DrabbleWriMo 15: Petal

[igenlode]

Naturally this one pretty much *had* to be the title scene from the novel, although shorn, thanks to length, of its consolatory ending... I wonder if I can use the next prompt ('fantasy') for that? 'Hearth' at No.17 actually does fit, as I had somehow vaguely remembered, with Gaston's hiding-place in the next chapter ("And Valentine was left by the hearth to see that Marthe's work [of concealment] was completed").

Beyond that I really haven't thought. 'Shenanigans' is probably going to be les jeunes again in some exploit or other -- and we do have quite a few elements of major plot remaining that should ideally be worked in :-(

The yellow sea-poppies caught Valentine by surprise, so fragile and yet bright with colour amid the barren shingle. Already it was September -- and, plucking one for her husband, she thought for a moment of their love, blossoming likewise late in life and in the shadow of war, and yet a precious, shining thing of wonder.

Gaston bent to kiss the fingers that held it out, and when he straightened, to her horror the petals were gone.

One only clung upon his breast, borne there by the breeze. Was this bare stem, then, to be also a sign of their fate?