September 16, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a Big Black Horse. It can be a horse, a metaphor or an interpretation of KT Tunstall’s “Big Black Horse and a Cherry Tree.” Go where the prompt leads!
Blizzards Of The Mind – by Hugh W. Roberts
“Do you remember the day we first met?”
“Why do you ask?”
“No reason. I’m curious.”
Adrian watched Richard go into deep thought.
“Did it involve a big, black horse?”
“It did, yes!”
You were riding it through a snow-covered field during a blizzard one Christmas. You and that horse stood out so much,” laughed Richard.
Smiling to himself, Adrian closed his eyes and recalled their first meeting. On Brighton beach, he watched Richard riding a big, black horse on the carousel one summer.
The early stages of Alzheimer’s were causing another blizzard in the mind of his husband.
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Richard and Adrian first appeared in Edge Of Summer – another piece of flash fiction written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch. Click here to join in.
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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love Glimpses
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
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Hugh's Views & News 
True love. A warm and compassionate story Hugh ❤
Thanks, Debby. Glad you enjoyed it.
Always ❤
Like so much in life, there is joy and there is sadness, light and shadow. It is good to find the light when possible. I like that the horse was on a carousel.
The light moments are good, Norah. Even though my mother had dementia, even she laughed at some of the things she came out with during the early years of knowing she had the condition. The heartbreak came more towards the end as she faded away.
When I read the prompt, the image of a horse on a carousel came to me, and I knew it was time to bring back Adrian and Richard.
You did well to combine them all, Hugh.
What a touching story, Hugh. That’s an accurate look at how memories can meld. I love how Adrian can sit with the inaccuracy and still love his husband without causing him distress.
I learned much of this from my mother, who had dementia, Charli. Sometimes, she was spot on, but other times she was living the memories of somebody else.
The memory fades, but the love and caring remains…<3
It does. And that’s the most essential point to remember when dementia enters our lives.
Sweet and sad. They’ve some tough times ahead.
They do. But love will get them through it.
Beautiful and heart-rending at once 💜💜
Thanks so much, Willow.
You always write a good story Hugh 💕
Oh Hugh, I actually wasn’t expecting that ending! How sad, such an awful disease. Beautifully written.
Thanks, Sam. My mother had dementia. It was horrible watching her condition worsen over time. . One day, I hope they find a cure for it.
Having watched my mom battle with dementia the last five years of her life, I sure hope that we eventually find a way to combat Alzheimer’s.
Same here, Pete. My mother had the condition, and it was a heartbreaking experience over many years watching her life being taken away.
Touching indeed, Hugh, and far too common among elders. My mom suffered from dementia but could remember her family and certain things. My MIL definitely had Alzheimer’s and could only barely communicate in German. Did not know most people but recognized her twin sons (my hubby Hans). After their visit on Feb 13, she passed in her sleep on Feb 14, as if she had permission to slip into eternity after seeing them both together. Yours is beautifully told.
It was heartbreaking the day I walked into my mother’s home, and she had no idea who I was, Terri. Watching her suffer from this terrible condition was awful. However, I’ve used my experiences of dementia in a few of my stories. Those experiences have helped me with some of my writing. As the human race lives longer, Alzheimer’s is something that will touch many of our lives.
I’m so sorry to hear. That must have been very difficult.
They were difficult times, but it’s never made me shy away from writing about it.
Someone needs to find a cure for Alzheimer’s ASAP..very well written, and also sad. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you.
Sadly, my mother passed away with Alzheimer’s. Such an awful way to leave our world. She struggled so much. It was terrible watching her deteriorate from the day she was diagnosed to the day she left us.
You and your twists, Hugh. Very touching this time!
Thanks, Erika.
You are welcome, Hugh!