She was there before him. She sat on a bench facing the river, her coat pulled tightly around her. He waved, feeling happiness flood through him at the sight of her.
She looked tired, her face a little pinched. Shadows dusted her cheek. She didn’t wave back, but stood at his approach. He wanted to kiss her, but,
“I have to tell you,” she blurted, face flushed. “I’ve met someone else. It’s over.” Turning, she walked rapidly away. Tears stung his eyes. From his pocket, he drew the diamond solitaire in its red box, and flung it, with his dreams, into the water.
This story is for the 100 Word Challenge for Grown Ups, set by the indefatigable Julia Skinner.
A word from Julia:
“For this week’s prompt, I have gone to topical and it is:
…the red box…
For our non-UK writers, this week sees the budget being announced and much is made of the Red Box that the Chancellor carries the budget in to the Houses of Parliament to make the announcement.
You can use any genre and must use the three words of the prompt although your piece does not have to be about finance! Obviously you can only add a further 100 words. Please also make sure that you have a link back here so that folks can find the others to read. If you have found you way here by accident please read ‘What is 100WCGU? and hopefully it will make a little more sense!
The link will close at midnight on 26th March”
Isobel (and Cat)'s Blog 
Short and very sad. Poor guy. 😦
And what a waste of a ring! I need to link it to Julia’s page later.
I can seeu them and even feel their so very different feelings. How well expressed, Isobel! Nothing less, nothing more: just the required and exact words. Sharp and crudely neat!
Thanks, Maria. You know you can join in even if you don’t have a blog. Are you tempted?
Thanks, Isobel. And, yes, I am tempted but I feel I need much more personal space to sit down and write. MAybe when I retire.
What a wonderfully composed bit of flash fiction Isobel…..beautifully done – a scene sadly played out in life who knows HOW many times in a given day; such is the way of today’s relationships! 😉
Pam (and Sam)
Quite. One is so much better off with a cat! 🙂
Short, crisp and poignant, Isobel. Makes me wonder just how much jewellery lies in the mud under river bridges!
Ah…will he regret chucking the ring?
Well, I would, and I would think in time he would too. But it is the sort of grand gesture that seems more fitting than taking it back the sh for a refund!
Oooo I love your 100 words Isobel, but I always want more of the story.
Thank-you. It seems that I only just posted in time. Julia has already put up another prompt. And I have had no time to comment on other people’s stories yet…