suzanne
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