THE CHALLENGE:
Write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle and an end. (No one will be ostracized for going a few words over the count.)
THE KEY:
Make every word count.
I’m a bit early this week, but I’m so busy that I was afraid if I didn’t get this done today I might miss it this week and that simply won’t do!
Once again I want to thank Rochelle for hosting again, (psst….. You really should go read some of Rochelle’s flash fiction, she is phenomenal!) I always learn so much about writing just by reading these flash fiction stories. These people are wonderful writers! So click on Rochelle’s name and go read some great stories! Go on now, don’t be shy! Shoo!
Oh wait!! Read mine first though okay? 🙂 And don’t forget to leave a comment! Thank you so much.
Genre: General Fiction (words 100)
The screaming of the seagulls penetrated the fog in her mind. She flinched, then blinked in the sunlight.
Looking around she sighed and knew she was safe. After so many years of yelling, fists and kicks, the birds yells made her flash back for an instant.
Safe, such a small word that meant so much. Courage, another word she had found recently. The courage to leave, to move, to be herself.
So many years she lived in fear. She didn’t think he would find her. She hoped, wished, wanted for a new life for so many years. Now she had it. She smiled.
(I wrote this to honor Domestic Violence Awareness month. As a survivor sometimes it just takes one person holding out their hand to help to make the difference between life and death. Literally. It’s hard to find that courage when you are in a situation of abuse. You feel alone, helpless and think no one will help. If you or anyone you know is in this kind of situation, reach out your hand for help, we will grasp hold. If you need someone to talk to email me, I will help. jlroeder (at) mail (dot) com)
The Last Chapter 
Excellent piece Jackie and so appropriate for the cause you are writing for. Domestic violence is sadly a part of so many lives, mine included, I connect with the ideas you have in this piece That chance at a new life is so important and the courage to take the first step towards it so rewarding. Freedom will always be priceless. Thanks for sharing this story.
LikeLike
Thank you so much. Freedom is priceless. We know this from sad experience. Others must learn it. Others should learn it. I hope. Thanks for reading.
LikeLike
How do you do it? I don’t do “short” or “flash” well at all. Marvelous.
LikeLike
Hi Frances. How do I do it? I’m not sure. I just write what I see in my mind. Oh, and lots of practice and editing. Thanks for reading as always. 🙂
LikeLike
beautiful story. a very special piece. i felt the sense of freedom.
LikeLike
Thank you kz, I was hoping I got that sense of freedom in this piece.
LikeLike
Warm, beautiful and timely! A precious story.
LikeLike
Thank you my friend.
LikeLike
Beautiful story and beautiful you for offering your hand to those who need it.
LikeLike
Someone did that for me when I needed it the most. I know how it feels to think you are alone. I try my best to give that hope to others. Thank you for reading.
LikeLike
A nice optimistic piece. Well done Jackie.
LikeLike
Thank you Sandra.
LikeLike
Dear Jackie,
Your story left me with a sense of relief. Nice one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Thank you Rochelle. There is always hope.
LikeLike
Dear Jackie,
Great piece. The birds need an apostrophe. This reminded me right away of Julia Roberts and that nasty Patrick Bergin and his Berlioz. Sleeping with the enemy. Have you seen it? If not, you’ll like the ending.
Aloha,
Doug
LikeLike
Dear Doug,
Thanks for the catch! No I didn’t see the movie, don’t watch many movies Maybe I should see that one. Thank you for stopping by and reading.
LikeLike
I can relate, and so glad it turned out well; for now.
LikeLike
Too many of us can relate. She’ll be ok. She’s stronger then she knows. Thanks for reading!
LikeLike
Nice piece, and an important cause to make us all aware of.
Claire
LikeLike
Thank you Claire.
LikeLike
Well done bit for the cause! Too many suffer from domestic violence. Glad you and other have escaped and I’m glad she escaped without killing her husband, which wouldn’t have been an atypical FF ending! 🙂
janet
LikeLike
Yes, there have been many murders this week! That poor ocean is full of blood. 😉 Thought mine might be better for no killings and just peace. Thanks for reading Janet.
LikeLike
This was so uplifting Jackie. I could feel it, see it and hear it. 😀
LikeLike
Thank you Linda, that’s what I was trying for. 🙂
LikeLike
Jackie, I wish there was a like very much button. I liked this very much. You captured her release perfectly. Well done.
LikeLike
Thank you Honie.
LikeLike
I too imagined the an aggressive situation, based on the birds squawking… how poignant that you have dedicated this to such a meaningful cause. Very well done.
LikeLike
Thank you so much. The birds do put me in mind of aggression. As it seems many others this week. Thank you for reading.
LikeLike
Given what you’ve shared, I imagine any sense of chaos or discourse, must connect back to aggression. Good for you for working on this, and moving forward.
LikeLike
Powerful piece and how it relates to Domestic Violence, Jackie. I think this is one of your best pieces. Well done!
LikeLike
Wow, thank you so much Amy! Made my day. 🙂
LikeLike
I don’t know what it is about seagulls but this week’s photo prompt seems to have been an emotional trigger for many FFs (including myself). Glad to know ‘your heroine’ found the courage to get out. I concur with Doug’s suggestion: Sleeping With the Enemy is a film (movie) to watch. Ann
LikeLike
Thanks! I will have to look into the movie, I don’t watch much tv or movies. 😉
LikeLike
Just trying to catch up after returning … well done as you captured freedom well.
LikeLike
Hello! Thank you Frank. 🙂
LikeLike