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At the Center

The fire hissed softly, a circle of glowing coals holding the table together.

Around it, voices overlapped—stories, laughter, the clink of glasses. Meat turned slowly, dripping, fragrant, irresistible.

He reached for his phone instead, framing the moment—perfect, shareable, gone in a second.

Across from him, someone told a joke he didn’t hear.

The fire cracked louder, drawing his eyes at last.

For a brief moment, everything stilled—heat, faces, breath.

Then the moment passed.

And he realized too late…he hadn’t really been there at all.

With love
— Maggie
The Afterlove Voice 💫

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17 responses to “At the Center”

  1. Neil MacDonald Avatar

    Captivatingly done!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Maggie Avatar

      Thank you Neil.

      Like

    1. Maggie Avatar

      Thank you, James ☀️

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Dale Avatar

    That is exactly what is happening a tables all over the place!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Maggie Avatar

      Thank you Dale ☀️

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Lisa or Li Avatar

    So true, Maggie, you are giving your actual life to the phone! Where will it all end :(

    Liked by 1 person

  4. James McEwan Avatar

    Great last line, loved the finishing realisation.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Maggie Avatar

      Thank you James 🙂.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. elmowrites Avatar

    You and I went a similar way this week. I love how vivid this is, all the sights, smells and sounds he is missing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Maggie Avatar

      Love these photo prompts 😘

      Liked by 1 person

  6. poetisatinta Avatar

    so very very true Maggie 🙌

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Maggie Avatar

      Sadly, yes..

      Thanks Ange 😘

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Carol anne Avatar

    it happens all too often, xo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Maggie Avatar

      💯 true

      Like

  8. Nancy's Notes 🖊️♬ Avatar

    Good grief …. it’s happening all around us! Great take, Maggie

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Maggie Avatar

      Thats so true, my friend.

      Happy it resonated 😘

      Liked by 1 person

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