“You were supposed to be watching her!” I shouted at the nurse.
“I’m sorry, one minute she’s sitting by the fireplace and the next, the door was wide open. All I did was go and get some blankets.” She threw her hands up, “You know what? How about you take some responsibilities? She’s your mother, after all, and apparently, she has no ability to grasp her current situation.” With that, she snatched her purse and stormed out.
I sighed and shook my head. Damn it, she’s absolutely right. I’ve been too busy managing my own business to take notice of my ailing mother.
I sighed again before slamming the red front door shut. Bracing the cold, I made my way to the park, to the exact spot I knew my mother would be. I sat beside her on the bench. “Mother, what are you doing?”
She turned to me and smiled, “My son, if this, indeed, is my last day, I’d rather this be the last thing I see than anything in that wretched house.”
(~175 words)
I am participating in Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writer, where we write a piece between 100 and 150 words (more or less 25 words) in length inspired by the photo prompt above.
Yinglan, you have made so much improvement on your short fiction. Remember how I used to hound you for not giving me an ending. Many of your short fiction stories were wonderful story starters – my opinion. You are packing a punch in all your stories. And if you leave one wondering, I can tell that it was necessary for the effect you wish to achieve. Just saying – you know the teacher in me. This story is among your many great ones!
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Thank you, Oneta. Your comment means a lot to me.
Haha, I remember those days. I guess my writing changed when I quit reading serial fiction novels. 😀 And yes, I try to make my stories as complete as possible in so few words.
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Obviously I like what you are doing or I would not have brought up the subject! 😀
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I’m glad you like it. 🙂
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That is so poignant. When I am not well I like to be in the open too, breathing some fresh air.
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Thank you. When I have a headache or feel dizzy in the dark office space, I tend to go out and just stand in the sun for a few minutes. Then I’d feel so much better.
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That makes me sad for the mother. She doesn’t like it at her home. Great story, Yinglan!
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I feel sad for her too, being cooped up in that house. Thank you for reading.
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