PHOTO PROMPT © Marie Gail Stratford
The man watching from a window in Bloomingdale’s tower knew the schedule of the old stone church tucked in right behind the giant store. He waited patiently as the sexton, old and arthritic, began the process of opening the old church.
He had plans that morning, and he smiled as he thought about the shock the churchgoers were about to receive. Unexpected, inescapable. Perfect.
Soon the recorded carillon began to play from the tower of the old church.
The man opened his bags, ready to shower churchgoers—-with rose petals.
Just Writing! 
Dear Linda,
Nice perspective on the prompt…literally. I like the idea of being showered with rose petals. Good one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought we needed some love, in the light of the horror in Texas. Thanks, Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Well said, Linda. Indeed we do need some love.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I hope those really were rose petals and not a metaphor for other red blooms
LikeLiked by 1 person
No metaphors here. Hadn’t even thought of it. Maybe I should have said “Yellow rose petals.”
LikeLiked by 2 people
How lovely. A brilliant twist!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sandra.
LikeLike
a love assassination, you made my day, Granonine…don not turn to yellow rose petals…even if blood is red, red will always be love to rank first.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Agreed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not what I expected and a pleasant surprise. Just one thing. Most high rises don’t have windows that open. Can he make it to the roof and will the rose petals land on the correct geography? Sorry. My mind works that way.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I thought about whether or not the windows would open and decided this one will 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wouldn’t it be nice if this is what was reported on the news for a change instead of another mass shooting. Sweet.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Exactly what I was thinking. Too much horror and hatred, not enough love.
LikeLiked by 3 people
You are right, there are too many bloody stories already,we should change something.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ah, that’s really lovely! That’s what the world needs more of – unexpected moments of bliss. Lovely story
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Lynn.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant, Linda! loved your story and what a pleasant surprise at the end.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for your lovely comment 🙂
LikeLike
Love the contrast between the news and what could happen. Rose petals sounds a lot better.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Bjorn.
LikeLike
Dear Linda
Phew! I’m so glad it was rose petals. What a delightful idea, and how well you concealed the twist! Took me completely by surprise! Well done!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks so much, Penny. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
With news items coming from the States of gunmen shooting churchgoers this was a lovely twist. Rose petals are a nice touch.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Irene. I felt we needed a nice touch.
LikeLiked by 1 person
After Texas . . . I thought “Oh NO”. Then your last line made me feel that there is LOVE in this world. Very well written … and very timely.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Mike. Exactly what I was hoping for.
LikeLike
Why rose pedals would be delightful! What a great idea! Nicely written!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Nan. Maybe someone will start a flower shower movement 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicely done, granonine…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Michael.
LikeLike
You set this one up perfectly, Linda. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks 🙂
LikeLike
That was definitely not the ending I was expecting, but oh so happy for it. Beautiful, Gran! Just totally beautiful and just what we all needed after this week’s great tragedy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My thoughts exactly. Horror and terror have become all too common.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read this with some trepidation. What a lovely ending, though. Such a surprise and so well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Edith. Exactly what I was trying to portray 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I held my breath and then such a lovely ending 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. We’ve had enough horror.
LikeLiked by 2 people
A little love wrapped in pretty red petals. A wonderful interpretation of the photo prompt.
Your story brought a smile to my face. We need some lighthearted writing from time to time.
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you. I agree. A little laughter is good medicine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Somehow I was expecting something wonderful to happen. Thanks for delivering it in spades! You made me laugh with pleasure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, that just makes my day 🙂
LikeLike
A heartwarming twist in the tale 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was good. Right till the end… and showers of rose petals. Nicely done Linda. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. We just don’t need any more terror.
LikeLike
Lovely ending with the rose petals. Feeling the love in this piece. Very nicely done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much.
LikeLike
So very glad you went the petal route and not the pellet one…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Unexpected indeed!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a perfect ending! So much better than what I first thought.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly. I wanted a good shock; we’ve had way too much of the other kind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was a good reaction, I think granonine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You misled us nicely – I think we all expected a tragic and violent ending but this was a pleasant surprise 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Too much real violence out there. I thought we needed a break 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
And very welcome it was!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pleasant surprises are always welcome,!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous. I hope the parishioners appreciated his gesture 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank goodness!
LikeLiked by 1 person