Here’s my response to Sue’s lovely photograph – her #writephoto prompt for this week:

At The Closing of the Day

I’d bought this place because of the view. It was never the same one day to the next; water and sky framed by the window of the ruined cottage, just a short walk from the main house.

It was supposed to have been a place to retire to, one hazy day in the distant future. A little piece of security, bought with what my parents had left me. That was before.

Before needles and tests and disinfectant took over. Before the rustle of robes and the indignity of naked flesh became part of life. Before my body began to fail me in ways I couldn’t imagine.

Now it was a refuge. A place to come to when probing hands and metal and words became too much for my battered soul.

And so I sat, watching sun setting over golden water. My hands, pale in my lap, were also tinged gold, an illusion of health gifted by the setting sun.

And my breath became softer. Until it was gone.

When I saw Sue’s photo, the line from The Lady of Shalott came into my head, which is why I think I ended up with the story I did. I do love how unexpected story ideas can be.

If you’d like to take part in this week’s #writephoto prompt, visit Sue’s blog, copy the image, and create a pingback to your own page. You have until June 1 to post this week.