Ergo, the Ogre

A large, sprawling oak tree with thick branches covered in green moss, surrounded by lush greenery in a natural setting.

Of all the rides, Melanie loved the carousel best. Her favorite horse was Annie. If someone was already riding her, she’d patiently wait for the ride to end rather than choose another horse.

Annie was painted pastel pink and white with bright, smiling eyes. There was something in those eyes that indicated a soul, life. None of the other horses had that look of ‘something more.’ Maybe that’s what drew Melanie in.

One day, Annie wasn’t there anymore. In fact, it was a completely different carousel. We left that day, and Melanie never mentioned Annie or the carousel ever again.

Written for Friday Fictioneers, hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.

Photo art courtesy of Ted Strutz.

Tags: , , , , ,
Categories: ,
Ergo, the Ogre's avatar

Published by

Ergo, the Ogre

Susan Marie Shuman is an author and freelance writer/editor who currently resides in the wilds of Birmingham, AL. She shares her life with two spoiled cats, several friends (not all of them imaginary) and one husband. When she’s not working, Susan enjoys horseback riding, reading, taking her cats for a spin in their pet stroller, and taking naps. An ex-bartender, recovering crash test dummy, and all-around late bloomer, Susan graduated from the University of South Alabama in 2004 with a BA in English. She minored in Russian. Long-range goals include visiting Israel, the Czech Republic and Liechtenstein. Susan is also planning to launch a micronation which would be called either Suzannistan or Eastern Suzanorovia.

29 responses to “Annie”

  1. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Susan,

    Such a poignant take on the prompt. Well done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Reply
  2. Laurie Bell Avatar
    Laurie Bell

    I wonder where Annie went? Poor Melanie. I hope she finds a new focus. Nicely written

    Reply
  3. Dawn M. Miller Avatar
    Dawn M. Miller

    Interesting where this prompt took you. I can remember picking out a special horse on the carousel. Of course, for me, it was a one time thing, but I can understand the draw.

    Reply
  4. James McEwan Avatar
    James McEwan

    You have created a wonderful story showing childhood emotional attachment and specific choice.

    Reply
    1. Ergo, the Ogre Avatar
      Ergo, the Ogre

      Thank you, James. :-)

      Reply
  5. plaridel Avatar
    plaridel

    i wonder what happened to annie. :(

    Reply
    1. Ergo, the Ogre Avatar
      Ergo, the Ogre

      She continued on. I’m sure she’s fine. :-)

      Reply
  6. Brenda's Thoughts Avatar
    Brenda’s Thoughts

    So sad for Melanie. I remember my daughter crying when we sold our awful, clunky Honda, and initially she refused to get into our new car. Most children are very sensitive and bond easily.

    Reply
    1. Ergo, the Ogre Avatar
      Ergo, the Ogre

      I remember feeling that way too when I was a kid & we got a new car. It felt disloyal. Thanks for stopping by, Brenda.

      Reply
  7. Nandini Deka Avatar
    Nandini Deka

    it happens…sometimes we get attached to something/someone more than others, and when its no more…there’s a void left

    Reply
  8. Will Avatar
    Will

    Nice memories.

    Reply
  9. James Pyles Avatar
    James Pyles

    Now I want to know why Annie was so important. There has to be more going on.

    Reply
    1. Ergo, the Ogre Avatar
      Ergo, the Ogre

      Melanie bonded with her somehow. I think she may have been on the Spectrum.

      Reply
  10. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    And so, a piece of Melanie was gone with Annie. A sad tale, Susan.

    Reply
    1. Ergo, the Ogre Avatar
      Ergo, the Ogre

      Thank you, Dale.

      Reply
  11. pensitivity101 Avatar
    pensitivity101

    Nice take

    Reply
    1. Ergo, the Ogre Avatar
      Ergo, the Ogre

      Thank you, Di!

      Reply
  12. Peter's pondering Avatar
    Peter’s pondering

    I will mourn Melanie’s loss, and for that of Annie, because I’m sure Annie enjoyed the special relationship too!

    Reply
    1. Ergo, the Ogre Avatar
      Ergo, the Ogre

      Thank you, Peter! :-)

      Reply
  13. lisaapaul Avatar
    lisaapaul

    I enjoyed your story, but it is sad.

    Reply
  14. Violet Lentz Avatar
    Violet Lentz

    So I am left wondering….

    Reply
    1. Ergo, the Ogre Avatar
      Ergo, the Ogre

      It just sort of flowed out of me. To my mind, Melanie had a special bond with Annie, the horse. When Annie was gone, Melanie slipped into grief. Think Puff the Magic Dragon. Idk…

      Reply
      1. Violet Lentz Avatar
        Violet Lentz

        Perfect. My mind is settled now.

  15. Neil MacDonald Avatar
    Neil MacDonald

    I wonder about the narrator, and her reasons for leaving

    Reply
    1. Ergo, the Ogre Avatar
      Ergo, the Ogre

      I guess it is rather confusing. To my mind, Melanie had a special bond with Annie, the horse. When Annie was gone, Melanie slipped into grief. Think Puff the Magic Dragon. Idk…

      Reply
      1. Neil MacDonald Avatar
        Neil MacDonald

        But Melanie is not the narrator, is she?

      2. Ergo, the Ogre Avatar
        Ergo, the Ogre

        No. That was somebody else. ;-)

  16. Esther Chilton Avatar
    Esther Chilton

    I enjoyed that take on the prompt.

    Reply
    1. Ergo, the Ogre Avatar
      Ergo, the Ogre

      Thank you, Esther!

      Reply

Whatcha think?