Gondolier

Orphaned, Carlos slept in doorways.  With hat in hand, he begged for food.

“Ho fame.”

He hauled boxes for merchants and fished along the pier.  He saved enough to buy a gondola.  He relished carrying passengers along the canals of Venice.

One day, a beautiful woman stepped into his boat.  They glided to the waters of the lagoon and sat beneath the stars. Nearing old age, she said, “It’s time to rest.”

But, who do I pass my beloved gondola to? 

A knock sounded at his door.  A boy stood outside with hat in hand.

He pleaded, “Signore, ho fame.”

~~

“Friday Fictioneers” is a weekly challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff Fields. The challenge is to write a story using only 100 words in response to a photo prompt. This week’s photo was taken by Fatima Fakier.  It has been a lot of fun to join in with this fantastic and encouraging group of writers! For more stories, visit HERE.