Appreflutter
When the flutter of excitement overrides any apprehension: /,æp.ɹɪ'ˈˈflʌtə/
We exchanged vows under the golden glow of an autumn sunset.
Or maybe we went our separate ways years ago?
Your goofy grin was my reward for throwing my arms around your neck and saying yes.
Or maybe you never asked, because I never forgave you.
I agreed to meet, despite the knots in my body, because hope was my only source of breath; because it swept doubt away.
Or maybe I ignored your texts and calls.
I saw everything because I froze. I stayed long enough to see you push her ivy arms from around you; long enough to see you step back, frown, ask her to leave.
Or maybe I ran, crumpled in a heap, vomiting out the image of a woman wrapped around you, her lips searching yours. She flashed long legs, long hair, and high cheekbones like VIP tickets for entitlement.
When you drew me towards you and asked me to come on tour with you, I didn’t hesitate. I want you by my side, you said.
Maybe I said, No. I’d just get in the way. Maybe you didn’t even ask?
Did you really notice me in that cellar bar? Where many doe eyes played lighthouses, watching your fingers hypnotise guitar strings.
Maybe I lingered a while. Maybe I indulged that flutter of excitement… not listened to the what if it all goes wrong? Maybe I took a chance on a cute guy in a band.
Maybe I just went home alone.
Maybe …
About the Creator
Teresa Renton
Inhaling life, exhaling stories, poetry, prose, flash or fusions. An imperfect perfectionist who writes and recycles words. I write because I love how it feels to make ink patterns & form words, like pictures, on a page.
Enjoyed the story? Support the Creator.
Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also pledge your support or give them a one-off tip, letting them know you appreciate their work.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Keep reading
More stories from Teresa Renton and writers in Fiction and other communities.
Unspoken Grey. Runner-Up in Unspoken Challenge.
A man hurries to the red postbox at the end of his road. He is late today and the woman is walking away, barely perceptible through opaque sheets of rain. Against the grey concrete and relentless downpour, the crimson umbrella identifies her, bobbing along further into the distance until the grey swallows her.
By Teresa Renton9 months ago in Fiction
Glass House
“Glass House” There is more to a reflection than what can be seen. ~ He wanted to hate her because she was human. His lust drove him to stay seated. The life’s fire was dying inside of her, as she continued to dance with her partner. Her heels had a silent echoing tap that would have matched his heart if it were still beating within him. Her eyes held passion and fire that none could compare to. He could feel the beat of her dance vibrating through his bones.
By Alisha Wilkins2 days ago in Fiction
Comments (20)
Holy crap! And this only came in runnerup!? You're an amazing storyteller Teresa! I loved the swirling cocktail of emotions and memories and what ifs! It was amazing, truly spectacular Congratulations on your well deserved placement! This was a wonderful piece
You captured so much turmoil in such a short piece! Great job!
Powerful story. Congratulations!
Teresa, in just a few words you captured so much!!!! OMG, I love this!!
WOW, this back-and-forth was so well thought out and constructed. You turned the jaggedness of inner turmoil into a smooth language all of us could understand. I'm so glad your piece placed, too! & I'm excited to read more of your work 😍
So glad this placed, brilliant entry 👏
Wooohooooo congratulations!!!!
Yay! Congrats on the RU placement.
Congratulations on the runner-up win!!!
I loved the push and pull of this. Such amazing work
oh, what a pendulum of emotions! This was a wonderful piece and I LOVE the word!
Made me think of all of the 'what ifs' in our life. Loved your word and story!
Your poem is creating appreflutter!!! Fabulous word and beautifully written melancholy poem!!!
Smooth and beautiful flow of poetic expressions. My heart fluttered with your descriptive emotional energy and was apprehensive when you left us dangling. Maybe. Great word and entry. 🥇
Loved this. The imagery is great and the message is powerful!
"Where many doe eyes played lighthouses." That's all. What a line.
Very Clever. Excellent word and story.
This is wonderful. You describe the nervous/excited feeling perfectly. Great word. Although at first glance I thought it said applefritter. 🤣
Life is taking chances, maybe live a little. Nice
Either way, the excitement...