Make sure to read Fool’s Gold, if at all possible. It’s a good story! Anyhow, on with the show!
copyright Erin Leary
Smoky Mountain Rain
“Chelsea, I don’t think I’m coming back.”
Chelsea Jacobs looked out over the gully in the early morning, as she talked to her brother in Taiwan
“But, what about Dad? He’s dying!”
“I return to the states, I lose what I’ve gained over here. I know Dad would say that I should continue to live my life, even after he’s gone.”
“I can’t live without you here.”
“Then come with me, we can do great things together.”
“I don’t have the money!”
“Leave that rain behind, I’ll take care of it.”
Music and Fiction 
A good encapsulation of two people’s lives at a turning point. You have an interesting blog idea of combining music with fiction. Pretty nice. Whatever inspires.
Thank you very much! I think for me, it’s just a natural extension of what I grew up with. If you read the other stories, you may like what you see. 🙂
Some life-changing decisions needed. Can’t visit dad when he’s dying – something important must be keeping him away.
I think it’s the fact he can’t go back. Likely money related, but some of it is that he’s no longer home back in the Smokies.
There are cases when you have reached a point of no return.. there are places with less … and better opportunities…
I like to use my example. I needed to leave the USA to get myself “stable”.
You encapsulated a number of life-changing moments and decisions in just these few words. I wonder if she’ll be happy if she leaves. Nicely done.
janet
Sometimes you must give up a fleeting event (although I know the death of a parent is not a fleeting event unless the parent grants forgiveness) to enjoy the bigger picture. Well done.
Sometimes all we need is a change in perspective and what is possible. Chelsea could probably use a change a scenery and some adventure in her life.
Miles, Good story. I personally think the sister will choose to stay. She would feel guilty if she left her father when he’s dying. I’ve found people in the Smokies often get homesick when they leave and keep going back for visits even when they can’t find work there. I’m from a city where many came for jobs and I knew people like them. Realistic and well written. 🙂 —Susan
Dear Miles,
I wonder if Chelsea will join him after their father passes. Tough decisions implied. Well written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Very nice, the last line ends it well.