Tag: #loneliness

A Survivor’s Tale

Photo (c) Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

A Survivor’s Tale

Words 98

It was dark and the weight crushing.  

Life oozed out bit by bit.  

I struggled to survive, one breath at a time.

 Loneliness engulfed me. 

Oh the pain the anguish the isolation – all for what?

Doubts racked me.

Why struggle so much?

Who cared whether I lived or died?

Why not just give up?

Give in.

I tried.

Believe me, I tried hard to give up.

But I didn’t know how.

I only knew one thing.

My time would come.

And it did.

That’s my story. What’s yours?

She swayed and dipped, offering me yet another luscious mango.

***

Written (after eons) for the Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less. Thanks to Rochelle for hosting the challenge and the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here.

SPF: Reality Bites

SPF 08-19-18 Anurag 2
Photo (c) Anurag Bakshi

SPF: Reality Bites

Words 101

Amidst thunderous applause Kali walked up to the dais to receive her award from the President of India. Not just a wife and mother, she was a woman of substance – of the likes of Madame Curie. Pride and exultation filled her as she surveyed her family cheering and clapping until their throats and hands were sore.

“Wonderful groundbreaking work Madam,” the interviewer gushed. “You are truly an inspiration for all women and we are extremely proud of you.”

“Thank you.” Kali said modestly.

“Tell us Madam who was your inspiration on this long and difficult journey in a male dominated field?”

“My inspiration?” Kali laughed. “Everyone!”

“That’s interesting. Could you elaborate please?”

“I was named Kali because I was dark. I was also given other names because I was fat and short.” Kali shrugged. “Rejected by suitors and reviled by society I turned to my first love, academics.” Kali smiled. “So here I am.”

“What about your husband?”

“He’s been a pillar of strength all throughout. He took care of home and children while I slaved away in the laboratory…”

 

“How long does it take to make a cup of tea?” A querulous voice demanded.

“Coming.” Kali switched off the gas.

***

Written (after a long time!) for the Sunday Photo Fiction – a story in 200 words or less. Thanks to Susan for hosting the challenge and Anurag for the awesome photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here.

 

 

WPS: Hello Anyone There?

Screen Shot 2018-02-12 at 10.03.39 pm

Photo from Google Maps

Hello Anyone There?

Words 150

 

“Dad please!” They gheraoed him.

“No.”

“Why ever not?”

“Because it’s my house and I say so.”

“But Dad,” said the eldest with a quelling glance at his sibling, “think of the advantages.”

“Over my dead body.”

“Daddy,” his daughter too chipped in, “selling the house would sort all our financial troubles.” She sniffled. “Ma would have also liked you to…”

“If she were alive, I would’ve shifted.”

“But Daddy, the house is falling to bits and it’s old fashioned, inconvenient for you…”

“I don’t care. I’m not selling.” He was adamant.

“Don’t be such a stick in the mud Shankar!” Exhorted his friend. “Sell off this prime property and buy a sprawling bungalow with a marvelous view of the lake, sunset…”

“I don’t want a big house.”

“Why not? Isn’t it cramped and inconvenient here?”

“Perhaps.” Shankar said in low voice, “But at least I get to see them.”

***

Written for What Pegman Saw – a story in 150 words or less based on street view from Google Maps. Thanks to K Rawson for hosting the challenge. To read the other stories inspired by this week’s destination – Terni Italy the birthplace of St Valentine, click here.