{This is a response to What Pegman Saw, a weekly photo prompt from Google Maps Street view. We are at the Grand Canyon today and here is my 150 words, which seems like a lot more, when typed into a mobile phone. Thanks for the prompt and for coming by!}
Following a tortured, two-hour mule ride down the canyon face, Vance and I arrived at Phantom Ranch.
My backside ached. The mule, I fear, fared worse.
My law partner and I had booked the cabin for a week. Or, more precisely, our wives had.
Ushering us, unceremoniously, through the airport, bags pre-packed, they explained. Our law firm had drained us of our last drop of human-kindness. We needed a week away, in the Wilderness, to re-hydrate.
Idling away,under these painted cliffs, did not come cheap. Even before considering lost income.
But Molly had said it, and Marjorie had said it: those dreaded words, which could only portend a separation of six months or more. “You’re going. Or else. ”
“I feel like a new man!” Vance gushed, dismounting his steed.
I felt exactly the same, only sorer.
And, strangely, despite our outrageously expensive cell plan, Molly wasn’t returning my calls.
I’m glad you explained what Ghosting is – I had no idea! It adds an extra layer to the story though. And I too am wondering about Molly, wondering if the men have other surprises waiting for them in the wilderness … Grand story
Thank you Lynn! Just goes to show you, that the language is continually evolving, right under our noses!
I can’t keep up with it! It’s a good word though and I wonder how many of our friends and loved ones consider doing just this at some time in their lives? At times of stress, it’s very tempting.
Speaking of ghosts, Lynn, and other creepy things, i enjoyed your story, where hidden beasts power miracles. I have a certain fondness for such miraculous things and places, where belief is pushed to its outer limits.
I also love the title ‘s allusion to the Talking Heads song, and the text makes me think of the sirens in the movie, “brother where art thou?”
Thank you so much Andrea – I’m really glad you liked the story. Who knows if They are benign or evil when it comes down to it.
And nice spot there – yes, the title is from a Talking Heads cover, though I learned it was Al Green’s originally. And another good spot – I was thinking of those sirens as I wrote! I nearly called it Down to the River. Our minds were aligned on this one 🙂 Thank you for reading so attentively
Funny how pop culture can be such a powerful and indelible force in our lives!
Very true
Uh-oh, it looks like Molly may not have had his best interests in mind after all! I like the use of the title to hint at what that last line means. But either way, maybe some time in the wilderness away from work will do him some good.
Thanks Joy! His blood pressure should go down, at least!
I have to wonder about Molly! Here I thought he was going to regain his humanity, but maybe she’s just doing this so she can chase the pool boy around the cabana.
Especially enjoyed the voice and humor!
Thanks Karen! You may be right. Wonder if those tickets were one-way? Great location, btw!
Glad you liked it! It made me want to book a trip myself 🙂
Get away and refind your humanity. Now, hopefully Molly is not responding because that is part of the deal and not because she got rid of him to enjoy herself elsewhere…
You can’t help but wonder, especially considering the title.
This sense of “ghosting” is relatively new to me, and apparently only in existence since 2011, and only popular since 2015, but basically, it means: suddenly, and without warning, disappearing and cutting off all contact in a relationship, leaving the other to wonder what happened and whether the relationship is over.
I thought the title worked well with the location. There are also nuances, apparently, such as “ghostbusting,” “Marleying,” and “Caspering!”?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosting_(relationships)
Oh, Andrea… I know what ghosting is… I am back in the dating world, unfortunately. Been ghosted once or twice…
I guess I was asking for confirmation that she was flushing him 😉 , which she was, obviously.
Another new word!