A box for every year. Race guides, trinkets, kid’s paintings and souvenirs.
He’d saved them all, a history of his life stacked neatly in plastic containers.
#vss365#save
Looking at the small screen, my card had been rejected.
I thought it would be, but…
Looking around the room for a friend to spot me, I felt the anxiety grow.
This horse was a lock, and I couldn’t miss it.
#vss365#Rejected
“What does victory taste like?”
“Success,” I replied.
“What does it smell like?”
“Like a museum. Once your victorious, it becomes historic.”
Nodding, my colleague agreed. “Yeah, you’re right.”
#vss365#smell
The ocean wasn’t as cold as he’d feared, but the taste was worse than he imagined.
Swimming deeper, the sounds disappeared until all he knew was himself.
#vss365#taste
I wrote it down.
The yellow square had its own drawer for years.
The glue dissolved and the drawer filled.
When i needed it, it was there.
#vss365#write
It wasn’t much of a discussion. Unanswered questions and stammering.
After a few minutes, I took control of the meeting hoping it would lead to some input.
It didn’t.
At this point, I wish I’d volunteered to take the minutes.
#vss365#discuss
“Think!” he yelled.
So I did. About what a twat he was. How I deserved better. About the coffee ring on the table.
“Well?,” he impatiently demanded.
I smiled back before revealing my thoughts.
#vss365#think
I tried everyday but I couldn’t relax.
A street corner, a restaurant all presented opportunities, chances.
The big city was small enough.
It felt inevitable our paths would cross.
#vss365#relax
In those moments I stir, I roll over to find her, eyes open, fixed on me. I smile and close my eyes.
I wonder if she is still watching me. Unblinking in the dark.
#sleep#vss365
Terry made his work a hobby, not the other way round. He started cause he had to, then began to find enjoyment in it, tuning his craft and using both technology and innovation to achieve.
A shame the jury didn’t see his brilliance.
#vss365#work
Celebration was the wrong word, but the sentiment held.
The paperwork was sealed in an almost decorative envelope and passed across the elaborate table.
An end, a beginning and a smile as chairs glided across the carpeted floor.
#vss365#celebration
With the agility and grace of a dolphin, she finished her lap and sprung to the edge of the pool.
Brimming with confidence at an outstanding performance, she was ready to tackle the day.
Bring it.
#vss365#empowered
Looking around the hall, his tension was notable.
An early swim, a light lunch and an apple combined with a long work day lead him here.
The phone buzzed.
His dinner was ready to collect.
#vss365#anticipation
Everyone said how evil he was, but each day he’d stop by the cafe and talk football.
I remember him laughing as he left, lamenting his team’s fortune before I head the shot.
#vss365#laugh
Caressing the warm cup, I looked out over the lake, watching the light play on the ripples and the insects dance.
My mind vacant, I became aware of the noise behind me. A car pulling in.
Better put some clothes on, I thought as I slowly stood.
#vss365#caress
“This place stinks like ass.”
Looking around, he noticed the stares her comment attracted.
“I think you should have whispered that,” he whispered, his hand guiding her towards the exit.
“No. No, I didn’t.”
#vss365#whisper
The quiet reminded him to savour the fun times, capture the feelings they evoke.
Like when he swapped cool water for warm water in his son’s glass.
Looking back now, it was a priceless moment as he sat alone.
#vss365#savour
Ironically, the person who preached resilience was the same who continually tested others. Selecting choice words that couldn’t be ignored wore the audience down until he questioned whether he had any fight left.
Yet, he always found some.
#vss365#resilience