© C.E. Ayr

An idyllic image. The dream.

Dusk in a tiny coastal town. Lights reflect off glistening water. Palm trees. Peace.

Campervan parked; adventurous spirit.

Your gaze lingers and a smile appears; widens.

You laugh out loud. Startling yourself.

White teeth show against your brown and dirty face.

Taking this one moment to relax; to reflect.

One deep, shuddering breath taken; respite from this terrifying moment in time.

This terror won’t last; remember.

This is something to fight for.

With a sigh, you turn and face the inferno; yet to be beaten.

(In sympathy with everyone dealing with the Australian bushfires)

Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here