Here’s my short story attempt for the weekly Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers hosted by Priceless Joy. This week’s photo prompt is by Graham Lawrence.

Time, Intention, Energy for Love

It was the third time within the same year that Maria found herself searching for good tenants for her property – a beautiful house with lush gardens.

For forty long years she thus cared for her plants that there never was a rose neglected, nor could weeds sneakily occupy the place.  But as age caught up, she moved to an aged-care home.

Another retired couple, who soon occupied her house, had looked keen about the plants when signing the rental agreement. But other than strong motivation or loads of free time, caring for a huge garden demands plentiful energy. The couple soon left for a smaller place they could cope with.

Maria now rented it to a young family. And sure enough their school going kids did love romping around the yard during weekends. But during weekdays, the over-worked corporate couple and the tired kids would come home after a long day. Energy of youth was unaided by shortage of time and lack of motivation, hence the plants didn’t even get sufficient water sprinkling.

While a dried up garden and dejected flowers told a sad story, this young family too moved out when the professional man got a lucrative job in another country.

For selecting her third tenants, perplexed Maria now did some deep thinking.  She scanned the rental applications carefully and decided to go for a cheerful middle-aged lady who was an artist by profession.

Maria is now her happiest ever.  Her garden is blooming like never before, and the bonus is that her flowers are a part of many award winning paintings.

~~~

The word count of my above story is not appropriate but that’s how I could do this week.
Moreover I’ve been away from blogging as I’m unable to find time, intention and energy for writing.

Copyright © 2015 Alka Girdhar