A/N: I originally posted this on my Tumblr, but I figured I might as well add it to my sparsely fic-adorned account just for the sake of it. ;3
I wrote this drabble for my writer's craft course in school without intending it to be a fic, but the ending slipped into the final version and refused to leave. It can be taken without any connotation to NCIS, since I did end up sending it in to my teacher, but there's enough there that it connects none the less.
It's depressing and most definitely AU, so be warned. It even surprised me, and I typically write darker endings to most of my stories.
The original assignment prompt is below, and the picture (postcard) can be found on my tumblr (oncomingtragedy) here: /post/24868436991/
Short "Postcard Assignment": "A short (flash) story written on a postcard (or picture) that refers to or implies meaning about the picture on the front."
Disclaimer: I own nothing. I mean, honestly? I'm in high school. I certainly don't (can't) own a TV show or anything related to it. I also wouldn't want to. I like NCIS just the way it is, thank you very much.
The Good-Bye
It didn't fit in the collection.
It wasn't beautiful, or even that eye-catching. The colours weren't vibrant like the rest, and it certainly wasn't a touristic shot.
Without a single human being, it seemed detachedly artistic.
Nearly home-made.
"Savta? Where did you get this? The location isn't anywhere on it. I thought these were all from your trips while on assignment."
The colour drained even further from wrinkled cheeks, and a trembling hand reached out for the card.
Well worn fingers drew across the back, the cryptic inscription.
"This one was sent," sighed what could barely pass as a whisper.
Weary eyes closed, laden down with the exhaustion of a thousand years to what should be eighty.
You decided to let it pass. The doctors said she needed her rest, after all. No use in tiring her for a silly postcard without a time or place, but only a weird message on the back from a nameless no one.
Not worth the energy, really, when so very little is left.
"Couldn't live without you, I guess."
Translation: "Savta"- Hebrew for 'Grandmother'