Love stories are hidden all around us: behind the lunch counter, in a face gazing out a train window, in the irrepressible energy of a young man shinnying up a tree trunk. Who better to let them unfold than five of our favorite writers of fiction? We gave them one evocative photo apiece and asked them to imagine the love stories within.

The Exact Distance

His love climbed great heights. By Ron Carlson

 

The Last Stop

Where could this affair take her? By Stephen McCauley

 

Pita Delicious

Could they serve each other's needs? By ZZ Packer

 

View-Master

How long would she be the woman in the picture? By Jill McCorkle

 

Little Russia

In his house, the secrets were imported. By Melissa Bank

 

Washington Post Magazine Fiction Contest

Who is this woman talking to? How did she get here? What will she do next?