Sometimes the past seems more real than the present. We float on tributaries of seconds, minutes, and years—merging in the river of time. Do we choose the course we take, or do we simply follow the currents?
Could I have chosen differently? Could you have?
Our brief time together was fueled by danger, not dances or riverside picnics–I still hear jackboots in my nightmares. I don’t even know if you’re alive. But I’ve always preferred knowing even the hardest truths, and I prefer keeping in mind even the possibility that existence has its own reason for being. I will keep looking for you, Paul. I still miss you, as though a piece of my core has been lost—despite the possibilities.
Did you betray me?
I look down at the Seine, but it gives me no answers. It reflects only the present.
Another episode of my spy story for dVerse , where I am hosting Prosery Monday, prose of no more than 144 words that includes a line from a poem chosen by the dVerse host. The verse I chose for everyone was an unintended challenge.
“I prefer keeping in mind even the possibility that existence has its own reason for being.”
— Wisława Szymborska, “Possibilities”
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Perfect Merril! I love your spies.
Thank you, Linda! 😀
An excellent write for the quotation. I particularly like this line “We float on tributaries of seconds, minutes, and years—merging in the river of time.” And I’ve always really liked this painting!
A fascinating prompt, Merril. Thank you!
Thank you very much, Lillian!
This is gorgeously woven, Merril! I so love your spy series 😀 this one in particular gives us a glimpse into the inner workings of lady love’s heart! Especially this; “We float on tributaries of seconds, minutes, and years—merging in the river of time,”… is brilliant!! 💝💝
Aww–thank you so much, Sanaa! ❤️
Oh, this is poignant – that not knowing must be terrible! I’m pleased you revived the spy characters for this prompt: there is certainly the potential for a longer story!
Thank you so much, Ingrid.
I’m having fun with the spies, but I probably won’t ever do anything with it.
There are still people who died during WWII, and no one knows what happened to them.
You should take notes because it has a lot of potential…
Thank you! 😀
I love how you really used the concept of possibilities with that great metaphor with a river with tributaries, the parts you leave out make it possible to fill in the gaps of your story. I think this can be a great beginning to a novel
Thank you so much, Björn. That’s a lovely comment!
Beautiful prose revery, Merril.
Thank you very much, Lisa!
You’re most welcome.
revery = reverie
😀
Oh so beautiful and the beginning of a novel maybe?? I love the WWII era. ☺️
Aww–thank you so much, Christine! 💙
Nicely done! The unanswered questions floating through time haunting us. You have captured it well!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Dwight!
You are welcome!
So glad to read your spy story again, Merril! I love the sentence: ‘We float on tributaries of seconds, minutes, and years—merging in the river of time’ and the way it links to the final sentence. I’m dying to know the answer to the question – did he betray her?
Thank you so much, Kim! I honestly have no idea if he did or not. 🤣
I can’t wait to find out!
😀
This is excellent Merril. Very engaging.
Thank you very much, Rob!
A delicious chapter, Merril!
I love that you have turned this into a series 🙂
Thank you very much, Dale. Yeah, it doesn’t all fit together, but it’s fun. 😀
It works for me!! 😊
😀
I enjoyed the philosophical pondering in here with such vivid details! Great write! 💝
Thank you so much, Tricia! 💙
Exellent response to the prompt AND continuation of the spy story!
Thank you so much, Liz! I’m pleased you enjoyed it.
You’re welcome, Merril!
Wisława Szymborska, “Possibilities” Lovely Merril.
Thank you, Rene!
You’re so welcome, your posts are wonderful!
😀
you have just sparked my imagination with this one thnk you
I’m so pleased. Thank you very much!
Instant transportation and heartfelt remembrances. I want to read more of these characters.
That is so kind. Thank you very much!
As always, very engaging and beautifully written! ❤
Aww–thank you, Lucy! 💙
I love your spies so much, Merril 😀
Sincerely,
David
Thank you very much, David!
So much more than a section of a spy story. Such poignant anguish must be recognised by many. We don’t often see Seurat’s work. A really good choice.
Thank you very much for your kind and heartfelt words, Derrick.
I’m glad you like the Seurat. It is lovely.
an intriguing story … I like your melancholic spies and Bjorn’s librarian who weave a common thread thru your stories! One I should try but not sure I have the skill
Thank you very much, Kate. I don’t know how Björn’s librarian began. My spies just came about by chance. 😀
but the characters develop while they weave that thread, well done!
Thank you! 💙
Another expressive slice of a moment in time. (K)
Thank you very much!
I really like what you did with this. I especially loved the beginning and all of the questions you posed. Beautiful!
Thank you so much!
Love this Merrild. Amazing writing. The emotion as well
Thank you so much, Jude!
My pleasure 🍁
I like your character’s POV so much. I feel like I’m walking with her, “listening in” on her thoughts, and they are deep, intense (and not unlike my own) thoughts. Keep the story going. Please!
Thank you SO much, Pam. That’s lovely! We’ll see what happens. I have no real plot. 🤣
Because you’re a “pantster” like me! 😁
Hahaha. I suspect I’m more so than you.
Nope. The idea of plotting gives me hives… 😙😲
🤣
I think the reader begs for answers as much as the narrator in this piece.The unknowns make the mind wander, creating our own possibilities until we know more….you know….when we read the novel! 😉
Thank you so much, Mish! 😀
I see this as the beginning a a great work. The ending is perfect, because you still want more.
Thank you! That is most kind. We’ll see if anything else comes of it.
Amazing!
Thank you. 😀