Hard Earned
Words 100
“Nice view! When did you move here?” Raina asks.
“About a year ago.”
“Wasn’t that when you mailed me?”
I nod.
“I am sorry I didn’t reply. I was also having family issues…”
“Never mind.”
“Who looks after your daughter?”
“She goes to a crèche after school.”
“Isn’t that expensive?”
“Yes.”
“Did you sort out matters with your in-laws?”
“Ye…es.”
“Where is your husband?”
“In India.”
“Lucky girl! Mine doesn’t let me breathe without his permission.”
“Coffee?”
“You’ve done well. I’d give my eye teeth for this kind of freedom.”
My tongue slides to the empty space.
I did.
***
Written for the Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less. Thanks to Rochelle for being such a bindaas hostess and Fatima Fakier Deria for the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired this photo click here.
And thank you for reading 🙂
Stories and more 
I liked the subtlety with which the violence creeps up on you
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Thank you. Appreciate your noticing it.
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That ending sneaked up on me – well done!
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Thank you 🙂
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Dear Dahlia,
Subtly layered story and ever so well told.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And that means a lot. Thank you ever so much.
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I have to agree with everyone… I love how this builds. So very well done, Dahlia!
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Thanks a lot Dale. Really appreciate it😊
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Oh my… really hard earned but well earned!!
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Thanks Sv 🙂
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Wow, how interesting to have almost the entire story unfold as dialogue. This is the first time I have seen this done in flash fiction and it worked really well. This was a great tale – very subtle.
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Thank you!
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The conversation was sailing smooth…as normal as it could get and whoosh!..knocked off !…went back and re-read just to make sure if it was my imagination or not…
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Subtle is the word, very well done
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Thank you – much appreciated.
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I am glad I didnt miss the violence in this story, so I had the effect it was supposed to have. Very beautifully done and like everyone said, subtle!
Great job Dahlia.
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Thanks for your kind comment Sampada 🙂
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