Car of Youth – Alastair’s Photo Fiction – April,21,2013

This is an entry for Alastair’s Photo Fiction. The goal is to write a 150 word story based upon a photo prompt. No one is being held rigidly to the word count. It’s all about writing fun and a way to meet other writers. The link to the prompt is here. This time, one of Alastair’s photos is the source. My story begins below the photo.

Car of Youth

Maddie’s back arched severely as she hobbled with her cane. Harold held her arm to support her. His arthritic knees left him only slightly more steady than her.

“How much was the car?” Asked Maddie.

“One dollar.”

“Just one!” exclaimed Maddie. “How many previous owners?”

“Fifty or so, judging from the diary in the glove compartment.”

“Fifty? Why so many?”

“He didn’t say. He was a young guy in a hurry.”

With both creaking bodies finally in the car, Maddie said, “Just a short drive, Harold.”

Half an hour later, they arrived in Tulsa. Maddie’s hands stopped shaking. Harold’s knees no longer ached. Maddie wrote in the diary.

In Galveston, Maddie bought a bikini. They played in the surf until night and made love under the stars. They watched the sunrise in the morning. Golden light played across their taught skin and straight backs.

Maddie said, “It’s time to sell the car.”