Every hoofbeat churned the smooth-washed beach. Here along the inlet was the only place to spy incoming ships. Lee and Finn had raced them to the harbor since they were young.
But there’d been no ships. Not lately. And the men were no longer young. Still Lee noticed Finn pushed faster along this stretch. No longer a race. A retreat.
Lee pulled up. Water swelled over his horse’s ankles. Finn was forced to turn back for them.
“I think a ship’s come in,” Lee blurted before Finn could grumble. “Let’s race it.”
Lee took off again. Finn balked, but relented. Sand became pebbles, and then the familiar path. They emerged again at the docks’ edge. Finn panted heavier than his horse.
“Dammit, Lee. There hasn’t been a ship here since-” but the harbor bell struck Finn silent. Distant still, he saw the outline of sails.
“I wonder who it is,” said Lee.
Their eyes twinkled. Here, now, was the ship. And they were no longer so old.
[168 wds]
This is a response to this week’s Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers challenge. (My first response, actually!)
The photo prompt/header image is by Iain Kelly.
The Wordsy 
I love this! At the end, their ship came in and they are young again. I’m assuming they passed to another life. Wonderful story! I hope you will link this to the InLinkz Story Board so all the others will be able to read it too. If you need directions, please let me know.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! Just tried the InLinkz (think I did it right?) You have a great community! It was a fun bit of inspiration, too.
LikeLike
Yes, you did it right! Welcome to the FFfAW challenge. We are happy you have joined us! I hope you will participate more in the future.
LikeLike
I did like the mystery you created Sasha, so well done there is scope for further additions to this story…
LikeLike
Your story reminded me of a deserted section of coast in western Ireland. I felt the passing of time very clearly there.
LikeLike
Lovely last sentence 😊
LikeLike