They sat by the sea watching children play on the beach.
‘Alright?’ he put his arm around her shoulder.
The tears slowly running down her face gave him his answer.
It had taken her twenty years to return. Years of pain and guilt. She had been their teacher. They had trusted in her. She was supposed to protect them.
A school outing before the summer holiday began. A visit to the local museum for a bit of history and then a trip to the beach. It wasn’t her fault the terrorists had come that day.
The images still haunted her. They would never leave her. The panic, the terror, the fear in those young faces. The blood. The dead.
Governments fought aimless wars and encouraged segregation and hate. Religions tried to absolve themselves of blame. Terrorists continued to kill with no purpose, never furthering their cause.
She was beyond all this. She had only her memories and sorrow. She wouldn’t let them count her as their victim. She was here. She had not let them win.
This was her defiance.
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. Thanks as always to the challenge host Priceless Joy. For more information visit HERE.
To read other stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
Influenced by events in Manchester this week, my thoughts are with all involved, especially those children and parents affected by this devastating and abhorrent act.
I love the way the story unfolds. I hate it when violence inspires our stories. My prayers for all the innocent victims.
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Thank you. Such a tragedy and difficult to comprehend at the moment.
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Reblogged this on O LADO ESCURO DA LUA.
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Thanks for the reblog
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Sad and inspiring at the same time. We all have to gather our courage like she did, to overcome our fear and stand strong against such act of violence.
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Thank you.
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A tale of sadness,hope, and a better tomorrow. Nicely written.
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Thank you
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Welcome!
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very poignant …admire the way you used this prompt
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Thank you, waking to the news this morning in Manchester I knew I wanted to say something…
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You set this up beautifully. A story of pain and anguish and guilt. Masterfully written, Lian.
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Thanks Neel
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Nicely done, the news from Manchester was a catalyst, I’m sure. So very sad…
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It was indeed. Terribly sad.
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I love how it ended strongly. Inspirational, Iain.
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Thanks Annie, I hope it is a little bit anyway.
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I wonder if there ever will be a day when people stop killing people. Your post though gives hope.
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Superb! It has many layers which gradually unfold.
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Thank you Reena
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You know, I wondered how this was going to affect Ariana. Such a tragedy.
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Very definitely
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Hauntingly appropriate. A strong piece.
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Thank you, much appreciated.
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You hit it, Iain. Poignant tale for a tough time. Well done.
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Thanks John
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The Manchester mayhem is fresh in our minds. Hope the day dawns when there is only peace on our planet. Amen.
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I couldn’t agree more.
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A poignant and powerful piece, Iain.
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Thank you.
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I can’t believe there was another one. Which city is next?? Because I think this won’t be the last. It’s just been too close in time to London. Well written Iain 🙂
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I’m afraid it won’t be the last time either. Thank you Victoria.
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Powerful story with a relevant social commentary. Great take on the prompt!
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Thanks Kay
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The world has gone crazy. I don’t get how the terrorist think killing more people is going to help them. Anyway, sad, true and very well done.
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Powerful and timely. Excellent story!
Sands of Time
Annie at ~McGuffy’s Reader~
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Thank you
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great story Lain. I could feel her (the teacher’s) pain but she is a fighter.
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Thank you
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Excellent story and written so well. We are living in uncertain times filled with anxiety, fear , and so much sorrow. Yet, we must continue with our life and not let the events push our lives backward. We must fight back and keep moving forward. Hopefully, one day we will not have to wonder if we are in the wrong place at the wrong time and everyone can just live their life in peace.
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Thank you, and I agree, we have to keep going.
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She better off being defiant. I like the build up of the story.
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Thank you
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