The Balloon

100 word Drabble

100 words
The old man reached the park bench, thankful for its cold comfort. At least he’d left the house, he told himself.
He could almost hear his late wife’s voice—promise me, John, you won’t sit and mope after I’ve gone.

So he dragged himself to the park each day, even though he saw no purpose in living.

“Do you want a balloon mister?”

John lifted his gaze and found himself looking into the innocent big eyes of a little boy who held out a red balloon.

John felt the first stirring of happiness he’d felt for a very long time.