Cheryl sighed as she stepped off of the curb, her hands held the straps of her backpack. She felt like she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. Which wasn’t completely inaccurate.
She did have her entire world in that backpack. Every thing that belonged to her was inside and, although it wasn’t much, it was all she had. All that remained of the life she was leaving behind.
The thought made her wince in pain as her hand migrated to a sore spot on her ribcage, where he’d last struck her. The memory of her father’s parting words echoed in her mind once more.
“You walk out of here now, then you better not come back.” He slurred, followed by the crash of a liquor bottle as it smashed against the wall beside her.
She couldn’t have asked for a better send-off.
It was the same one he gave her mother when she left.
Her father had an affinity for drinking himself blind and broke. Only concerned about having enough change left to buy another six-pack, never mind food or other necessities.
A light breeze roused Cheryl from her thoughts.
She readjusted the straps of her bag as she stood before the bridge that led out of town, her feet cemented in place in apprehension. With a hard swallow, she bid a silent goodbye to the town she’d known all her life and took the first step into her future.
Author’s Note:
I found inspiration for this microfiction in the above photo (taken by me), when I entered it into Mackenzie’s Send Me Another Photo Challenge .
Thank you for reading!
- Donna Fox (HKB)
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Donna Fox (HKB)
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It's You
Disclaimer: The following story contains themes of death, violence and gore. Reader discretion is advised. The clang of yesterday’s dishes coming out of the dishwasher filled the air of my silent kitchen. The only sound in the entire house, unless you counted the hum of the furnace kicking on, on this unseasonably cool spring morning. As I continue with the housework, I am interrupted by a shiver that runs down my spine and a vision flashes before my eyes.
By Donna Fox (HKB)about a month ago in Fiction
Comments (12)
Fabulous photo to inspire such a story!
Such dread of having to go through the necessary motions. Loved this little micro.
Great story about someone deciding to take charge of their life.
But why didn't Cheryl's mother take her with her as she left? Like why leave her there with the useless drunkard father? A very irresponsible mom indeed. Your photo is so simple yet elegant, just like your story which is short yet so deep. They complement each other so well. I loved it!
Donna you conveyed such a deep emotion with this piece In such a short time I felt for the character and knew her life (or an important glimpse) Excellent
Excellent, I'm glad she left. Also, I that pic. It looks like freedom.
I’m glad she left. That was incredibly brave. Your story was so believable and so good.
One way trip sounds so negative, but now I am rooting for it.
Some pretty heady perspective in that photo, followed up by a painful, but inspirational tale! Great job on both, Donna!
~ "her feet cemented in place in apprehension" ~ you are onto to something here. A powerful start to a story I am hoping you will pursue. Hits the heart right from the start.
Tragic story but I think it becomes inspirational when I add the photograph to the totality of the work. Getting out of there and on to anywhere else, that's the best choice in a terrible situation. I like where inspiration sent you!
Nice work!