Leaving my seclusion is difficult.
She lives across the empty courtyard between our buildings, the courtyard where she grows flowers. I’ve seen her come and go dozens of times, tending her flower pots. But we didn’t meet until last month.
As a child, she was called Meliboea, but now she goes by Chloris. Which means “the pale one”—she became permanently pale because she was so frightened by her sibling’s deaths.
Tonight I meet her parents. I’ve learned it’s an unspoken requirement to meet the parents in Greek families.
I’m feeling faint myself. I hope I don’t turn too pale.
In response to this week’s Friday Fictioneers prompt.

Brilliant!
Well…
Just took the only bit of color in a fairly monochromatic image and ran with it, really.
Clever and I appreciate your explanation. Hope the meeting goes well; the parents are also probably nervous. There may be some festive plate breaking!
As long as Apollo doesn’t show up, everything should be fine.
After a little research, I conclude his name must be Alexis. Clever tale.
Wow, it never occurred to me to wonder who the ‘him’ in this tale was.
Kind of a stretch for Alexis tho, that’s the wrong Melboea (I think). The intended Melboea/Chloris is the last surviving Niobid.
Too much reference overlap :aieieeee:
Dear Dave,
Greenish pale, right? Unique take on the prompt.
Shalom,
Rochelle
You could tell from the image that most of the tales produced for it would be somber and darkety-dark. Not my kind of line, so I built around the tiny bits of color just barely visible through the window, instead.
An innovative take and a good analysis of the thought behind it. Enjoyed it.
Thanks, I enjoy most of your stuff as well.
I like how your incorporated the blooms into your story. I hope their love can bloom, too. Nice one!
Aw :blush: I remember that romance stuff, despite my great age 😛
I like this. I hope he’s really ready for this bunch of Greeks – they can get up to some very weird shenanigans.
Ouzo, just say no 😛