Stationed here, I’ve seen people come and go, sharing hugs, kisses and tears. I have seen the exchange of spine-crushing embrace, cold withdrawal and dejected returnees.
Today, a couple cuddled in my presence, one sought every reason to pick at the partner’s hem, the other looked nervously around.
Nothing unusual here travelers turn out in different shades and mood.
Only, my memory will not lie still.
A week ago, she was in the embrace of another, sharing hugs, kisses and tears. Flecks of promises flittered around.
I am stationed at a departure lounge: I see the frailties of man.
This story is a contribution to the Friday Fictioneers at Rochellewisofffields’ blog. Where a crush of writers are inspired by a photo prompt to express a story in 100 words. Please, click the linky icon up here to find other stories
Fingerprints 
Dear Charles,
I liked your story very much. Was wondering, though, if the frailties observed are of both men and women, then the last line should read…the frailties of man. Not sure. Just saying. thanks for the kind comments on my story this week. I appreciate it.
Aloha,
Doug
Sure, i mixed it up there. It is meant for both man and woman. Thanks for your kind attention!
it’s a great story… a peek into the mind of an observer…
Thank you for stopping by…I enjoyed your collector’s gig and now following for future greater stories!
Charles and Douglas: The comment about the ‘frailties of man’ to mean both and women has long been out of use. We use humankind these days to mean both genders.
I like the different view point. Nice one.
Well, i prefer to stick to the old tradition, same for my use of ‘everyone is entitled to HIS/HER own opinion’ instead of ‘their own opinion.’
Dear Douglas, only pointed out my error in using ‘men’ (which restricts it to male species) instead of ‘man.’
Thank you for your kind attention.
Wonderful ! The story teller is foremost an observer.:-)
Well, that’s cos the story teller is a security camera…lol. Thanks for stopping by!
The best stories come from those around us; you reminded me of that. Nice work.
Thank you Sandra, glad you could relate with this. Have fun!
I agree with man. 🙂
janet
lol 🙂
I liked this story. Very much. Good imagery.
Thanks a bunch!
Hm, the might observer. Very nice 🙂 I was having internet problems so could not take part.
aww, Sister, was looking all over for your link. Not to worry…another friday is coming. Keep safe!
Terrific story telling…
Really?! Coming from you, am glad. Thanks!!!
Awe.. Thank you.
Love that last line…nice take on the prompt
Thanks. 🙂
Great story. I love the images you conjured up with ‘spine-crushing embrace’ and ‘every reason to pick at the partner’s hem.’ What else has your MC seen? Lots more stories here.
A lot you could imagine a security camera attached to a departure lounge to have seen…Thanks for coming over!
Dear Charles,
“Man” has my vote. Humankind would sound stilted. In any case I good story of an astute observer. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Dear Rochelle, (Ok is that your name?) What’s the Last name? (I’ve been wanting to ask you to separate the URL for me)
Welcome to my party here…thanks for your vote!
Rochelle is my first name. Wisoff is my maiden name and Fields is my married name. Don’t pay attention to Russell or Rich who rename me every week.
Is he remembering his love in the arms of another? That’s the way I took it. But still, life goes on for him. Very sad.
A very clever way there…Thanks for your input! Have fun!
“one sought every reason to pick at the partner’s hem”–this is the kind of detail that readers love, that show the internal workings of a character.
Charles, really well done. I found it interesting to experience this from an objective observer who has nothing at stake personally, but I sense a sadness too. I love the details.
about this line: “Nothing unusual here travelers turn out in different shades and mood.”
it seems like there should be a break/comma/period something either after “unusual” or after “here.” for example:
Nothing unusual. Here, travelers turn out in different shades and mood.
or
Nothing unusual here. Travelers turn out in different shades and mood.
Yes, the observer see all the best and worst in humans. Scary.
Ah the secrets that are seen by those who watch. We probably miss many things because we are so focused on ourselves.
I bet people who work at airports see SO MUCH. When you see that many people go by every day, especially with all the emotions going on with departures and reunions…great fodder for stories 🙂
Very nice!
Just want to say your article is as amazing.
The clearness in your post is just nice and i could assume
you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the rewarding work.