All is Fair in Love
Paul and I saw the pink rose painted on a wall. I remember the slow grin that lit up his tired face, just starting to look gaunt, as we all were.
“It’s you,” he said, “Beauty-with-thorns.”
Now as I’m searching for Paul, that rose has reappeared. It can’t be a coincidence. I feel like I’m being led with breadcrumbs, and I know the path may lead to a beast, not a prince. Yet, even with the risks, I can’t stop.
Is love or war fair? Who were you, Paul? Was it all a game? Every year I think, this year’s a different thing. I’ll not think of you with longing—or regret. But how do I banish a past so full of questions? How do I banish thoughts of you without some answers–?
A twig snaps. Is that young backpacker following me?
I’m hosting Prosery on dVerse today with the prompt line:
“This year’s a different thing, –
I’ll not think of you.”
–from Charlotte Mew’s “I so liked spring.”
I’ve continued my spy story with a sort-of-love-themed post for Valentine’s. The previous episode ended with the pink rose.
While I was writing, I thought of this Stevie Wonder song.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
I love the Stevie Wonder song, Merril, and that you’ve continued your spy story with a Valentine theme – and the pink rose. I also like the fairy tale references and the hint of danger at the end.
Thank you very much, Kim. 🌸
You are welcome, Merril, I really enjoy your spy series.
Thank you very much! It’s fun to write for Prosery. 😊
I so love this. It is perfectly timed, of course 🙂 I am not a huge Stevie Wonder fan but this one does speak to me and goes perfectly with your prosery (and I had to wait for it to end before pressing post!)
Thank you very much.
It all worked out. I just wrote it this afternoon, even though I had the prompt written several days ago.
Did you ever watch the show “Scandal?” It was a favorite of mine. One episode ended with this song, and I may have replayed the scene several times. 😂
My pleasure. I’m actually trying to write something, myself 😉
And no, I never did get around to that one. Hahaha! I may now have to look for it 😀
Yay! I hope you do write one.
I enjoyed the show, and my daughter watched it, too. It was before Trump though. I might have to look for that scene though.
Tryin’!
I heard it was good…
We liked it. 🙂
I like the rose motif as a breadcrumb. I hope she finds Paul and gets the answers she is seeking.
Thank you very much, Lisa.
I hope she does, too. 😏
You’re welcome!
This reads like a love story meeting some postmodern paranoid fiction. Very unique and super interesting.
Well, thank you for your unique and interesting comment! 😊
That’s such a good illustration for this episode. They’re just right, not happy, but wishing they were, could be.
Thank you! Yes, and my narrator doesn’t know what they were, but wishing it, too.
I was thinking of Rossetti, and when I saw this one I thought it was perfect.
They look full of contradictions. I hope they find happiness (and that the war ends soon).
They do look full of contradictions.
For my characters, the story is taking place years after the actual war, but inner war is something else. 😏
All the more intriguing.
🙂
Ohhh, you used a rose. I love it. Another great episode in your spy series.
Thank you. I used a rose because the last episode was about a rose. 🙂
Well, of course, I missed that one. But, I loved how this turned out.
Thank you. I mentioned it at the end of the post. I’m glad you enjoyed this one! 😊
Very nicely done, Merril. The question carries us beyond the story.
Thank you very much, Dwight. I’m so pleased you think so!
The Stevie Wonder song is the perfect accompaniment to your latest prosody. I have faith that she will find Paul. Now, whether she will like what she finds, I have no idea.
Thank you, Liz!
I like what you said. I have no idea either. 🙂
You’re welcome, Merril. 🙂
Luv the unexpected ending ☺
Much❤love
Thank you, Gillena! 💙
This is so relateable. We all have those ‘what if.’ moments and then your story got sininster 😳. Loved it!
Thank you so much, Christine for your thoughtful comment! 😊
Oops – Sinister! 🤣
😂
Of course she will go on…(and we will follow) (K)
Thank you, Kerfe!
I always look forward to each new chapter.
Thank you! 💙
I think the clues are there, she needs to follow the sign of the rose whether it be thorn or beauty.
Thank you very much. Yes, you’re right. . .
I think all beauty has some thorns. Even we not so beautiful have a few, but beauty seems to hide the thorns. I think “Paul” is a bum, she should get rid of him. Thanks for the prompt, it was a fun one. 🙂
..
Thank you, Jim. 😊
Wow! Just amazing, Merril ❤
Thank you very much, Jay! 💙
Intriguing, and timely! I have a feeling they will meet again…
Thank you, Ingrid! 😊
Neatly linked, Merril
Thank you, Derrick.
I love the discussion here! And I love how you have woven this “exercise” – this great prompt – into the fabric of your continuing spy saga.
The nostalgia about Paul is offset by the present moment snapping of the twig… danger alert!
By the way, the pink rose (painted on a wall?) reminds me of a short story by O’Henry, in which the painting of ‘The Last Leaf’ – in place of the fallen (real) leaves on a wall shrub – serves as a survival aid for a woman dying of pneumonia. She lives – but not so lucky the elderly guy who painted the leaf on the wall for her…
Thank you so much for your thoughtful, detailed comment, Kathy! I’m so pleased you enjoyed the story/saga.
Now when I get a chance, I will have to look up the O’Henry story. Thank you!
I like the rose motif as a breadcrumb. I hope she finds Paul and gets the answers she is seeking.
Thank you very much!
Your prosery/ spy story is so cool. Adore it. Thank you, Merril!
Thank you so much, Resa! 🙂
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I’m glad you included this link with your latest post as I missed this one! xo
Thank you for checking it out!