(Photo Credit: John Brand)
Franceso made his way gingerly down the fleet of steps. He could have traversed this path blindfolded. Looking strikingly elegant and singularly dignified in his Dormeuil Vanquish II bespoke, he had a certain aura about him. A couple of stubborn lines on his forehead had begun to remind him about the passage of time. His immaculately polished pair of Magnanni Christians struck a rhythmic pattern as he reached the end of the steps. Clasped firmly, in one of his hands was a basic toolbox.
Turning to his right he stopped in front of the street lamp that had been shabbily grooved on to the stone wall. Opening the tool box, he took out a screw driver, unscrewed the casing of the streetlamp and replaced the fading bulb with a new one from his kit.
The glow from this very streetlight had been muted if not adequate. Yet this was the very light under whose refuge, a young Francesco had sat through the night with his books. This after walking 5 miles to reach the lamp. On some days the blisters in his feet had bled raw.
This was the 40th year since he changed the first bulb.
(Word Count: 198)
Written as part of Sunday Photo Fiction. Write a story of around 200 words based on the photo prompt given (above). Hosted by Susan Spaulding. For more details, visit HERE.
To read more of the stories based on this week’s prompt, visit .HERE
Thanks to John Brand for the marvelous photograph
12 comments
This was a really imaginative take on the prompt. At first the details about Francesco’s clothing reminded me of passages in American Psycho in which the main character is obsessed with getting his appearance just right so that nobody could fail to notice what a high achiever he was. Then your story became much more positive. I empathised with Francesco and felt pleased that his years of hard work had paid off, at least in material terms. I would like to know more about him. Good writing!
Thank you so much for your erudite and informed comment. I wanted Francesco to be both attached as well as detached. In other words while being immersed in the material world, Francesco accumulates wealth with the noble intention of making the world a better place. Hope this message came out clear and strong. Once again thank you so much for the stirring words!
Excellent piece.
Inspiring how he gives something back.
Thank you so much! Glad you liked it.
I enjoyed this interesting story.
Glad you liked it. Thanks!
I felt like he was visiting an old friend.
Francesco obviously had struggled in his childhood and now done well for himself. A nice bit of glimpse of his past and present. Why is he changing the bulb himself? Is this not the job of municipality?
Clearly, a special place that helped shape his future success. Delightful.
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Thanks Much!
Awesome, very inspirational.
Thank you so much!