Flash fiction by Kevin Hogg

Called Upward

I really appreciate the invitation. Getting some exercise will be a good distraction from thinking about her.

I’m happy to have the company. So, it’s been hard to get out?

It’s hard to do anything. I’m seeing reminders everywhere.

I’m certainly open to helping tidy the house and put away some of the…reminders.

I just can’t escape them. Even that cloud over there looks like one of the Easter lilies that she loved.

Right. I remember the arrangement at the funeral. She would have loved it.

Yeah, she would…

I’m sorry it’s been so tough. Maybe we should make this a regular thing—you know, a weekly hike.

* * *

This is some workout. It’s been a while since I’ve done something like this.

If it’s too much, we can stop here. There are some easier hikes nearby to choose from.

No, I’m enjoying it. I’ll just need a few breaks along the way.

Anytime you like. There’s some shade just ahead.

Thanks. Maybe a quick rest and some water.

It’s a beautiful view even from here.

Definitely. More pictures in the clouds, too. That one reminds me of the dog she had when we started dating.

Cute. What was its name?

That was Tater.

Oh, I remember Tater. You had him for a few years after you married, right?

Yeah, a fun little guy. Slept at the foot of the bed every night. Anyhow, we should probably keep walking.

* * *

You still doing okay?

Yeah, I’m good. A hot day, but I’m sure the endorphins are a good thing.

One of my favorite parts of hiking. I’ve gotten a bit hooked on that feeling.

Well, I’d love to do this more often. Oh, there comes a bit of a breeze.

Yeah, that should help cool down.

And it’s blowing in some clouds. That’ll block a bit of the sun. And it even looks like Trinidad.

Have you been there?

Yeah, that was our honeymoon. Lots of fun memories of exploring the island…

* * *

Whew. That was some climb. But you made it!

I guess so. Thanks for being flexible with the pace.

No problem. Actually, we made pretty good time.

I might find a spot to rest for a bit before we head back down.

There’s no rush. We should enjoy the reward after that hike. And there’s a log book to sign.

That cloud looks like a staircase.

A what?

A staircase.

Oh, that’s fun. Want me to sign both of our names?

Right beside the mountain, like she’s calling me up to her…

Pardon?

…

Okay, I signed it.

…

Where’d you go? Oh my gosh, you didn’t fall, did you? No, there’s nothing there. Hello?

…

What’s going on? There aren’t any trees. There’s nothing up here…

…

Except the staircase. You’ve done it, haven’t you?

…

I guess if anyone could climb the clouds, it would be you. You two deserve to be together forever. Farewell, my friend.