Written in 2020. The prompt for this was ‘object’. I chose a photo frame because it allowed me to capture moments in time, and to tell a story which became a novel that I would love to finish & publish someday.
Summer: Aged 15
I remember sitting with you and Grace on the decking drinking tea that late summer afternoon. We had spent weeks renovating the lake house and were excited to show Grace our efforts. You had a twinkle in your eye as you told your mum about all the fun and near misses we’d had.
I loved that first summer with you, so proud to be part of your family.
I remember the exact moment the photograph was taken. You came to join me, wrapping your arms around my waist. A wordless thank you as we watched the sunlight shimmer and dance across the lake. Grace called out to us and we both turned and smiled as she captured the moment forever.
Autumn: Aged 16
The first time I saw the photo was in your dorm room. There were two photo frames on your bedside table; one of you with your dad out fishing, a few weeks before he died. The other of us from that summer.
You caught me staring, and told me that Grace had given it to you for your birthday the year before. The words triggered something deep within me, knowing that it had sat on your bedside table for a whole year. There was no mistaking the happiness in our eyes and the way we held each other.
Summer: Aged 22
Maisy is beautiful. She brightens up the house with her songs and laughter. She has your eyes.
I moved the photo of us to her bedroom so you can be with her. She often points to it and says ‘daddy’ and I tell her a story about you.
There are so many to tell…
Copyright © 2019 Lottie McKnight. All rights reserved.