Dead End
Words 95
She cries.
It’s a girl.
Toddling and lisping, she brings cheer.
Cracking school and college collecting degrees, trophies and hearts.
Job in hand, hunt begins for the one who would ‘let’ her serve and nurture his family.
But wait – was she tall slim and fair?
With a long plait, a fat bank balance?
That would be her ticket to a baby or two or as many as it took for a boy or two.
Straddling office and home she is saddled with strictures; failures are hers achievers are his.
It’s a girl.
She cries.
***
Written for Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less. Thanks to Rochelle for hosting it and to Dale Rogerson for the photo. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here.
Stories and more 
So sad that this isn’t just fiction
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Yes, thank you.
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Sad that we know, in this part of the world, that is a reality.
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I know, it happens too often..
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Dear Dahlia,
Sad reality. Well written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle
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I agree with the others – sad and even sadder for being close to reality
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Thanks for reading Lynn
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My pleasure 🙂
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If only it was just a story 😦 very well expressed x
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Thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂
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It was worth it 🙂
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That is a lovely compliment 🙂
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A well-told story, but only half true – not all women succumb to the gender trap.
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I agree, perhaps not even half-true; but is definitely a reality in many parts of the world, including India. But what I wanted to highlight is why women are apparently ‘against’ women and cry the most when they give birth to girls. Thank you for your honest comment 🙂
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Oh my heart breaks… this is so sad…
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Thanks Dale for reading
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This is a tragically true story told with great passion. My heart broke.
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Thank you for reading and commenting.
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What a heartbreaking reality for so many girls born in certain parts of the world. Very well-written.
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Thank you Magarisa
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You’re welcome, Dahlia.
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As always, your last line says everything… the ‘showstealer’. I loved the whirlwind description 🙂
Well, why allow ourselves to be treated this way? Actually a woman should first change her own thinking before expecting that from others!!
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First change comes with realizing that there is a need for change and the second that ‘we’ are the change. Thanks Sv for your whirlwind tour 😉
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We can change the “Dead End”!!
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Yes indeed we can, but unfortunately in many cases that means a ‘dead end’ (of another sort) for the other gender!
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In spite of this being 21st century. Great write.
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Thanks YS
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Alas this is too true in too many places.
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This world you describe where only half of our children are cherished, the other half discarded, is heartbreaking. You’ve told the story very well. Thank you.
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Thank you Kecia
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I wonder how many women if it weren’t for culture, would rejoice to have a daughter – or two. Well done.
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Thank you Alicia
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Everyone has already said it but this is oh so sad, more so because it is real
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Thank you Michael for reading
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Heartrending. Things have to change. Some strong women are going to have to change it or it may stay that way forever. It’s been centuries and men seem pleased to have it remain that way. Good writing, Dahlia. —- Suzanne
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Thank you Suzanne
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Hope it’s not a dead end but a wall which could be brought down 🙂
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Fingers crossed
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Truth is hurting but you have to accept it well, only then you can win this fight!
Sweet pain …lovely
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Hmm 🙂
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