Marvin
scanned the crowd weaving through the fairground and took the money for his
Chair-o-Planes automatically, filling all the chairs except one – that was for
his special passenger.
Suddenly
there she was – only ten but already crippled by disease. Her father lifted her
into the chair and held her face between his hands to kiss her tenderly.
Ignoring the man’s tear-streaked face, Marvin started the ride, and together they watched as it sped up to a blur.
Ignoring the man’s tear-streaked face, Marvin started the ride, and together they watched as it sped up to a blur.
When it
stopped the girl had vanished.
“She will
be whole again,” Marvin promised, but the father sobbed, “I know, but will she
be loved?”
....................................................................
Thanks as always to Rochelle, who has 'retired' to be a full-time author but still manages to prompt the Friday Fictioneers each week to write 100 words inspired by a photograph.
https://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/ is her blog where you will find the link to other stories.
Oooh, I like that one, Lizy. Lots to think about in it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Patsy.
DeleteWow - another powerful story, Lizy - well done!
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it, Susan x
DeleteOhhh, good one. Sort of a Twilight Zone story here.
ReplyDeleteHalf fairy story, half Grimm.
DeleteThank you, Mick - fairgrounds have a profound effect on me for no perceptible reason!
ReplyDeleteLoved that. Such a terrific idea Lizy.
ReplyDeleteThe photo prompt sent my mind flying like a chair-o-plane#!
DeleteYou broke my heart with that last line! Wonderful story that captures the essence of a parent's love and sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteThanks ansumani - it does MY heart good to know my writing is appreciated.
DeleteI just wonder that too... There's another place where the meadows smell of Asphodel - maybe a place to run barefoot
ReplyDeleteA land of innocence without disease - poettic comment, Bjorn!
DeleteThis was very heart touching and mysterious all in one.
ReplyDeleteThank you PJ.
DeleteThis is so sad, but also beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it is sad. Thanks for commenting, Ga H.
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteSweet, sad and mysterious. You left me wanting to know more. Very well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle - all these flash fiction stories are pared down to a minimum, but some could be expanded?
DeleteI think this is my favourite of all your wonderful flash fictions, Liz. So many questions, so many (assumed) answers already in my head. And definitely one I will be thinking about for a long time. Fantastic work :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Annalisa, you've made my day :)
DeleteShe will always be loved.
ReplyDeleteA comforting thought, Dawn.
Delete