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He set up camp and leaned against the Skull Tree, their secret meeting place, remembering how they planned their future here. All their decisions over the years: which college, which military branch, which career field; the Skull Tree always approved.
She loved flying helicopters, wanted to fly them forever. Shot down in battle, her forever was forever over. He hung her dog tags from the upturned horn. Tonight, he knew, was the last time theyβd be together. He would dream of her once more, but never again. As it swirled leaves around him, cushioning his grief, the Skull Tree wept.
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Friday Fictioneers: Write a 100-word story based on the photo prompt.
To read other stories based on this photo prompt, select the smiley blue frog:

This is a good story but so sad. He pays homage to her by hanging her tags on the horn. Well done! Nan π
Thanks! That was my story’s origin: someone coming back to the tree and hanging something from it.
beautiful, tragic tale. very bittersweet.
Beautiful story.
Lovely story of a lost love. We all have that place in our lives.
I’m not sure why but this gave me shivers!
I hadn’t thought of that as a reaction, but the story seems to have had an impact!
Tresha, Well written though sad story of a lost love. Well done. π —Susan