Tuesday Tales: From the Word LIGHTS

Welcome to this first post for Tuesday Tales in 2024. I still have no idea where 2023 went, but I’m hoping that 2024 will bring good things for everyone–health, happiness, peace, and prosperity.

This week, the talented authors from Tuesday Tales are writing to the word prompt LIGHTS. I’m continuing with Listen to the Stones. I’m a few words over this week. Sorry, but I needed to finish the scene.

Marina sighed, glancing at James whose attention was on the road. A fork of lightning split the sky, momentarily showing the vast, flat fields on each side of the road. Another clap of thunder shook the vehicle. The rain continued unrelenting in its fury. Now that they’d left the city, the only lights she could see were those shining outside and inside the houses that they passed along the way. There was little traffic either going or coming from Stornoway. At times, without the light illuminating the road ahead of them, it would be as dark as it had been inside those caves so long ago. She shivered.

“Is it always like this? I heard that it rained a lot, but no one mentioned storms.”

James reached out a hand to touch hers.

“Not afraid of a little thunder and lightning are you? They can’t hurt you any more than the rain rocking the vehicle can. While we do have storms, one of this magnitude at this time of year is unnatural, but Mother Nature’s been through a great deal these past few decades. You’ll be fine and cozy once we get to the Hall. If you like, I can stay with you a bit and help you settle in, but MacIsaac’s croft is the one closest to the Hall and Brian, your handyman has an partment just above the garage.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine. Does the power go off in these storms? Do I have a generator?”

“I’ve never known the power to go out, but you’ve several fireplaces. I can make sure they’re all ready to go before I leave.”

“Thank you. Tell me about yourself.”

Hadn’t Nana maintained that there was someone out there for her? That she just had to open her heart and be ready to let love in? Here she was, sitting next to a gorgeous man with a sexy-as-hell accent who liked to cook. What could be better than that?

“I’ve been on my own for almost ten years. That’s when I discovered it was either learn to cook or starve. I spent a lot of time with my Aunt Mary. She was my mother’s sister, and when my parents died, she made a point of staying in touch.”

“I’m so sorry for your loss. I know what it’s like to lose a parent. I may not have known my father or my great-uncle, but my mother, grandmother, and I were very close. Do you still spend time with your aunt?”

He shook his head. “Aunt Mary died during the pandemic, but she left me her home and her cat, so I’m not all alone.”

That’s it. Come back next week for more. Don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales.