Visual Dare: Clarity and Collapse

Narrows Bridge collapse in Tacoma, Washington on November 7, 1940 – Photo Source

Eleanor swallowed her dreams, and tried not to let them choke as they lingered by a thread.

The bridge on the television screen swayed, moving in waves like a squall on the ocean and Eleanor’s stomach squirmed.

She sat beside George and bit back the words at the rear of her throat. He clasped his hands tightly in his lap, and she threw him a sideways glance.

“That’s what happens when you build on the cheap, no time, no effort.” George shook his head as the bridge on screen collapsed into the churning river below.

Eleanor’s head swam. She gazed at her husband and tears pricked. She loved him so much, but they both stood on that same bridge, teetering and swaying, holding on for dear life, and he had no idea.

“It is,” she said with clarity, “it is…that’s what happens.”

George smiled, squeezed her hand and flicked channels.

(150 Words)

My Vis Dare…for a wobbly bridge – the  Narrows Bridge collapse in Tacoma, Washington on November 7, 1940. If you want to see footage of the collapse pop over to Angela’s blog here. And for some great stories inspired by this event and the photo above, check out the Visual Dare prompt.