TUESDAY TALES - PICTURE PROMPT WEEK

 

Welcome! This is picture prompt week. We write to a picture and can't post more than 300 words. It's a challenge. We have another episode of the Kicker's story. Don't forget to visit the amazing TT authors. Find their stories HERE.  Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to leave a comment. 

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He stopped at a copse of pine trees on the right.

Shielded by shadows, he watched through the big front room window. He saw their stunning, full Christmas tree, Courtney, Merrily, and their mother. The women drank wine and sat on the sofa talking and laughing.

The urge to join them grew strong. To be accepted, to laugh at old memories and rekindle old fires. Yearning swelled in his chest. If he knocked on the door, would they let him in? Courtney had dumped him after the prom. She probably wouldn't be interested in seeing him again. Tears stung at the backs of his eyes. Just to have a hug and a "I'm so glad to see you!" from her would go a long way to soothe his feelings.

As if she could feel his presence, Courtney stood and went to the window. She looked up at the sky. Instinctively, Tyler stepped back, further into the darkness. Then the other young  woman joined her. Damn! The young woman had short dark hair in the same cut as the ice skater. That had been Merrily Adams.

He smiled and held his breath, keeping perfectly still. A bird fluttered by, but Tyler didn't budge. Finally they left the window. Courtney drew the curtain. It was safe for him to go. He hurried down the street, hoping to stay hidden. The last thing he needed was to be accused of being a peeping tom. Damn! Sweat started under his arms and his breathing quickened as he walked faster and faster, finally breaking into a run. He had to get home. When he reached his mother's house, he bent over, breathing hard. The front light was out as if  they  didn't expect him, as if he no longer belonged there.