PHOTO PROMPT © Jean L. Hays
We watch each other in this sanctuary, this quail and I, prisoners of lives into which we were born.
The bird is free to fly away, to go where he pleases. But he has surely heard the gun fire, watched his flock plummet to the ground a split second later.
But he flew faster. He’s safe here. For now.
I’ve seen my family taken, too. They hunted us—sent my parents back to a country they escaped a decade ago—put my sister in a “tent city.”
But I ran faster. I’m safe here. For now.
THE END
96 Words
Friday Fictioneers is a compilation of writers from around the world who gather online weekly, guided by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. The challenge? To write a story in 100 words or less based on a new photo prompt.
To read more stories in an online flash fiction anthology by Friday Fictioneer authors, click:
Dear Jan,
I only ‘click’ like for your storytelling skill. So much injustice and the smallest victims catch the worst of it. Well told, my friend.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I’ve read many of your stories where I’ve felt the same, Rochelle. So much sadness or tragedy, one almost feels guilty for clicking “like.” But I do so love to read what you write!
The “for now” is so chilling
Chilling, and today, all too true. And sad. Thanks, Neil.
An original idea, very well told.
Thank you, Jilly!
Welcome to the new Concentration Camps.
Stu, my mom was a Japanese American child in the internment camps during World War II. Terrible as that was, and as much as those years impacted her throughout her life, at least she had her parents with her.
Jan: My dad survived Auschwitz. Physically, at least. And yes, being torn away from parents/family…way too familiar a sound. I’m sorry for what your mom and her family (and all Japanese American’s) went through.
…but for how long? Excellent Jan.
Click to read my FriFic tale
Not long, I’m afraid. Thanks for your comment, Keith. And thank you for your link! So much easier to find you that way! 🙂
To get to such a powerful story from the prompt – very well done Jan.
Thank you, Iain. It’s why I love Friday Fictioneers–the challenge to create stories in 100 words. It helps my writing overall. Actually, most weeks these days, it’s the only writing I’m getting done!
Excellent piece, Jan. I am so happy that you’re participating in this prompt. Your stories are always well-written and emotionally vivid. I also like that you venture into different styles and forms. It sets a good example for other writers to see how much can be done with 100 words. I especially like the rhythm of this piece.
Josh, coming from a writer like you, this means a lot. Thank you. I wondered, as I read your story, if my character crossed the path of your characters once. 🙂
A good (but sad) link between the bird and the narrator. Nicely written.
Thank you, Claire. And congratulations on your upcoming release! Very exciting!
You tell this heartfelt story beautifully, Jan. Super opening sentence. Great way of describing the limitations of the quail’s freedom and using that as a metaphor for the constraints on the refugee. Lovely writing.
Thank you so much, Penny! <3
Great analogy. I’m reminded of The Fugitive–always on the run.
Yes, always on the run. I can’t imagine such a life. Thanks, Russell!
Free, but not free. Ironic that the human is caged but the bird is not. Powerful.
I didn’t think about that irony, Andrea. But sadly, you are right.
To be on the run alone… so tragic, splitting families sounds like the worst of practices…
I agree–I don’t care what the logic behind it is.
Powerful piece.
Thank you, Lisa!
Such tragedy and loss. Excellent writing.
Thank you, Linda.
Wow, that is such a powerful and intense tale. Brilliant.
Thank you, anuragbakhshi! I’m glad you liked it!
Wonderfully done, Jan. I echo all the comments above! You do have a wonderful way with telling a story is so few words. That “for now” echoed for both bird and child…
Thanks so much, Dale! 🙂
This is perfect from title to last line. Perfectly sad and horribly true.