The other 5th graders’ desks were covered with pink and red Valentine’s cards. Hers was empty. At home, her tears were met with laughter and reminiscing of “school days”.
Rumors went round the 7th grade about her and Marcus Paloni. She stood alone. At home, her tears were met with suspicion and annoyance of “gossip girls”.
Peter Morris dumped her three days before prom. It was a prank. At home, her tears were met with wistful sighs and talk of “childhood crushes”.
At home for Christmas.
Her tears were met with anger and accusation. Other people have “real problems”.
Flash Fiction Challenge over at Carrot Ranch
December 2, 2016 prompt: Not Allowed – In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about something or someone not allowed. Go light, go dark, go where the prompt leads you.
That progression has given me goosebumps. It is a powerful read that captures how trivialized moments emerge unreal. Validation matters along the way. Great writing, Sarah.
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Not allowed to feel. Comparing, trivializing…so damaging. Thanks, Charli. Great prompt.
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Great depth of emotion in this flash. I’m saving the link for my Christmas post.
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I wasn’t sure there was enough emotion in this one. Great to hear. Thank you! (Looking forward to your post.)
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This is so sad, Sarah. When the outside world is cruel, home is meant to be a safe haven. When the home is also cruel, where is one to turn? Rejection as a prank? That’s not funny.
Great flash. I’m feeling that rejection.
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Thanks, Norah. I tried for the “not allowed to feel” but think it came across more as cruelty. (Which it kind of was.) I wonder where she came back from (flunked out of college? a bad marriage?) for Christmas and wasn’t even allowed to feel then. It really is devastating.
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It is. But is the reality for many. You did it well.
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We need to give othrrs room to be upset or sad without trivialising their pain. We are not them and don’t know what it feels like to be them. Great response. Thank you.
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I think people often trivialize and/or compare others’ pain to “bigger problems” or “real problems”. It’s a strong message to send. Thanks.
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