Jane edges up the tiny spiral staircase, bending to look through the mullioned windows. Gulls wheel, screeching; the sea murmurs. The top level is nothing like she’d imagined a lighthouse would be: Hardwood floors, foghorn mechanism, and arc lamp all gleam in angled sunlight. On tiptoe, she can see the noses of seals playing below.
It’s not Paris; it’s not a beach weekend; it’s not even a bus ticket home to her mother’s kitchen. But escape was a beacon; the sandwich in her bag, her student bus pass, the Internet list of area lighthouses, all gave it to her.
This vignette is from The Life and Times of Jane Doe. Each week at the Ranch, Charli Mills hosts the Rough Writers and Friends flash fiction challenge. This week’s prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write about a beacon. Fun flashes from other writers are at the link. Join us! It’s fun!
99 Monkeys 
Better than Paris. Way to get inside the beacon prompt.
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Thank you!
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Love your imagery. Took me right into the scene. made me feel it. It was so lovely I didn’t want to leave.
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Nice to find that beacon that leads to escape. A lighthouse is a great choice.
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It felt obvious, especially compared to where others went with the prompt (including your own great contribution), but I do love lighthouses.
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There’s always a great diversity of responses. I think that’s what makes it interesting.
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This feels like a a place where Jane can recharge her low batteries. I’m glad the prompt took her to such a place. Your photos are beautiful, too. Captivating view!
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Thank you. Those are photos from three different lighthouses. I’m trying to visit all 13 of the Puget Sound.
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Oh, wow, 13! That’s a fun goal to visit them all. You made me curious to see how many there are on Lake Superior and taking in the different counts it appears to be over 80! That also led to the discovery that the beyond the Keweenaw is Michigan’s Shipwreck Coast! One day, maybe we’ll get to compare notes.
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I would love to visit Lake Superior. 80 lighthouses! Gives a little perspective on the size and complexity of the lake itself.
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You would love this great lake! If I survive the biggest homeless hurdle…getting rehomed…I might actually turn the RV into a free writer’s retreat, set up on the lake. If not, I’ll still look to work with the area for retreat spots. But I’d love to show you some of Superior’s shores and lighthouses!
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