Written from a writing prompt - inspired by Ukraine

Something a little different from me today, inspired by the heart-renching situation in the Ukraine. One month in from the Ukraine/Russian conflict.  I have never been to Russia or the Ukraine, so the few photos I share today are from other parts of Europe in a happier time.  I really enjoyed taking photos of balconies on our trip to Spain, Malta & Italy in 2018.

This piece I wrote the other day from my writer's group home writing prompt - 

No-one answered the door, so Tina took her mobile phone out of her pocket.

With only a backpack hastily stuffed with a change of clothes and her passport, Tina had travelled all day and all night to get here. First by train, almost empty of other passengers, then hitched a ride in the back of a truck, the weary men looking askance at her. Lastly on foot through the ravaged countryside and deserted streets, hardly recognising her surroundings since her visit last spring.

How could it be that at the end of her journey no-one was here to meet her? Tina looked again at the text message from her sister asking her to come quickly…or was it pleading? She had tried to call her sister several times since leaving home, but couldn’t get through. With each kilometre she had grown more anxious.

Tina stepped back from the heavy wooden door and looked up. Above was an iron balcony and an open door with lace curtains wafting gently in and out. She glanced up and down the street. No-one was out at this early hour but she didn’t want to draw attention to herself by calling out. A lone dog snuffled around a rubbish bin.

Tina blew her warm breath into her hands and then reached for the ornate brass door knocker. The thud echoed dully within. She waited but no-one came.

She pushed on the door and it creaked slowly open. Dry leaves scattered around her feet. Stepping cautiously inside Tina scanned the deserted courtyard strewn with dying plants and broken furniture.

A cat slunk away through an open doorway. She followed and was shocked by the disarray inside. Broken tiles and debris littered the floor and plaster hung limply from the exposed roof beams.

On the gilt framed mirror on the opposite wall was one word scrawled in lipstick or was it blood – “run”

I hope you and yours are doing well. I pray for a peaceful resolution in the Ukraine, and cry for the children and families who are suffering. 

Thank you so much for stopping by. I value your comments and look forward to hearing from you. I will try to visit your blogs in return. Have a wonderful week. 
I am linking up to the link-ups below. Please click on the links to see fabulous contributions from around the world - virtual touring at its best!

MosaicMonday at Letting Go of the Bay Leaf
Sharon's Sovenirs 
Our World Tuesday

Pictorial Tuesday 
ThroughMy Lens 
Image-in-ing
My corner of the world through my camera 
Wednesday Around the World at Communal Global hosted by Randomosity. 
       and Little bird - Pienilintu
Thankful Thursday 
Welcome to Nature Thursday

Skywatch Friday

Hello there! I love reading your comments. If you scroll down to the bottom you can comment too! I would love to hear from you.