13.02.2026 | Friday Fictioneers story
In response to: https://rochellewisoff.com/
The Long Way Home
Every afternoon she chose the longer pavement.
Cars rushed along the road, engines impatient, but beneath the trees time moved differently. Leaves whispered. Shadows stretched.
She walked slowly, letter folded in her pocket, reading it again in her mind.
“It’s benign,” the doctor had written.
The word still felt fragile, like something that might break if spoken too loudly.
Halfway down the path she stopped, looked up through the green canopy, and allowed herself to breathe fully for the first time in weeks.
The long way home no longer felt heavy. It felt like grace.
***
Photo © David Stewart
— Maggie
The Afterlove Voice 💫
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