Hey, everyone. Once again, I’m participating in Soooz’s weekly flash fiction prompt. Each week she shares a photo and invites writers to participate by writing a fiction or non-fiction piece not exceeding 750 words. For more information on how to participate, visit Soooz by clicking here.
And now, here is this week’s prompt and my contribution.
Dylan walked onto the darkened stage. As the lights came up and a machine began emitting fog, thousands of fans started to scream. He was in his element. He’d dreamed of this life since he was four years old when his parents gave him a karaoke machine for Christmas.
He took the microphone as the band began to play. This was the final stop on his Unwind Tour, so named for his latest album. All in all, it had been a success. Sold out crowds every night. Standing ovations. The album was his biggest one to date, having sold over a million copies. What more could a rock star wish for?
Peace. Quiet. Relaxation.
No time for that in his world.
But I’m tired. Tired of touring. Tired of the screaming fans. Tired of… this lifestyle.
Dylan finished the concert. Went backstage with his band members. A month off. No touring. No rehearsing. No sessions in the recording studio. Everyone talked of their vacation plans. The drummer had booked a trip to Tahiti. The lead guitarist planned a vacation in Europe with his family. The bass player, Dave, was catching the next flight to the Virgin Islands.
Nice but he had no interest in visiting any of those places.
“What about you, Dylan? Going anywhere special?” The keyboardist asked.
He shrugged. “Not sure.”
“Are you kidding?” Dave said. “He’ll hole up in the studio or at his house writing music. We’d better enjoy the next few weeks. It’ll be a while before we get any time off again.
Had he become so predictable? Dylan had heard of workaholics. People who slaved their lives away while climbing to the top of the corporate ladder. Never having time for anyone or anything else.
Was his life as bad? Dave’s words had touched a nerve. He had planned to spend his time off writing new songs.
You need to unwind. You’re on a fast track to burnout.
But where would he go? Exotic locations held no appeal for him. But there was one place…
There he would find peace and quiet. He could relax.
“Dylan? You never told us what you planned to do,” Dave said.
“Going to a place where I can unwind. I’m going home.”
29 Responses
Glad he made that decision. Everyone needs a peaceful place. Nicely done, Joan.
Thanks, Staci. The life of a rock star isn’t always that glamorous.
Good decision, there, I think. Great take on the prompt, Joan 🙂
Thanks, Harmony!
Great response to the prompt, Joan. And the story is fantastic! There’s nothing quite like home. ♥
So true, Gwen! Glad you enjoyed the story.
Home sounds nice. Whether it’s after a long day in the office or field, home calls to us.
So true.
I love this, Joan. You depicted the rigors of the road really well, and there is no place like home! Well-done!
Thanks so much, Jan. I can only imagine what life on the road is like.
Good for Dylan (great name for a singer, btw). As I learned many, many years ago, while watching some friends from Kansas melt a wicked witch, “there’s no place like home.”
This makes me want to know more about Dylan. I hope he finds his rest, unwinding and connecting with reality again. 🙂 Great post, Joan.
Thanks, Marcia
Sounds like Dylan’s a smart guy. He listens to his inner voice and knows when to find some balance. We all need time off.
So true, Judi!
Aww, I love that ending, Joan. It’s very sweet.
Like Dorothy said, “…there’s no place like home.” 🙂
A wonderful story that makes great use of the prompt.
Thanks, Mae. Like in your story, that photo just screamed rock star.
Great ending Joan. He was the smart one to recoup at home. I feel the same way.
I love to travel but there’s nothing like being able to come home.
Super story, Joan. When I was working I traveled all over the world. The best feeling was to land in the home city and look forward to the peace of home.
There is nothing quite like that feeling. In the early ’90s, my husband was hospitalized in Houston several times. Because I couldn’t always be there, he would sometimes fly into Dallas Love Field. Every time he saw Reunion Tower, he knew he was close to home.
Great story.
I thoroughly enjoyed your take on this week’s prompt, Joan. Home is indeed where the heart is. I’ll be featuring it on the challenge site shortly.Thanks again for taking part. 😊
Thank you, Soooz. I hope my muse continues to cooperate. These prompts are fun!
So pleased you’re enjoying the experience, Joan. It certainly shows in your work. 😊
Thanks, Soooz! That means a lot.
Nothing beats the comfort of going home. Nicely done, Joan.
Glad you liked the story, Michele!
Home is where the heart is and there is no place like home! Loved the story, Joan.
Thank you so much, Karen!