Rochelle sets us a one hundred word, flash fiction challenge, prompted by a photo, each week. Why not give it a try?
https://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/
Jim had everything set: the perfect retirement home on the beach, beautiful scenery, idyllic setting. He knew getting Carrie there would be a challenge; all of her phobias and hang-up impinging. She wouldn’t fly and boats terrified her, but she agreed to take the sedatives and go for it. But Jim was delayed, so Carrie had to travel alone.
The pink house was empty. Jim searched but Carrie was nowhere to be found. She hadn’t got on the plane. Their old house was sold. No-one back home had seen her. Friends and family couldn’t help. Where should he retire now? (100)
PHOTO PROMPT © Sandra Crook
The Step Back 
Ooh, a good mystery–the case of the missing wife. I think she must have more wrong with her than the mentioned fears. It could be stress caused her to lose her memory. He needs to file a missing person report. Well done, Mick. 🙂 — Suzanne
I hadn’t considered loss of memory but it’s an interesting idea. Thanks Suzanne.
Missing wife… worrying about retirement? He might know more about the wife than he is letting on? Just a thought?
I hadn’t considered anything more sinister than an all-consuming fear of flying but yours is an interesting idea. Many thanks Roger.
If she had any sense she left him. Good mystery!
Seems a little harsh.
Thanks Liz.
I also found it odd he was more worried about his place of retirement than his partner’s whereabouts. Perhaps she did receive a better offer.
Good point. I suppose I thought he had made every effort to find her, before deciding what to do next, but I’ve not communicated that well.
Thanks Laura.
I think he blew it – doping her so he could have it his way. I think Ray’s right – there’s a better offer (or two) out there.
I think his big mistake was expecting her to fly alone.
Thanks Patrick.
I’m stumped. What happened to her? Did she decide the fear was too much? Did his somewhat aloof attitude drive her off? Well?
The thought of flying alone was just too much for her, so she found an alternative way out. Maybe she killed herself; maybe she just ran away. We’ll never know.
Thanks Perry.
She’s probably sitting at that airport, not knowing what to do. I find it odd that he worries about his retirement, and not his wife. Interesting story.
That’s a failure on my part. I meant that he had exhausted all searches, before posing himself the “what now?” question.
Many thanks.
Better check the bank account. Perhaps she got a better offer.
Always possible Russell. Many thanks.