My A to Z Challenge: Micro fiction, using 300 words or less, inspired by selected words along with a photo for inspiration. The words were chosen in reverse order from this lesson plan page.
(For example, for the letter A it was the 26th word on the list, for Z it was the 1st word on the list)
(For example, for the letter A it was the 26th word on the list, for Z it was the 1st word on the list)
At age three she learned to curl up tightly into a corner, hoping the dark would hide her. It was never good when he came home drunk. She wished she could help her momma.
At age six she hid her bruises well. But then again, many were mental not physical. She wished her momma hadn't left.
At age eight she was moved to foster care. She found herself helpless again.
By age twelve she was learning to take care of herself. Physical defense came first, emotional defense would take much longer.
By age sixteen she was living on her own, on the streets. Hustling strangers for food or money for food. Sleeping in dark corners.
By age eighteen she thought she had found herself. Hardened to the core emotionally. Steeled to the core physically. All in all, one feisty chick.
By age twenty-three she was burned out. Tired of fighting for everything. She curled into a ball crawled into her own world.
By age twenty-seven she had found her way out of her world, thanks to those who cared for her.
By age thirty she found love. She thought she had.
By age thirty-two the abuse began again. But this time she wasn't helpless. She would defend herself.
By age thirty-three she was in jail for murder. It was self-defense she said. A matter of life or death.
The circle, or is it cycle....
More of a downward spiral methinks. Sad.
ReplyDeleteMy A-Z of Children's Stories
Yes it was....the more I wrote, the sadder I got reading it. Thanks for dropping by, Keith. I hope to get caught up with reading/commenting by next week sometime. Been busy with a Disney vacation and some out of town family time.
DeleteWow, this is rough. But this sort of thing happens far too often in our world.
ReplyDeletehttps://planetpailly.com/2019/04/03/sciency-words-a-to-z-carbon-chauvinism/
I'm afraid it does, James. Thanks so much for dropping by. I will check out your posts shortly. WAYYYY behind in reading/commenting but hope to catch up by next week. Phew!
DeleteSad tale but nicely told.
ReplyDeleteJanet’s Smiles
Thank you, Janet. I appreciate it.
DeleteHeartbreaking in its honesty.
ReplyDeleteIt happens all too often. I wish the cycle could be broken.... Thank you for stopping by to read and comment.
DeleteDefinitely a case of fate controlling destiny. Even while reading and hoping for a better outcome, the logical ending is woven through every word. Well-written.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate it, Gail. It was an emotional write for sure.
Deleteoooh, dark.
ReplyDeleteDark and sad....thanks for stopping by!
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