Waves of shimmering heat rose off of the broken asphalt.
I mopped my brow.
“Fields gone to weeds.”
“Yep.” Meg had said little beyond single syllables since we had crossed the fence.
We paused in shade where the Smith’s place once was.
Except that the lawn was now a hayfield, it looked fine, until we left. The back half of the barn had collapsed.
That next oasis of trees beckoned.
A quick inspection relieved the worst of our fears.
Looking deeper, I could feel every year since we were evacuated after the accident.
“Home.” Meg had tears in her eyes.
***
word count = 100
Friday Fictioneers is hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. This week’s prompt is here and uses a photo © Russell Gayer. Read more or join in by following the InLinkz “Linky“.
***
I may not get to many stories this week as I will be journeying home after (Covid enforced) years away and so will be off line.
Trent's World (the Blog) 
Nature consumes man’s creations incredibly quickly. It’s almost stunning. Great story, Trent. I’m glad they were still moved to arrive home despite the changes.
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Sometimes you have to wonder how long it would take for all signs of man to be erased if we were to suddenly disappear… Thanks.
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Not long in the scheme of things, I think. Where I live… about two weeks! Lol.
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I think Cape Cod is also in the weeks! The super humid, salt-tinged air pretty much destroys everything on contact…
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Nice 👍
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So sad and atmospheric!
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Thanks.
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This recalled a trip I made. When I arrived everything had disappeared. Thought provoking story
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Time does not stand still, but sometimes the changes are a bit much… Two days ago I was standing where a mansion converted into a museum stood until recently, now it is just a lawn. Thanks.
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I can imagine from this how the people of Chernobyl feel when they get the opportunity to return to their homes…even if for only a little while. Great story this week. Keep my hubby close in prayer. there’s some serious health issues at the moment, and he’s in hospital. Today, we meet with care team to decide how to proceed from here… I’m praying I can take him home. At least, maybe to be able to take him to Ohio for a second opinion.
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I was thinking along the lines of something like Chernobyl.
I hope your husband is doing better! I’ve been away almost a week, so haven’t seen any of your posts,if you posted something about him. (I was actually in Ohio, but up north).
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He’s home now. Went back to work 1/2day. Today And did okay. 💃
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Glad he is home and back to work, even if just a half day.
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Me, too. It took him longer to come back this time. He had to use the walker for 3 days, and we thought he’d have to have one at home. that would have cost him his job for sure as he must lift 60lb+ printers and scanners all day, and climb a ladder to get them. Yesterday went okay. so thankful.
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So much tragedy and loss. I’m always amazed at stories of the human spirit rising above the loss to start anew.
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I think it would be very difficult to live through something like this, but, unfortunately, it happens quite often, at least with natural disasters.
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Seems we’ve seen way more of that than I remember as a kid growing up in Minnesota, where tornados were the natural disasters we all respected.
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There are more people, so more people effected, there is most likely more disasters and then there is 24×7 coverage from around the world. Between those three things, we do hear a lot more about it than we did years ago.
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Well written. The sadness of their loss comes through loud and clear.
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I’m sure it would be very hard to live through that type of a tragedy. Thanks.
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That’s sad, We were flooded and returning to the house the following day made awful viewing, lifes bits and bobs covered with brown sludge. The photographs I still think about, the rest can be replaced.
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I’m sorry you had to go through that. My wife’s uncle’s house was flooded this year and it has been pretty bad.
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Sad tale, Trent. But one filled with emotion. Well written, my friend.
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Thanks, Russell. I’m sure returning home after something like that must be awful.
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Dear Trent,
What a tragic tale. Hard to go home after a devastation. Of course I can’t help thinking about Florida.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It is a tragic how often people are forced out, either by a natural disaster, or something man-made. I’m sure returning home is awful. Thanks.
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Very thought provoling and timely. My father was forced to leave his home after WWII (in the former Yugoslavia). When he returned to visit many years later, he didn’t recognize the place and never wanted to go back again. These places of the past only can go on existing in our memories.
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I think almost anybody in the world can become a refugee of sorts. I’m sure it was very tough for your father to return. You are right we can only return in memory and aren’t always doing ourselves a favor to try to do it physically.
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I’ve felt that letdown of a different ‘home.’ Well written, Trent.
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When I watch disasters, natural or man-made, I always wonder how I would take being forced to evacuate like that, not knowing what, if anything remained… Thanks, Chel.
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I do the same thing!!
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Have you ever heard the song “The Impression That I Get” by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones? Similar subject – the singer is asking himself how he would hold up if faced with a catastrophe.
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I have not, but will!
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I think sometimes its best to move on. But, I admire those who return to rebuild. Heart breaking tale.
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Sometimes it is best to move on, though I know those forced to leave usually really want to return.
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Sounds like you’re thinking about what you might find on your trip home with your story. Hope it goes well, Trent.
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Shouldn’t be this bad… Actually, it will be really nice to visit. Thanks.
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You’re welcome :)
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Well, I am sure when YOU go home it won’t be in such a mess!
Excellent, Trent.
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lol, I’m sure my home will be a lot better! Thanks, Dale.
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No doubt.
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Well done, and that’s been there awhile with all the green growing around the tires!
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Some of those vines grow amazingly fast, but i think it has been there a little while. Thanks.
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They say you should never go back.
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That’s true, and rarely ids that statement truer than in in a circumstance like this…
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Poignant, a story we don’t know and yet we do.
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It has happened too often in our world, so we may not know it first or even second hand, but… Thanks.
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How sad to see the home you love like this. Great emotional story.
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Returning after a disaster, whether natural or man-made, would have to be hard. Thanks.
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It sure would.
You’re welcome.
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