I couldn’t resist Sue Vincent’s beautiful prompt. It was right up my alley … or down my stairway, so to speak. Stop it, Sue. I’m supposed to be working on my WIP! Check out Sue’s blog Daily Echo for some beautiful writing from a fascinating woman. Here’s my take on the prompt:
The Stairway
I lingered at the top of the stairway, teetering over the ice-laden steps, my head reeling. Before me arched a gateway of ancient stone and lofty evergreen, overhead boughs bent with old snow. Why hadn’t I noticed the stairs before; I’d walked this path many mornings over the years though never as lonesome as now.
The crisp sun glinted on the ice, dusted the air with a haze of enchantment. An illusion, surely, a trick of the light. Yet, a small wisp of me believed in magic. I trusted in dreams come true and happy endings. I didn’t live them, but I believed them. The gateway beckoned like a lover, teased, promised. I took a tentative step toward my altered future.
My foot slipped on the gleaming ice and shot forward. I yelped as my hip hit the top step and I bumped down, sleeves filling with snow splinters, my coat riding up, elbows whack, whack, whacking on each step. My bottom took the stairs like a toboggan, my mouth spilling squeaky oaths and ouches the entire ride. The magic portal disgorged me onto the crusty snow like a bad meal, and my feelings hurt as much as my bones. So much for magic.
“Are you all right?” A man’s voice, trying to sound concerned despite the muffled laughter. “Can I help?”
I looked up at his offered hand, the mirth in his eyes, his charming smile. I gave him my scratched hand and my aching heart… all those magical mornings ago.
Myths of the Mirror 
ooh, good one, but no surprize here, they all are. made me want to keep reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jina. I like doing these flash pieces. Tons of fun and not too much of a commitment. So glad you enjoyed it. 🙂 Happy Writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Expertly written, beautiful, touching – you inspire me so. Hope you have a great weekend 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, thank you, Kelly. A little romance in a clumsy unexpected way…just like life sometimes 🙂 Happy April!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was just beautiful! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] Diana Wallace Peach at Myths of the Mirror. […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful writing, D 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. It was a fun prompt and a nice break from editing and editing and editing. 🙂 Have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like waiting for you to post a few times before I finally sit down to read your blog — because after reading one post, I very much want to read another one right away.
This couldn’t be more different than the Melding of Aeris prologue, but it is every bit as wonderful. As an added bonus, the ending of this one made me utter a contented “Awww!” I love to Awww contentedly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can write “Awww” sometimes, Mike. I like happy endings. Don’t ask why I write all that dark stuff too. I must have a sinister streak! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are a Renaissance woman.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not that old. (hehe).
LikeLike
Oh, you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely picture and writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lynn. It was a nice break from mind-numbing editing 🙂 Have a lovely week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
haha I am sure!:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
You old romantic, you! Lovely piece, Diana!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m really not that romantic, am I? Ha ha. I guess at heart 🙂 Thanks for visiting , Ali. Happy Writing.
LikeLike
So very beautiful! Love born on the stairways, in the midst of magic 🙂
I am reading your Bone Wall, and absolutely loving the book!
Hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend. Best wishes for the week ahead!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Inese. So sweet of you to let me know. It’s such a grim book, I’m glad you’re enjoying it 🙂 Thanks for reading here and there! Ha ha. Hope you have a lovely week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh there is plenty of hope in this book, it is why I enjoy it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this, Diana! Love the picture it paints and the promise it teases! This is how one starts a story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sean. Every once in a while, I like to add a little inelegance to my perception of magic. You never know where those falls will take you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you described the scene in a lovely manner. I also love the ending after the abrupt, icy fall, sounds like you are in good hands 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank L.T. 🙂 I like visual prompts and this one was magical. Thanks for the visit and have a great week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have have a great week also 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful scene! Love the twist at the end! Now, get back to that WIP of yours 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know. Brain Dead with editing. It was a good break. Back at the WIP today. 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
As always, beautiful writing 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Nicholas. So glad you stopped by, as always. BTW, we need an update on fatherhood 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol – I’ll be sure to send you one 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I LOVE your writing!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Pam! I think I’m blushing. Ha ha. Glad you enjoyed my take on the prompt 🙂 Happy Wighting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for the visit. 🙂 Happy Writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sweet humor AND a happy ending – love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading, Eliza. I like happy endings too, even if it requires a little pain to get there 🙂 Have a great week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks and the same to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Diana, geez… had to read quickly to the end! The Oh, no at the beginning ended with Oh, good! Magic happened and not a broken hip! Excellent writing, as always! Happy Easter! 💛 Elizabeth
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for the visit 🙂 I liked giving it a bit of a twist. Happy Easter to you too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Diana, that is such a lovely, magical story. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Marje. I couldn’t resist a slip down those stairs 🙂 Have a wonderful week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too Diana.. those stairs are just too fabulous!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Diana, that was a lovely, magical story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Judy. I don’t do flash fiction often and it was great fun 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You should do it more often! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I adore your writing and once again you shine through! Fabulous.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Holly. It was a fun prompt and I liked adding a bit of the unexpected 🙂 Hope you’re having a wonderful day.
LikeLike
[…] Diana’s response to the photo prompt, reblogged from Myths of the Mirror. […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just looking at those steps looks lethal to me, Daina, but a lovely happy ending to sooth away the pain and embarrassment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Hugh. Sometimes the graceless falls put us in just the right place for something wonderful. 🙂 Have a great day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww this was beautiful I adored the ending
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sacha. Playing a bit with the time there. I do better with visual prompts, but now I’m going to have to try one of yours 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful…I was so captured. I felt each bump ! Happy Easter 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, not a very graceful descent 🙂 Happy Easter to you too, Lynne.
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤ this. That last line is just perfect too
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading, Al. I liked the little time jump with the last line too. The prompt was great fun. 🙂 Have a great week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh you do have a way with words… love this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Michelle. The magic doesn’t always look like we imagine it will. 🙂 Thanks so much for reading. Happy Easter to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! You too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely story with a happy ending! Love these! Nice job, Diana. Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hugs to you too. I like happy endings and this one was great fun. Thanks for the visit. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful prose writing…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Nitin 🙂 It was a fun prompt! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend. Happy Writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. happy writing to you too. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s beautiful post. I love the picture.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The picture lit a little fire in my imagination. It was fun to write a happy ending too. Thanks for the visit. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can see why. I have a similar picture on my screen. I wish I could share that with you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I felt every scrape and saw through your eyes how you fell twice that day. A super write.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Ellen. I love doing these little flash fictions and the prompt was great inspiration 🙂 Thanks for visiting and the follow!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great piece of writing, Diana. I winced all the way down! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha. Yes, it was a bumping ride. Got tears in my eyes writing it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m a a sucker for a happy ending and this one couldn’t have been nicer.
xxx Massive Hugs Diana xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like happy endings too, David. I don’t write them often, well, not this happy! Thanks for reading 🙂 Have a great weekend.
LikeLike
I took up your challenge and Sue’s and wrote a short poem:
Is it possible that, lost in thought,
I failed to note the steep incline of
the stairs after last night’s snowfall?
Or did I contemplate the meaning
of last night’s nightmare dream when
the ceiling light fixture fell on my head?
Oh, it was only a dream, right? Why
then did I scream and shout out
“help me” loudly to awaken both of us?
Reminding myself to be more careful
in the future, I finally got upright and
continued my morning jaunt in nature.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for taking up the challenge and adding to the fun! It’s amazing where the imagination wanders off too. Enjoy the rest of your morning jaunt 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You as well. Happy writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sue allowed you to stretch your mind like morning brain exercise, Diana. What a lovely and magical photo with some elements of happy and a lot of pain to bring the “new man into the picture.” Wish I could fall in both ways~ just one more time and make the dreamy part last!
Happy holiday weekend and enjoy Easter day if you celebrate it. ~**~
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Robin. Sometimes love comes in unexpected ways and when we are not at our best. Glad you enjoyed the story. We don’t celebrate Easter, but wish everyone a happy holiday who does. I hope your weekend is full of dreams come true and no slipping on ice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dreams will be on hold, as far as romance. . .but time well spent with 87 year old Mom makes a great weekend! Oldest daughter came up on her own, sans boys. She is back with them and my son and DIL’s family. Now, youngest daughter coming up, single and was “blue” last night. Life is good, thanks, Diana! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds busy, Robin. Enjoy.
LikeLike
I recall a fall on an icy walkway at the park by the lake. It was fairly early with no one about. I struggled several times to get upright again. I had quite q dark bruise on the knee. And it had just been replaced with metal. I decided to wait for warmer weather and no ice. I enjoyed the visit today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
quite a and not quite q 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well that doesn’t sound magical at all! No prince charming to help you up either. I don’t think my protagonist is going to try those steps again either. Thanks for the visit and taking the time to comment 🙂 Have a great weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are right. No one walked at my ridiculous hour so the struggle to get upright was all mine. Happy writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic! I thought I was right there. Great descriptions, Diana.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Mary. Glad you enjoyed it. I had a great time with the prompt. 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I felt each step.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Richard. Those falls are not fun at all, but this one ended well 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just lovely, Diana… and made me smile too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the magical prompt, Sue. I do love writing these – pure play and total fun. It’s that juggling of priorities in my day popping up again. 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
They do say that a change is as good as a rest 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Judith Barrow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the reblog, Judith. Glad you liked it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did !!.Jx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lured me right in for the fall…:0) That’s exactly how ice and love getcha! Beautifully done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. I didn’t make that connection, but I love it!! Thanks for making me look smarter than I am. Ha ha. Have a lovely Easter weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not an expected way to take the stairs, but a lovely meeting at the bottom. Great description, as usual, Diana. I could almost feel the bumps. I’ve walked on snow and ice, and fallen down steps several times Well done. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
Write what you know, right? I’ve done my own version of falling down icy steps more than once. Thanks for visiting, Suzanne 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Diana, there is magic in this fall…the words seem to be so symbolic…the mirth and the laughter is peeping through them also!
The prompt is indeed fascinating…loved this stairway, hope the cushy feeling could be felt deep down!
Wonderful fall! Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Balroop 🙂 I had a great time with the prompt. Glad you liked it. Have a geat weekend, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s wonderful ❤ There is so much to like in this very short piece.
" I trusted in dreams come true and happy endings. I didn’t live them, but I believed them" and "The magic portal disgorged me onto the crusty snow like a bad meal".
I just love your writing Diana!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Joanne. Spur of the moment when I should have been doing other things 🙂 I couldn’t resist!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not many people could punch out that kind of writing on the spur of the moment!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww. Thanks. I probably spent an hour on it. Much more fun than doing dishes 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can’t argue with that one 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
How sweet is that ? To fall…in so many ways. 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t even think of that, Van! I was going with the idea that sometimes our tumbles land us in just the right place. Thanks for reading 🙂 Have a great weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person