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23.8.18

MAYHEM - a story in ninety-five words.


MAYHEM

‘A beautiful soul’, they said, over and over, and her father agreed, forgetting the hours he had walked the streets searching, the money paid in bribes to save her from arrest, in fines when the bribes no longer worked, and the shame.

‘A dreadful loss’, they said, and her mother wept, regretting each bitter argument over stolen jewellery and housekeeping money, remembering only pudgy arms and baby kisses.

To carry her soul to heaven they launched floating candles, which set the forest alight – their daughter blazing a trail of mayhem even in death.
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A quick story this week again - the only piece of writing I've done in a flurry of painting walls, filling holes with Polyfilla, and a multitude of trips to the DIY shop. Yesterday I spent half an hour crouched beside the toilet. No, I had not over-indulged the night before - I was pushing filler into gaps behind pipes with my fingers because no tool would fit. The joys of moving house!
Thanks to Carla Bicomong for the photograph which is this week's Friday Fictioneers' prompt, and to Rochelle for organising us, despite her own crammed schedule, on https://rochellewisoff.com/
If you are on holiday, have a lovely time, and remember to pack a book. I have two on offer - Helter-Skelter, an historical novel which you can buy by clicking on the cover image on this page, and A Volcanic Race, a fantasy, also available on Amazon.

35 comments:

  1. Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse...an effective piece of flash, Liz.

    (Hope you get all the work finished up soon and settle down to enjoy your new abode! )

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    1. Thank you, Seaview - and we are moving in on 31st come what may!

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  2. A lot can be forgiven and forgotten when death comes.

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  3. Memory is such a deliciously malleable thing. They'll forget the fire too in time

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    1. As long as it didn't cause to much damage.

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  4. Yes, parents have to walk so many extra miles to protect their child.

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  5. I really liked your take on the photo prompt. Sad, vivid, believable account of what parents do for their children.
    And well done for squeezing out a great story when you're so busy. I decided I was too busy to contribute this week - you put me to shame! :)

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    1. Ah - I wondered where you were! Thanks for commenting.

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  6. Such terrible loss, such a waste of life. Beautifully done, Lizy.

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  7. Such a sad existence... and awful ending.
    Well done, Madam!

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  8. Very true to life, and beautifully written.

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  9. sad. i guess parents can only do so much for a child the rest is up to her.

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  10. I've noticed that nobody who ever died tragically was "a grumpy old sod" no matter what they were actually like in life.
    I smiled at the idea of the forest fire being this girl's "last hurrah" :-)

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  11. I love how you let her wreak havock despite the efforts to 'nice-talk' the deceased.

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    1. Thanks GaH - she couldn't even leave peacefully!

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  12. Dear Liz,

    I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry. So well written.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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    1. Thanks Rochelle - which way did you jump in the end?

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  13. That is so clever. Wherever she is she still causes mayhem. Jilly, Sugar on the Bee.

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  14. A powerful story of a parent's love. While their daughter was alive, she caused sleepless nights I'm sure and untold agony at her chaotic lifestyle. It doesn't matter what her life looked like, they are left with the pain of that loving bond being broken between child and parent. The ending was brilliant!

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    1. Thanks Brenda. I am simply grateful that the small problems my own four children caused remained that - small!

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  15. Wow...this hit me right in the heart!

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  16. Oh, so heart grabbing. Mayhem? You have me wondering.

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