Edward Hopper, Nighthawks, 1942
Tomorrow, after parachuting into France, we may never see each other again. My nights will carry a new loneliness, of being someone else, Night Hawk. Already, I look different. My mouth is unfamiliar with my American dental work removed. I own only carefully mended French-made clothing and shoes. We risk our lives to save others–and we carry suicide pills to take if we’re caught. I must learn to dream in French.
Last night, we finally gave in to desire. Swooping in like raptors, we grabbed and held each other. Last night our kisses and caresses expressed what there are no words for—that when it is over, said and done, it was a time. And there was never enough of it. Someday, perhaps. For now, our memories, like this letter, must be tucked away in a locked drawer, and kept for the future.
I’m continuing with my spy and Edward Hopper collaboration for the dVerse Prosery Prompt that I’m hosting.We’re using the line I have italicized from Allison Adelle Hedge Coke’s, “A Time.” Come join us, if you’re so inclined, for a bit of flash fiction, no longer than 144 words.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
That’s the second Hopper I’ve seen/read this evening. Are you going to turn this into a thriller?
Hahaha. No. I don’t think it’s the same story, and probably not all that original. I’m just having a bit of fun.
It reads very intensely, like a novel excerpt.
Cool. I think when I write something like this–OK, when I write anything–I have a whole backstory in my head. I’m glad this seems like it can stand alone though.
It’s getting all the essentials of the backstory in AND the story that’s hard in a tiny piece.
Yes. I rewrote this several times.
Ah, a true craftswoman 🙂
😀
Edward Hopper is great for creative writing – I used ‘Nighthawks’ a lot when I was teaching and got some great pieces from my students. I love your romantic spies, making the most of it before they parachute into France! I love the detail of the European teeth, the carefully mended French-made clothing and shoes – and the suicide pills, which I hope they didn’t have to take.
Thank you very much, Kim. Yes, I hope they both survive and meet again.
Wow, this is very brilliant and creative. I can feel the longing here in the details and it is heartbreaking. It’s also like a thriller. I would love to see even more of this!
Aww–thank you so much, Lucy. That’s very kind.
You big tease–you sprinkle spy dust and intrigue and WWII into a 144 word blurb, getting us all revved up, then “poof”, it’s over.
Hahahaha. Sorry. I’m glad you liked the teaser. 😏
I agree with Lucy…you should expand on this. Perhaps a short story? Nicely done, Merril. You could write for what Derek calls Harlequin’s “steamy” imprint. 🙂
Hahahaha. I don’t think I’m much of a “steamy” writer, but thank you. I appreciate the praise.
LOL! Me either! I’d been embarrassed for my dad to read it. 🙂
😂😂
Whoooosh! ❤️ You swept me away with your captivating images and sweet blend of adventure, eros and action. I so love your way with words!
Thank you for the glorious prompt! 🙂
That is so very kind. Thank you! And you’re welcome.
Wow this is a delectable tale, intense and passionate
Happy Monday
Much💝love
Thank you so much, Gillena. Happy Monday to you, too! ❤️
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This is wonderful, Merril. I was swept into this moment, holding my breath. Love it!
That is so kind. Thank you very much, Dale!
Kind, schmind! This was good!
😘
😘
I like it … and sense you tapped into a bit of your history field. Hi Merril.
Hi Frank. Thank you! I think I just tapped into novels I read. 😏
That will work.
😀
This was cool! Haven’t visited for a while Merril. I’m gonna have to catch up.
Thanks so much, Rob. Yes, I haven’t seen your posts for a while either.
Forgot about the word count. My vitriol just ran rampant. I will add a 144-word edited version to my post.
Understandable. Thanks, Rob.
Sorry to pester Merril. Wanted you to know I posted my 144-word edited ‘prosery’.
OK. Great, Rob. Thanks!
I concur with the comments of your other readers. Brava on this evocative and compelling short!!
Thank you very much, Liz!
Oh, what sad parting wars create! You have illustrated it well in you story… We have no idea what others go through to survive! Very nice.
Dwight
Thank you so much, Dwight. No, we really don’t.
Though brief, what an intense scene!
Thank you so much, Ken.
kaykuala
The makings of a great novel in the works Merril. Thanks for the prompt!
Hank
Thanks so much, Hank!
The time must be seized…this has so much written between the lines, but Hopper is like that. (K)
Thank you so much. Yes, his work seems full of backstory and between the lines.
Sigh. There are so many ways I love this piece! Lovely!
Na’ama! Thank you so much! I’m so pleased.
🙂 It was wonderful! 🙂
😀
Oh.. Hopper is excellent for the line… the spy is such an intriguing character to use, as his life must feel as he’s living in the moment..
Thanks so much. Yes, I can’t imagine living like that as a spy, knowing that your cover could be blown at any second.
I’ve just read “The world that we knew” by Alice Hoffman – a great read. You took me back to that world of intensity, fear and passion. I love a bit of Hopper, too. You can feel the backstory here, even though you don’t tell it, it adds weight to this small piece.
Thank you so much, Sarah. That’s a lovely comment. I appreciate that.
I liked The World That We Knew very much–and I bought it for my older daughter. Such a different take on the golem, too.
Very nicely done. One of my favourite Hopper paintings.
Thanks so much, Derrick. I think it’s probably his most famous work, but it’s so evocative, so rightly so.
Ah yes … dreaming in French would be such a delight. I love Hopper art and I love your Prosery.
Thank you very much!
I suppose in this case dreaming in French would be more necessity than delight. I like Hopper very much, too.
I love the detail in this piece. Love your Prosery.
Thank you so much!
Utterly perfect Merril!
Thank you very much, Linda!
I used to have that Edward Hopper on my computer screen years ago. Fabulous story Merril ..
Thank you so much, Susan. It is a wonderful painting.
This jogged my memory of a long-ago Cuban roommate who was trying to master English. She awoke one morning, enthusiastic and joyful, exclaiming “Last hight I dreamed in English!” That aside, I loved your flash fiction!.
Thanks so much, and what a great story. Thank you for sharing.
I agree. Very nicely told and an enjoyable read.
Thank you very much, Bill.
“A time, and what a time it was…” (paraphrased from Simon & Garfunkle). This is deliciously detailed flash fiction.
Thank you very much, Pam.
Someone else referred to that Simon and Garfunkle song, too. 😀
Interestingly, it was the quote we used for our high school yearbook senior year. A wise bunch, we were…
Wise bunch, yes–but I have no idea if we even had a quote. 🤣.
This showed up in my search result for French course study. It was unexpected but a pleasant surprise, and intriguing read. Well done!
Oh how funny! Thank you so very much for reading and leaving such a lovely comment. Good luck with your French studies!
Thank you and good luck to you too with your creative pursuits!