Nature does a grander job. What we made was mindful. Besides that wasn’t why we piled stones on top of one another. We were testing each other’s patience.
I failed the test and let her set the last stone, her crowning glory, on top. They didn’t fall and so per agreement she left.
I would have told you about the arguments, but I’ve forgotten them. I only remember where we set those stones. It was out of the way. A decade later I came back. I looked everywhere.
Nature let us take our turn then washed it all away.
Linked to Charli Mills’ July 30th: Flash Fiction Challenge to write a 99-word story using the phrase “her crowning glory”. Although the story mentions “I”, it is not autobiographical.

Loved the story and the pictures. Yes, time erodes our memory, even the bad bits of it. Where did you find those wonderful natural sculptures?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those natural rock formations were in one of the parks in Colorado Springs which is in the foothills of Pikes Peak. I am glad you liked them. Thank you, Danik!
LikeLiked by 1 person
….and was that your stone pile, or one you happened across?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have never actually stacked any stones. The one in the photo I saw along Lake Michigan. The “I” in this story doesn’t refer to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice natural photos, I follow you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The last sentence is perfect!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Magarisa!
LikeLiked by 1 person
But the authors still keeps those stones I think. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I imagine those stones are in their memories. Thank you, Kerfe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So many interesting layers in your flash, Frank — how we keep score in relationships, the natural course of things despite mindfulness. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Charli!
LikeLike
That story is a fine bit of masonry! Cool.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I am glad it fit together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love those rock formations! You’d gotten me to think about stacking stones some day with a willingness to enjoy the process and let go of the outcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t stacked stones either, but one day with some stones around, I just might. Thank you, JoAnna!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wind Dusts Air RiSinG
We BReaTHE NoW
See Leaves FaLL
FLoWeRS CoMe
Again Tree Lives..:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Fred!
LikeLike
Great photos that make you want to just stare at and figure out how they cam about. Thanks for sharing these with us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am amazed that one can stack stones that high. Thank you, Geri!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great times stacking stuff! And to leave no trace! However some mighty stones have been stacked for posterity too. I like all your links.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike