Riding The Rails- Short Story - A Challenge by Bill Holland
She wanted to climb a mountain and reach the apex.
Before leaving the place of her birth, an old run-down farm in Tennessee, Beatrice stopped at the old cemetery just across the road from an old barn that had seen better days, every time the wind blew she looked to see if it was still standing.
Her mother, father and baby brother were buried there. She'd never missed a day visiting and placing wild flowers on their graves'
She remembered how much her mother loved wild flowers, and it always made her smile thinking of her father coming into the kitchen with a freshly picked bouquet, and seeing her mothers eyes' light up with happiness and complete contentment.
Beatrice wished she could be content with the simple things in life like her mother, but as far back as she could remember, she wanted more.
The bright lights of Nashville wasn't what she dreamed about. She wanted to explore. She wanted to ride the rapids. She wanted to climb a mountain and reach the apex.
She wanted to ride a train from one end of the rails to the end of the tracks, and perhaps find her mother's contentment which had eluded her for twenty-eight years
The only train she'd seen was the old work-horse that carried grain to the mill pass her house several times a day.
The Auction
The auction lasted all day long. She'd sold off the farm equipment, the old house, barn and land
A wealthy farmer bought it all. Their home and section of land was adjacent to his rich fields.
She knew he would tear down the old house and barn and cultivate the land. He promised to build a fence around the little cemetery and keep it mowed.
She managed to make a fair sum of money from the sale, enough to buy a pickup and start her journey into the unknown.
She kept a handwritten note in her purse requesting she be returned home to the little cemetery when her time on earth ended, but in-between time she was going to explore all the things she'd dreamed about on the other side of that far away mountain.
Related
A Writing Challenge from Bill Holland: The Woman on the Mountaintop; Breathing Space
Literay Analysis of The Birthmark of Nathaniel Hawthorne
Short Story Response to a Challenge: The Wind Was Circling - an Alternative Ending to Frank Antanacio's Story
On the Boardwalk: The Story of Kosta Fotopoulos and Deidre Hunt
Comments
- AUTHOR
Hello Ann. I think Beatrice is still riding the rails and having a ball. I hope she finds out what's on the other side of the mountain. This was soo much fun. I hope more people will issue a challenge. Thank you so much...
Lovely story, Ruby! We never know where our lives can take us unless we take that step into the beyond, into the unknown. This begs for a sequel; did she find that sense of wonder?
Ann
- AUTHOR
Hello Genna. So happy that you enjoyed this flash. Thank you for a beautiful comment.. Hugs..
Ruby, flash fiction is where you live, my friend. This is wonderful! I so enjoyed this read and answer to Bill's challenge.
- AUTHOR
Hello Manatita. I just read Nellieanna's contribution and it was beautiful! I am well. Get some rest. Hugs...
You're so sweet, Ruby.
Arrived yesterday. So tired! But wish to respond to not only my, but other Hubs. So if I feel better, perhaps Saturday. I see that Nellieanna has written something. Awesome! I do have another three new poems though. Later, perhaps Saturday.
How are you? Are you well? ceeccil@hotmail.com.
- AUTHOR
Hello Frank. Your comment, " banged up job " made me LOL. Thank you, happy you enjoyed my story..
Always.. this was actually pretty good.. you did a banged up job.. loved it
- AUTHOR
Hi Nell. I'm happy that you liked my story. Thank you so much...
Great story Ruby! love the way they ended up following their dreams! wonderful!
- AUTHOR
Hello Audrey. Thank you. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed my story.
Beautifully done Ruby! Truly, your muse was with you! Your writing here just flowed so easily
- AUTHOR
You are welcome my friend!
Thank you, my friend!
- AUTHOR
Shauna, I read it, and I loved it. To me the outstanding part of your story was the hick dialect, which is difficult to do. Thanks again...
I posted it about an hour ago, Ruby. It's called "The Legend of Whisper Mountain".
- AUTHOR
Hello Shauna. I am waiting for your mountain story. You are such a great writer. I dearly love Willie too. I have a few memories about being on the road which I cherish. Thank you for coming. Hugs..
What a lovely story with a message to follow our dreams. Nice job, Ruby!
Love the Willie Nelson video. "On the Road Again" brings back very specific memories.
- AUTHOR
Hello teaches, nice to see you on my page. Happy you enjoyed. Thank you for your complimentary comment...
- AUTHOR
Hello Shanmarie. I'm just the opposite, short stories are my thing. I think my attention span is limited. That's why I love poetry so much. I have a feeling Beatrice will have a blast before she returns home, at least I hope so. lol..Thanks for reading and commenting...
I've come across fields sectioning off old cemeteries and I found your mention of it here enjoyable. Very creatively written!
- AUTHOR
Hello Dana. I guess I like flash fiction because I find it difficult to write a long story. I can't imagine ever writing a book. I'm glad you liked my story and wanted more. Thank you much...
- AUTHOR
Manatita, I know you write fiction and you write well. Either genre will be great. I'll be looking for it. Have a great time in New York...
Hi, Ruby. You do say quite a bit with your flash fiction pieces. Personally, I find flash fiction, especially, and short stories too to be kind of challenging. It's hard to set the scene, get a feel for the characters, and tell a story with so few words.I like how Beatrice keeps a note with her so that she can be reunited with her family some day. I'm with Dana - too bad the challenge rules state no two-part stories. The adventures of Beatrice would make a good series, I think.
I need to read more of your stories. I always enjoy your stories. Not enough time to read anything anymore, it seems.
I hope Beatrice finds what she's looking for. This was just enough to wet my appetite for more.
Ah Ruby, you're so kind. I'm actually a writer also. Creative writing is my thing. I'm in New York. Busy with spiritual celebrations. Perhaps when I get back. Just published another one for Gina, though. Day off today. Much Love.
- AUTHOR
Hello Manatita, thanks for the nice story with noble dreams comment. I just read John's story and was blown away, it is so good. Are you going to enter the challenge? Please do. Bill said we could do poetry and there's no one better than you my friend. Love and peace...
Very nice story and with noble dreams, Ruby. You done good! Very effective use of the photos for the story. I like that. Following her stars, eh? Cool!
- AUTHOR
Hi MizBejabbers, I love to read your stories. I know you will write a great addition to this fun challenge. I'll be looking for your story. As you may remember, my son lives in Imboden, Ark., and I've seen an old barn and cemetery in the country close to where he lives. Thank you..
- AUTHOR
Hello Mar, Bill's challenge has brought out some great stories. It is so much fun to write from pictures, join in and have some fun. You could write a winner. Thank you for your positive encouragement. Love ya..
- AUTHOR
Hello Shyron
It's ok to let your muse rest
When she wakes you'll write one of the best
Did you know red heads should stay out of the sun?
Ah shucks, why miss all the fun?
Put on your bonnet and run with the wind
I'll be watching for your story my poetic friend
Hugs and blessings..
- AUTHOR
Hi Audrey, you put a BIG smile on my face with your endearing comment. I'm so happy you enjoyed my story.
Hugs..
- AUTHOR
Hi Theresa, funny how the pictures reminded me of someone needing to get ' On The Road Again ' My sister Beatrice was like that. She had a pickup and camper and went everywhere. I went with her sometimes. She wasn't afraid of anything or anyone, not like me. lol Times were different back then, no terrorists. The living was easy and fun. Thank you.
Blessings and hugs..
- AUTHOR
Thank you hari, so happy you enjoyed...
- AUTHOR
Geez Mike, I felt all the emotions you mentioned while I was writing this piece. I changed the video. Willie's song, ' On The Road Again ' goes so much better with this traveling adventure. Thank you much. Your comment is pleasing to ' me ' eye.....
Very nice presentation, Ruby. You are great at making a story from photos. I haven't had that kind of practice, but I may try as soon as I think a little more.
Ah, the contest 'thickens' as the amazing plots our HP writers are developing based on Bill's photos, dear Ruby.
This story allow an appreciation of the past as hopes and dreams become reality for Beatrice's future... This warms my heart - beautiful.
Once again, not envying Bill who has to make a final decision. Love, mar
Ruby, Ruby my gem of a friend
You jumped right ahead
Now where do the others begin
My muse is still resting
From working outside in the sun
I must get to work on this
While hubby is still sleeping
There is a lot more outside work to be done
*
*
I loved your story
Blessings my friend
You go girl! (And you certainly did.) You've great imagination Ruby. And even more important...you know how to use it. Very entertaining.
More please.
Wow, Ruby, you certainly rose to the challenge and real quick too!
I love this short story and how cleverly you've worked in each required photo Bill provided with your fantastic story. I could feel the momentum growing in her heart for adventure.
Well done!
Peace and blessings
Ruby you story matches your pen name always_esploring.
The story is very well written and has an emotional journey of a person on the move. Excellent. !!!
-hari
This was a story packed with imagination and flights of fantasy. The vision of the star struck young women was clear. Pocket full of money, tank full of gas and the open roads. Oh, how the road called to her.
Very well done.
Bill is going to have a very tough time judging this challenge /
competition.
- AUTHOR
Hello Paula. There's something about a challenge that gets my writing juices flowing. I was really thinking of my sister Bea. She was so much like Beatrice in the story. She was always on the go, seeing new places, pulling her camper everywhere. Her home was just a place to rest before she started out on another new adventure. I miss her so badly. I went with her on many trips when I was a kid. I'm looking forward to your story. Thank you for a complimentary comment...
- AUTHOR
Thanks Clive, glad you enjoyed my story.
Ruby...Wow. Talk about whipping out a great story in a flash! How amazing this short story is. Flash fiction, right? You've had lots of practice with challenges. I think I've only been brave enough for 2 or 3. This one is the first in over 2 years. I didn't want to say no to our Bill.
I think challenges are fun for a change of pace. Obviously you agree! It's not easy to make an impact in a short...but believe me, you sure did!!
Nice work Ruby!
very good short always exploring
- AUTHOR
Hi Bill, as soon as I saw the mountain picture my muse took flight. I love to write something from a challenge. Thank you for the inspiration....
Very, very well done for something created so quickly. Your muse was just waiting to be set free, obviously. Thank you, Ruby! I'll put it in the folder and review it when the deadline passes.
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