IAIN KELLY

WHY DO WE FALL?

Sarah felt like an idiot as she was lifted onto the horse. Her face resting on the warm hair of the horses’ neck, she felt her feet being pushed into the stirrups. Cautiously, she lifted herself and sat upright in the saddle. The horse twitched and pulled underneath her.

‘All yours,’ her father beamed at her with pride.

Two years since the accident. She remembered the pain as her spine and legs were crushed underneath the fallen horse. The months in hospital after waking from her coma. The rehabilitation. Accepting that she would never walk again. The determination that she would ride again.

Her hands rubbed the smooth flank of the horse. She tapped it and felt him respond by stepping forward. A few steps clenching onto the reins, another tap and the horse began to trot. That would be fast enough for today.

The breeze blew in from the sea, the spray gently hit her face. The horse splashed through the tide water on the wet sand.

Sarah smiled. She felt alive again.


photo-20161226154623024

Written as part of Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. The challenge is to write a flash fiction story, in around 150 words based on the weekly photo prompt. For more information visit HERE.

To read other stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

18 responses to “WHY DO WE FALL?”

  1. James Avatar

    “So we can learn to pick ourselves up.” -Alfred

    Sorry, first thing that came into my head.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      That’s exactly what I was thinking of when I choose the title too, so no need to apologise!

      Like

  2. yarnspinnerr Avatar

    It is truly an exhilarating activity. Great take.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Many thanks. Not an activity I’ve done before, but would love to try.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Priceless Joy Avatar

    Wow! Great story Iain! It had to be a difficult thing to get back on a horse when it was a horse that caused you to become paralyzed. Good for her! Great story!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks PJ, and for using my photo 🙂

      Like

      1. Priceless Joy Avatar

        My pleasure, Iain!

        Liked by 1 person

  4. neelwritesblog Avatar

    Good feel good story Lain. Told in a very matter of fact manner but one that conveyed the right amount of empathy for the character. As always this was too was a good read.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Neel, much appreciated.

      Like

  5. Michael Avatar

    Delightful tale Iain, a triumph over adversity…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Michael.

      Like

  6. athling2001 Avatar

    A heartwarming story.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Many thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. luckyjc007 Avatar

    Wonderful story of her overcoming her fear. It had to be very difficult for her to get back on the horse. It’s also great that her father supported her decision to start riding again. I’m sure that had to be somewhat difficult for him as well. It is so difficult for a parent to see their child suffer and a hard , but necessary decision to have their child try again.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Many thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Neha Sharma Avatar
    Neha Sharma

    This is beautiful 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Neha

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Neha Sharma Avatar
        Neha Sharma

        Pleasure 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

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