Welcome to Friday Fictioneers! This week’s photo prompt inspired me to think about the admiration I have for so many musicians. There seems to be a universal reaction to music as the language of love, or at least the language of infatuation. Are you old enough to remember the crowds of screaming young girls at every Beatles concert?
In the world of opera, as well, there is no shortage of passionate tenors, powerful baritones and handsome basses. I remember my reaction to a shirtless Samuel Ramey as Mephistopheles. Oh. My. God.
As I looked at this week’s prompt, I wondered about the reverse situation. Do men fall in love (or fall in lust) with their favorite female opera divas? This is the subject of my 100-word story, below.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields leads our international band of fictioneers by providing a photo prompt to inspire us each week. Writers from around the world post 100-word stories, based on the prompt. You can see them all here, and you can post your own story, too!
Many thanks to David Stewart for this week’s photo.
Photo Copyright: David Stewart
Not Love at First Sight
by Jan Brown
He was drawn immediately to her mezzo soprano voice. It was love at first hearing, not love at first sight. He pushed his way through the throng of admirers to introduce himself.
She was drawn immediately to his fawning adoration. To know that her voice stirred something in his heart—what an ego boost! He professed admiration, but hinted that it was love. She was deeply moved. For her, it was love at first conversation, not love at first sight.
But–was this really love?
Twenty-five years later, they were still married, she was still singing, he was still admiring.
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
mezzojan 
Interesting story. Maybe just as good as love; it didn’t fade.
I think they meet each other’s needs quite well…many lovers don’t! Ah, does it sound like I speak from experience?
Awwww, sweet
Carma
Thank you, Carma. I thought I’d try my hand at a happy ending for a change 😀
Loved this Jan especially the lines ‘love at first hearing’ and ‘love at first conversation’ always interesting what attracts one person to another.
Thank you, Dee!
That is so nice!
Yes, this sweet little story with the happy ending is not my usual fare! So I’m very glad it worked on some level. I need to write more happy endings, I think.
True love!
Thanks, Rosey!
beautiful, wonderful… she sings out in a beautiful song!
I hope he will still love her when her voice fades! Perhaps they can sit at home together and listen to her recordings from younger days….
Yup! That’s love,
Thanks, Dawn!
See – only goes to prove that love is not deaf, dumb and blind.
Randy
In thus case, I agree. But sadly, I’ve experienced the “love is blind” scenario once or twice myself 😁
My recommendation then to you is as follows:
Never go on a blind date.
😀😉😀
Sweet – sounds like it is really love!
Thanks, Alistair. I think part of what makes a relationship last is the ability to meet each other’s needs. But I wonder…does that make it difficult for lovers to distinguish love from codependency?
Good question…
So often, it’s not the physical that attracts us, but some other beauty that we see in a person– their voice, their presence, their adoration. Later, we wonder how we didn’t see how we missed the physical beauty. Well done, Jan. It’s sweet, clever and true.
Thank you, Dawn. It’s sweeter than my usual fare. I’m not accustomed to happy endings!
I totally agree with Dawn. I fell in love with my husband’s sense of humor… Lucky for me, he’s cute as heck too. Thanks for the happy ending, think I’ll try for one next time.
Glad you enjoyed the happy ending!
Actually, you draw attention to relationships that stem from the sometimes very dodgy mindset behind the ‘worshipping fan’ syndrome. While you can love the voice (or whatever) the ‘diva’ can be an absolute horror in real life. The fan can be a crazed obsessive stalker. Your characters got lucky though. Most divas are sopranos though, not mezzos. Except for me, of course. Anyway, interesting take on the prompt. 🙂
Thank you! I wasn’t really sure the relationship would work. He’s attracted by the voice, she by the adoration that feeds her ego. Neither is attracted by, or knows, the real human being.
I thought they deserved a happy ending anyway!
Sometimes these relationships work. I know of one at least. 🙂
Been there…. Awesome feeling!
Yes, love’s beginning can be exhilarating…and its long term effects are delightful, for those lucky enough to have a relationship that lasts.
Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes all the way to the bone. The same is true of one’s personality. Thanks for the happy ending. I love those.
I’m glad you enjoyed the happy ending!
Oh I think you can fall in love with a voice.. I’m sure about that. Good when it lasts.
Thank you, Bjorn! Sounds like you have some experience in the matter 🙂
Dear Jan,
I could definitely fall in love with a voice. I sense a deep love between these two. Beautifully orchestrated story that struck chords on many levels.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you, Rochelle!
Dear Jan,
Oh. My. God.
Sorry, but I could not help cribbing that wonderful line from your thoughtful and intriguing introduction. I loved your story and believe that I have learned more about you from it than from all of your other stories down through the years. Awesome tale with a sweet and happy ending.
Aloha,
Doug
Thank you, Doug. Now you know (among other things) my not-so-secret lust for Samuel Ramey!
As to the story, I normally am not inclined to write happy endings. They can seem unrealistic and forced. But I thought these two characters deserved a shot at happiness. Whether or not it’s true love, they certainly meet each other’s needs quite well.
Mahalo,
mezzojan
Sounds like the basis of a good relationship and serves as a reminder that no two relationships are cooked from the same ingredients. Lovely story Jan
Thank you, Siobhan!
Ah, relationships starting and ending – we could write for ever! So much material and each one unique! 🙂
Great story Jan! (sorry pressed wrong button! Grrr!)
Thank you, Rob!