Bjorn at dVerse has invited us to the challenge of a 144 word prose piece.
Photo: kidsbritannica.com
The Nightwatchman
The village nightwatchman Dalmar was sitting at the crossroads, an auspicious place to be at that point in his life, on that evening. His neighbour Korfa appeared, which was not uncommon as they shared the role over the days, and company was helpful in defeating those drowsy spells into the long, lonely night. Naturally conversation turned from village life to family. And, as these things go, past the pleasantries about the elders and the movements of different ones in the coming days, conversation turned to the very matters at hand. Korfa enquired after Amina, Dalmar’s wife, and the progress with her pregnancy. “Well, any day now” laughed Dalmar, when, far away, an interrupted cry filled the night as the sound of a new born’s sucking lungs pierced the air. Korfa turned to Dalmar, but he was already running.
©Paul Vincent Cannon
Paul, pvcann.com
parallax 
Wonderful story!
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Many thanks Sandy.
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My pleasure, Paul.
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An eternal, universal moment, played out millions and billions of times throughout human existence…
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Yes, the eternal … thanks Ana.
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😌
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All right,now you MUST continue, I’m intrigued. : )
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Ah, that is very kind Cheryl, appreciate the encouragement.
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I’ll be waiting ; )
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Sooo …. no pressure 😉
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Oh, not much….: )
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🙂
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Paul, I loved how you made the interrupted cry within earshot. I was trying to write mine in a way Lita heard the interrupted cry but wasn’t able to pull it off.
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Thank you for those encouraging thoughts Jade. Yes, sometimes those words will not write right, I find it frustrating when that happens.
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You are very welcome, as you encourage me. I like how you turned the shared experience between the two into something special, like the new dad was pulling the other guy into the experience.
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Yes, the really good side of quality relationships, keen observation you have Jade, delightful.
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Short and simple, and somehow I loved it! Made me smile … thanks!
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That is wonderful to hear, many thanks Jill.
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Reading the first two lines … I’d love to know which direction did he run? 🙂
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Lol 🙂
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🙂
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A powerful piece, Paul. Flash fiction – or the beginning of a longer story?
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Nature at its best.
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Indeed 🙂
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Wonderful story! A very lovely read. Michael
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I did enjoy writing it.
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😊
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I do love this story… tells so much of a happy moment… i just hope all is well as the family grows. Wonderful an natural relationship that only good neighbors can have.
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Becoming rare in some places, but certainly my heart’s desire.
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Oh, such a blissful moment weaves in your beautiful word Paul. Seems like you have a flair of writing flash fiction too. Yay!! good for us readers.
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You are indeed very kind Megha, such a lovely response, thank you.
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My pleasure
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I love this – drew me right in and felt like I was there
>
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I’m really glad it had that effect, thank you for sharing that.
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descriptive and sweetly emotional.
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Many thanks for sharing that.
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