Like us on Facebook
The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
In the photo we see the edge of a swimming pool at sunset. There’s a potted plant on a partial wall to the left. The sky is ablaze over trees and mountains in the distance.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
EYES OF THE HEART
In her eighteenth summer, Alyana’s grandfather informed her he was giving her to Kai.
She stomped her feet. “No, Sicheii, he’s the ugliest man in our Diné. I can’t even look at him.”
Alyana wept bitterly on their marriage night and refused to share her bed with Kai.
He shrugged and flashed a lopsided smile. “I’ll wait until you’re ready.”
She cried out. “Never!”
Two summers later, Alyana gave thanks at the Navajo celebration of her baby’s first laugh.
“This child brings joy!” Sicheii proclaimed
Resting her head on Kai’s shoulder, Alyana whispered, “And he is beautiful like his father.”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Beautiful pic for the prompt
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Geeta.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, a baby’s first laugh is an endearing treasure which I am sure many of us can remember with elation
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear James,
That laugh is the sweetest thing. I love it that these people celebrate it. A custom that makes me smile. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I agree. Thank you Rochelle.
LikeLike
Written with, and showing a lot, of love. Nicely done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for such a lovely comment/compliment, Mr. B.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
What a loving story. Rochelle who does the photo of the week belong to?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Violet,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. It’s a delightful custom, isn’t it? And…oops, the photo is mine. I’ve given myself credit now. Thanks for the heads up and sweet comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Alyana has grown up and learned where real beauty lies
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Neil,
That’s exactly what I wanted to convey. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Hi Rochelle,
Lovely photo. I wondered where the story was going, but what a beautiful ending. A baby’s first laugh is so special.
Dee
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Dee,
Isn’t it wonderful that it’s part of someone’s culture to celebrate such a milestone? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it’s actually in the heart, isn’t it?
Delightful piece, m’lady.
LikeLike
Dear C.E.
Beautiy is most definitely seen with the heart. Physical beauty is a fleeting thing, at the mercy of years and gravity. 😉 Thank you for a lovely comment/compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
He sounds like a keeper. I was drawn to him immediately. Nicely done.
LikeLike
Me – Sandra. WordPress seems to have a new line of attack. Duh!
LikeLike
Dear Sandra,
The more “improvements” WP makes, the less accessible it seems. Jan won’t even try to comment on my stories most of the time.
I think Kai is definitely a keeper. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Rochelle this is such a lovely story, the Navajo certainly have their priorities right what a marvellous celebration and that picture of the baby is just perfect 🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Ange,
I most heartily agree. Glad you enjoyed and took the time to say so. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️
LikeLike
Rochelle, you have me crying like a baby with your story. Will you buy me a meal for making me cry? 😉 The image at the bottom made my day ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Lisa,
I’m afraid you’re on your own for that meal. 😉 Isn’t that baby just the cutest? Your comment made my day, so we’re even. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rochelle,
Yes. Look at my post today for dVerse and you’ll see another cute baby. You’re welcome.
Shalom,
Lisa
p.s. I just went to read some stories for FF at Mr. Linky and it gave me an error message. I hope it’s just a WP snafu and clears soon.
LikeLike
Rochelle,
first of all, what a stunning picture this is. I’m a sucker for sunsets so this is the sort of thing I’d put on my wall. What a beautiful story too. I’m glad that their love bloomed after all. Beauty is all what is inside after all.
have a great week,
David
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear David,
That picture was taken from my brother in law’s pool in AZ. What a lovely vacation that was.
Glad you liked my pic and story both. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, a delightful story, Rochelle, and a gorgeous photo too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Chris,
Thank you on both counts.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
So cute! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Bernadette.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was always meant to be, the last line left me smiling! Lovely, Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Keith,
Your comment leaves me smiling. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Dear Rochelle,
What a beautiful story, showing how patience and respect make a person more lovely. And what a beautiful thing to celebrate! Wonderful write, my friend.
Shalom and lotsa love and laughter,
Dale
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Dale,
I thought it was a sweet custom. And who can resist a Beauty and the Beast story? Thank you, my friend.
Shalom and lotsa unconditional hugs,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not I, that is for sure!!
LikeLike
i have friends from india and pakistan whose marriages were arranged. it seems to have worked for them. most of the time, parents know best.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Plaridel,
Perhaps arranged marriages have gotten a bad rap. 😉 Some of them must work out, right? Thank you for your faithful participation and feedback.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
While I don’t like the idea of arranged marriages, it seems this one was a path to happiness in the end
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Jen,
On the other hand, there are plenty of unfortunate “love matches” aren’t there? Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Yes indeed
LikeLike
That smiling baby is a show stopper. I think arranged marriages can turn out well when both parties get to know each other first, and have the right to say no. In this case… well… I like how well you described Kai’s character in only one sentence. A good guy, she’s lucky.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Gabi,
That baby pic was a great find. I had to use it. 😉 Kai’s a perfect example of it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
what a lovely end…I like that Kai turned out a good choice for her…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Nandini,
Thank you for such a nice comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Joy comes in the morning,,heart warming take Rochelle.. ✌️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Raymond.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great prompt response to that photo
A scary beginning but she seems to be happy now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Laurie,
All’s well that ends well. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful story. I just finished watching DarkWinds on Netflix and in one of the episodes they had a celebration for the baby’s first laugh. Its a good series based on the Tony Hillerman’s books that take place on the Dine reservation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Michele,
I checked out Dark Winds. I’ll have to think about that one. Thank you for headsup. And thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
This was so sweet, Rochelle – a baby’s first laugh is so uplifting and this tradition was fun to learn about.
LikeLike