36 Comments
May 1Liked by Sharron Bassano

I love this one. It reminds me of every apocalyptic or zombie movie I've ever watched. You leave so much to the imagination here!

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I think it is more thought-provoking when details are not explained in these short pieces. I hope I am right. Thank you, Kristi!

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May 1Liked by Sharron Bassano

Very nice, Sharron. I believe such a thing can happen. We live in "interesting times".

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We do, indeed. I find burying myself in fiction ( reading and writing ) for a short time each day gives a bit of relief. Reality is not very conducive to high spirits these days,I find.

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May 1Liked by Sharron Bassano

Absolutely perfect!

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Thanks neighbor. I revised it quite a bit, didn't I ? I find the writing group's comments to be so helpful.

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May 1Liked by Sharron Bassano

It makes me think: What would I do in such a situation?

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Yes. Hard to say. I just got my passport renewed. Even though I have no plans to travel, I am prepared in case I need to flee the country in November. Urrggh

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May 1Liked by Sharron Bassano

Beautiful representation of the effects of war and the attachment we have for home. Thank you for sharing!

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Thanks so much, Bethel, for coming back to read at 🌿Leaves. I don't usually write these sorts of things, but lately I have turned a bit dark. Must be a sign of the times. I need to find another silly cat story...

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May 1Liked by Sharron Bassano

So quiet, elegant and calm. I love how it leaves so much to the imagination.

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Thanks, J. Especially on the very short pieces, I think it is best to let the reader fill in the details. I am glad you agree. I appreciate your stopping by over here at 🌿Leaves. There is so much to choose from on Substack, I am glad you found my fiction -- thank you for choosing me today!

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May 1Liked by Sharron Bassano

Totally agree. You can thank Clancy Steadwell for the introduction.

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I will do that!

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Humans ruin everything good. At least the chair looks comfy.

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Any port in the storm. My " red chair" is burying myself in good fiction. A little break within another world.

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Chilling, Sharron. "Helicopters clatter [...] like great winged predators." oooooo. Another hit. xo

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Thank you CJ. ( I do not know where all these dark things are coming from.)

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May 1·edited May 1Liked by Sharron Bassano

Damn this is a good one. I have a story — you won't believe this — about an old red chair, that's been lying in my drafts folder for months, unfinished. Yours is a doozy.

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Hey! Let's see that, Tom! To me, that red chair is a metaphor for surrender or acceptance. I look forward to deciphering the symbolism of YOUR red chair.

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May 1Liked by Sharron Bassano

That’s the fear isn’t it? That such a thing could happen in this country. My heart says it can’t, but my head, and my history degree, tells me it can.

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Well, yes, it can. We like to pretend we are immune, but not today. And of course, what is worse, is that the threat can just as easily come from within our borders as without.

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May 2Liked by Sharron Bassano

Yep - it would be my choice as well.

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Thanks, Janice!

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The power of this excellent piece is all in the suggestion. I love the inference that isn’t spelled out. Show, don’t tell. Beautifully done. Chilling but oddly uplifting. And the red chair is so vivid. A symbol of the worthlessness of ‘stuff’ but also the joy of a bold statement piece. Absolutely fabulous writing.

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Oh my goodness, Barrie! Thank you so much! I am really touched by this response. Yes... that red chair. What a photo! As you say, a symbol of letting go of stuff -- letting go , period. Sometimes acceptance or surrender can be the only viable answer..

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Goosepimpling, Sharron - and the red chair, well, strangely comforting. A paradox. You're such a great writer - the gaps are invisible, yet you have left me so much opportunity to fill them in.

Awesome work. I love to read everything you write!

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Thank you, Rebecca for these very kind words. I was, frankly, surprised at the response to this little piece. Sometimes (sometimes) just accepting and letting go IS the answer. I found the photo quite haunting. Happy day to you!

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May 2Liked by Sharron Bassano

It echoes some familiar situations I have lived through. Thanks Sharon .

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Ah, yes. I think we find there are times when struggling and fighting back are pointless. Might as well find a comfortable spot and wait it out... Thank you, Yael, for your always-thoughtful comments.

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WOW! You just described my apocalypse dream.

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Eeuuw! Sorry. Me, too. Nowhere is immune if you ask me.

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May 3Liked by Sharron Bassano

I haven't seen Civil War yet but this makes me think of how I'm going to feel watching Civil War.

Great vibes of apocalypse, military lockdown etc.

Tight writing, Sharron. You remove all the unnecessary words and leave only the ones that are important. 😊

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Oh, Nathan, thank you so much. I am honored by your comment. One of my main aims is to pare back to the essence of a story, using only the words I need. To hear you say this is such a gift. I will copy it and stick it on my computer for when I need bolstering. Thank you, friend.

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