Love and Loss

Glad you could join us for the next desperate episode of Elliot’s Adventures. If you’re new here, you can catch up by returning to the beginning, and reading really fast…

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Photo credit: SeoxyS

“Her name was Persephone, and it was my own fault I lost her. If I’d only known then what I know now…” King Arnie’s voice, at first a whisper, died altogether under the weight of his memory.

“What happened, Your Greatness?” Elliot prompted him.

The King roused himself. “I’m sorry, son. I’m just a foolish old frog. The older I get, the more fondly I remember and the more deeply I regret.”

“But King Arnie,” Elliot persisted, ignoring a burning ray of pain that shot from the ragged rip in his tail to leave sweat dripping from his face, “please tell me — how did you lose her? If there is anything you can teach me about how to keep Cassandra’s love, I need to know.”

The King smiled like a loving father willing to expose his own failings on the chance he might enrich his son’s future possibilities. “All right, Elliot. Close your eyes. Let me paint a colorful picture of another former self…”

Elliot closed his eyes, and wildfire spread from his tail. A scorched scream rose in his throat. He bit his tongue.

I must know.

To be continued…

Previously, on Elliot’s Adventures ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Next time . . .

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Author: Sue Ranscht

Having survived valve repair surgery and an experimental cardiac bypass at age 5, three years before it was an accepted medical procedure, Susan grew into the size of her overworked and enlarged heart. Maybe she thought she had enough to give it away -- twice. Both times, she had to retrieve the shattered pieces and puzzle them back together. She thanks her Dad for the only advice of his she ever followed to the letter: "Never get married. Learn to take care of yourself." So of course she is a writer. Susan has co-written a YA SciFi novel, and has three more novels in various stages of evolution. She's had several short stories published in other people's anthologies, some of which were contest-related. Let her tell you a story...

8 thoughts on “Love and Loss”

  1. “King Arnie’s voice, at first a whisper, died altogether under the weight of his memory.” Have felt this and seen others trailing off when recalling a story–the deeper the hurt, the quieter the voice gets. You notice things so closely Sue.

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  3. The King needs to realise Elliot needs medical attention! Never mind lost loves…he’s losing his audience! 😱😷 xx

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    1. I agree. The King knows Elliot needs medical attention, but Elliot’s so desperate to know how he can keep from losing Cassandra that he’s hiding just how badly he’s hurt. He’s a stoic little snail. Let’s hope this doesn’t end badly…

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