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Blizzards Of The Mind

Published by

Hugh W. Roberts

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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.

***

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.

***

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.

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

***

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31 responses to “Blizzards Of The Mind”

  1. Sardines – Hugh's Views & News   avatar
    Sardines – Hugh's Views & News  

    […] “Keep your eyes closed, and he won’t see us,” whispered Richard. […]

    Reply
  2. A Matter Of Life And Death – Hugh's Views & News   avatar
    A Matter Of Life And Death – Hugh's Views & News  

    […] we promised we’d come to Brighton beach, ride the carousel and look out across the water on this date every year. Why wouldn’t we come this […]

    Reply
  3. dgkaye avatar
    dgkaye

    True love. A warm and compassionate story Hugh <3

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Thanks, Debby. Glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply
      1. dgkaye avatar
        dgkaye

        Always <3

        Reply
  4. Norah avatar
    Norah

    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.

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      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.

      Reply
      1. Norah avatar
        Norah

        You did well to combine them all, Hugh.

        Reply
  5. A Big Black Horse « Carrot Ranch Literary Community avatar
    A Big Black Horse « Carrot Ranch Literary Community

    […] Blizzards Of The Mind by Hugh W. Roberts […]

    Reply
  6. Charli Mills avatar
    Charli Mills

    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.

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      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.

      Reply
  7. Liz H avatar
    Liz H

    The memory fades, but the love and caring remains…<3

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      It does. And that’s the most essential point to remember when dementia enters our lives.

      Reply
  8. D. Avery @shiftnshake avatar
    D. Avery @shiftnshake

    Sweet and sad. They’ve some tough times ahead.

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      They do. But love will get them through it.

      Reply
  9. willowdot21 avatar
    willowdot21

    Beautiful and heart-rending at once 💜💜

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Thanks so much, Willow.

      Reply
      1. willowdot21 avatar
        willowdot21

        You always write a good story Hugh 💕

        Reply
  10. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
    Hugh W. Roberts

    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.

    Reply
  11. petespringerauthor avatar
    petespringerauthor

    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.

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Same here, Pete. My mother had the condition, and it was a heartbreaking experience over many years watching her life being taken away.

      Reply
  12. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar
    Terri Webster Schrandt

    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.

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      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.

      Reply
  13. apeacefultree avatar
    apeacefultree

    I’m so sorry to hear. That must have been very difficult.

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      They were difficult times, but it’s never made me shy away from writing about it.

      Reply
  14. apeacefultree avatar
    apeacefultree

    Someone needs to find a cure for Alzheimer’s ASAP..very well written, and also sad. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      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.

      Reply
  15. Erika avatar
    Erika

    You and your twists, Hugh. Very touching this time!

    Reply
    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar
      Hugh W. Roberts

      Thanks, Erika.

      Reply
      1. Erika avatar
        Erika

        You are welcome, Hugh!

        Reply

Leave a reply to Erika Cancel reply

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