September 27, 2013

Flash! Friday: Prompt #43

Flash! Friday is upon us! Almost at the deadline, but here is this week's story: 150 words, +/- 5 on this photo:




Teaching Abroad

Throwing children out of windows isn’t normal.  At the height of their trajectory, they float for a heartbeat in the air.  Orange light paints over their skin.  It’s almost beautiful, but it isn’t normal.  

Some of the older kids understand, and they all fight our holds instinctively in fear.  But we’re stronger, and we’re determined.  Their wiggling and crying cannot slow us down.  Screams tear through me, but I don’t even pause.

“I hate heights,” the little boy in my arms whispers.  

“Close your eyes,” I can’t help whispering back.  

The second he does, I clench my jaw and toss.  His arms flail as he flies.  Fourteen.

I pray the hands outside will catch him.

We search the smoky room for any small bodies left behind. The flames lick at my feet through the remaining patches of floor.  

This isn’t what I signed up for.  

(145 words)

8 comments

  1. I was not expecting that ending! WOW! xx

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  2. EXCELLENT. At first I thought, Aria doesn't write like this. Then I got to the end. Totally blew me away!! I had to share on my blog.

    http://www.fundinmental.com/?p=8628.

    Thanks for sharing such a wonderful post! Have a great Sunday.

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  3. Thank you so much, ladies!! Your feedback is certainly the best part of my weekend so far :-)

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  4. Nice story. I was wondering who could write about a picture like that or felt that what anyone would write would be too obvious but you broke free and nailed it!
    Excellent work Aria!
    I like how the beginning and end come together. I also did not think the opening line would be 'literal' :)
    Excellent work!
    Keep it up

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    1. Glad you enjoyed it, Nada! If you check out the entries on the Flash! Friday site, many people actually took this photo to very unexpected places :)

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  5. Excellent story, Aria. The ending, as others have said, is very powerful. A deserving win.

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    1. Thanks, Tom! I actually found your story quite intriguing :-)

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