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28.12.17

SABU'S CHRISTMAS GIFT - a story in one hundred words

SABU’S CHRISTMAS GIFT

Sabu’s baby sister’s death from cholera was the final straw – wearing only shorts and rubber sandals he walked to the city, his mother’s wails ringing in his ears.
He swept a school in exchange for lessons, ate the scrapings of more privileged students’ plates, slept in his broom cupboard.

Each Christmas he walked home – each year there was one child less.
It took him five years to qualify, two more to earn enough, but finally he drove a rattling lorry home, where eager hands helped him unload its contents.

On New Year’s Day clean water began flowing from Sabu’s pump.
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Ted Schulz's photo prompted this story, although I rejected several other ideas along the way! Thanks to https://rochellewisoff.com/ for hosting Friday Fictioneers - and as I'm off to my brother's house for lunch Right Now I shall leave you with best wishes to a prosperous 2018 and sign off. Bye!!

36 comments:

  1. Dear Liz,

    Sabu was a determined young man with a mission. Wonderful story. To a good new year.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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    1. Thanks Rochelle - a happy new year to you too X

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  2. What a wonderful "can-do" story, Liz.

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  3. What a great story about determination and never giving up. Something to remember.

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  4. This is a wonderful story.

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  5. oh, it was a pump after all. i had no idea. :)

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    1. I saw a pump. Others had different ideas!

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  6. What an inspiring little tale. Go little Sabu!

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  7. A very determined and dedicated young man. Nice one!

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  8. A lovely story of how love can overcome adversity.

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    1. Love for his entire village. Thanks Clare.

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  9. The urgency to qualify came through brilliantly in this piece. All the time lives were being lost but finally they get clean water and the lives weren't lost in vain. Wel written

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    1. Thanks Michael - in 100 words I'm never sure if the whole story comes through. I wanted to say that he couldn't even read when he set off, but the word count didn't allow that!

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  10. I love how he used his purposefulness to help his family to clean water... and I hope this is not the end but a new beginning for him and his family

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    1. For him, his family and his village. With such determination perhpas he should be in government?

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  11. Now, that's a new twist! Love it!
    Mine: https://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2017/12/27/friday-fictioneers-lifes-cycle/
    Scott

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  12. Such a feel-good ending, Liz. Well done.

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    1. Thank you Sandra. I thought the last story of the year should end happily!

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  13. Loved your story. He persevered and won a great victory.And there are people who do this, too.

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  14. Happy New Year Lizy - a hopeful story of hard work and determination to end on.

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    1. Thanks Iain - happy new year to you too X

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  15. Very well narrated Liz :)

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  16. A lovely story of brains and sacrifice to save lives, Liz. Good writing. Happy New Year 2018! :) --- Suzanne

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  17. What a wonderfully inspiring story! Loved it. :)
    I had been trying to comment all this while but succeeded only today. :)

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