aka, The Abject Muse

by Ted Strutz

Annie

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.

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Ergo, the Ogre

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Comments

29 responses to “Annie”

  1. Esther Chilton Avatar
    Esther Chilton

    I enjoyed that take on the prompt.

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Thank you, Esther!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. Neil MacDonald Avatar
    Neil MacDonald

    I wonder about the narrator, and her reasons for leaving

    Liked by 1 person

    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…

      Like

      Reply
      1. Neil MacDonald Avatar
        Neil MacDonald

        But Melanie is not the narrator, is she?

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Ergo, the Ogre Avatar
        Ergo, the Ogre

        No. That was somebody else. ;-)

        Like

  3. Violet Lentz Avatar
    Violet Lentz

    So I am left wondering….

    Like

    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…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Violet Lentz Avatar
        Violet Lentz

        Perfect. My mind is settled now.

        Liked by 1 person

  4. lisaapaul Avatar
    lisaapaul

    I enjoyed your story, but it is sad.

    Like

    Reply
  5. 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!

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Thank you, Peter! :-)

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. pensitivity101 Avatar
    pensitivity101

    Nice take

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Thank you, Di!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. Dale Avatar
    Dale

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

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Thank you, Dale.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. James Pyles Avatar
    James Pyles

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

    Liked by 1 person

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

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

      Like

      Reply
  9. Will Avatar
    Will

    Nice memories.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. 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

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  11. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    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.

      Like

      Reply
  12. plaridel Avatar
    plaridel

    i wonder what happened to annie. :(

    Liked by 1 person

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

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

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. James McEwan Avatar
    James McEwan

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

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Thank you, James. :-)

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  14. 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.

    Like

    Reply
  15. Laurie Bell Avatar
    Laurie Bell

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

    Like

    Reply
  16. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Susan,

    Such a poignant take on the prompt. Well done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Like

    Reply

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