THE CARER
That bloody bell rules my life.
Help me dress, Josie, empty the commode, Josie, make breakfast.
Sometimes I escape into the garden and hide – no one’s
tended it since Dad took Des fishing and never returned. Mum thinks they drowned
but I’ve learned different.
She was wearing different clothes when I came home from
school yesterday. She thought I wouldn’t notice cos I’m only eight.
I pick my bag up from the porch and peer through the
curtain. Mum’s already out of her chair looking in the fridge. There’s a week’s
worth of sandwiches in there.
I’m going fishing.
I'm a bit late on parade this weekend - visitors and family matters intervened - but I hopr you'll take the time to comment.
Friday Fictioneers in a group of online writers who each week are prompted by a link on Rochelle's blgo to write a 100 word story. http://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/
Friday Fictioneers in a group of online writers who each week are prompted by a link on Rochelle's blgo to write a 100 word story. http://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/
Yes, sometimes being a carer makes you feel like escaping but most of us just get on with it, because we care!
ReplyDeleteExcept in this case the mother was less needy thatn she made out
DeleteA carer at age eight? How sad. I guess Dad and Des took off and it sounds like your girl is headed off to join them.
ReplyDeletejanet
I hope she finds them
DeleteLove the turn around in this. Hope she finds Dad and Des on her fishing trip!
ReplyDeleteSo do I :)
DeleteDear Lizy,
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very strange turn of events. Sad for an eight-year-old, although I knew one in my childhood. Not as far fetched as it might sound.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I have read many Social Services reports in my preivous working life to know that this is not far-fetched at all. If I used some of what I know, people would accuse me of too much imagination.
DeleteGood story and well written. Good voice. Probably not an uncomon situation these days, sadly.
ReplyDeleteChild carers are a fact of life that most people tend to ignore.
DeleteWow, this was a really good one..being a carer takes a lot of heart. Nice take on the prompt.
ReplyDeleteThank you camgal. Rather a late entry so @I'm glad you found me.
DeleteHa! It's what Mum deserves I think.
ReplyDeleteShe does indeed, Patsy - taking shameless advantage of a little girl.
Delete