The forensic investigators had gone. The security forces had abandoned the scene. Demolition signs and safety warnings adorned the perimeter fence that surrounded what was left of the museum.
I stumbled through broken piles of furniture, shattered glass and mangled steel. Rubble and dust covered everything.
They told me she may never be found. If she had been standing next to the bomber there may be no remains. They had tested all the samples they had lifted. Results were inconclusive.
My daughter was listed as missing presumed dead. I searched on through the wreckage.
My life lay in the ruins around me.

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).
To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
The scenes from Manchester are very much in my mind this week. My thoughts are with everyone involved, especially the parents and children. My apologies if this piece upsets anyone reading it.
Tragic end. Death to the fascists. May peace prevail. Very poignant and topical, Lian.
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Thanks Neel. I wish death to no one, only that people would stop senseless killing for arbitrary and aimless reasons.
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Death as a metaphor here. Not in the physical sense. Of late bigotry and man’s vileness has taken centrestage. We need to push such forces back and help restore sanity into the world.
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Timely, as I think many today will be
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It’s hard to contemplate much else at the moment.
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Dear Iain,
Manchester is on everyone’s mind this week. Writing is cathartic. Your story is timely, well written and tragic.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle.
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These things need to be written. Thanks Iain.
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Thank you Claire.
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An apt piece today Iain when there’s people in this position x
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The events at Manchester were pure evil, I feel so sad for all those involved. I and my family have strong links to Manchester. I am sure that the city will draw together and develope its strength to deal with these barbaric traitorous acts.
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I’m sure it will too. I just wish communities and cities didn’t have to keep doing this.
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Reminds me a bit of The Goldfinch. And, alas, Manchester. Nicely told.
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Thank you
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‘If she had been standing next to the bomber there may be no remains.’ Truly horrific. Well told.
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Thanks Clare
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So heartbreaking. No words really.
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Thank you.
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So concise yet so powerful. And so very horrible…
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Afraid so, thank you.
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Iain, well written and timely. This week, the findings into the Lindt Cafe Siege in Sydney 2.5 years ago were made public. I am still finding it hard to grasp events in Manchester. It doesn’t seem real. Yet, here we are seeing these grieving families and young children killed. But we are also hearing stories of good people saving lives in Manchester and showing such love. So much to process.
xx Rowena
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Thanks Rowena. Such a sad time, it seems we manage to process one act of terror only for the next to follow, with no end in sight. Troubling times.
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Horribly tragic. If I were the father, I don’t know how I could go on.
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My thoughts exactly James.
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A terrible reality for some people right now. I cannot conceive of a way to cope with the absence of information, confirmation…
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A horrendous situation to be in, not knowing and obviously fearing the worst.
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Oh no. Another parent in pain! Nothing can stop a parent from hoping and seeking!
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So chilling. My thoughts are very much with the people of Manchester right now. A tragic scene no one should have to face.
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Impossible to comprehend, both the motivations and the aftermath people are having to come to terms with.
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Timely and sad. 😔
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Unfortunately so. Thanks Addison.
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Ah, absolutely tragic story. The news about Manchester broke my heart too when I found out. How can this be the world we live in? Sigh.
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Sigh indeed Jade. It’s all so senseless.
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I do remember an event in my hometown were a fire started at a big party… many children died, and there were some guys who had started the fire. Not a terrorist attack but the effect was the same… and it took a long long time to identify the last few victims (if I remember correctly it took weeks)
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Horrible events that are happening all too often.
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You are not alone in having the events in Manchester on your mind. It is hard to bury such brutality. Your story well written and very poignant.
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Thank you
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If only words of heartfelt grief could end wars—-and make no mistake, this is a war.
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It is, largely of our own making and with little hope of any end.
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I agree there’s little hope of any end, but I’m not sure about it being of our own making. Maybe only that we haven’t made a really serious effort to stop the horror show.
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Truly, I can’t imagine how anyone would feel in the aftermath of such tragedy. You have captured it well with your words. Kudos
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Thank you Alicia
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My pleasure.
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This story says it well about the horrible pain of the victim’s loved ones. Horrible pain from something that should never have happened!!!
My heart aches for this world and for my children! What kind of place are we making for them!
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We can only hope our children see how much of a mess we have made of things and find a way to change them.
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Very true!
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Tragically real.
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Afraid so.
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I grew up near Manchester, lived there for a time, my son was born there. The city holds a special place in my heart and this tragedy is so unbelievably awful, targetting such young people. Such a cowardly act. A poignant story. Wonderfully written. Well done Iain
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Thanks Lynn.
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My pleasure 🙂
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I think we all wrote about Manchester this week.
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A heart wrenching truth , beautifully written.
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Thank you
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If words could heal… Well, I don’t even know what to say. What can be said to lessen the pain? One can only hope that that important thing called a brain is used for good rather than thinking of ways to destruct.
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Wouldn’t that be nice and make all the difference. Thanks NJ
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Heart-wrenching. Very well-written, Iain.
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Thanks Sascha.
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I am still heartbroken.
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So tragic.
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Lovely piece. Just heartbreaking.
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Thank you
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Missing presumed dead must be the worst words for a loved one to hear. No closure.
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The not knowing must be horrific to live with.
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Sensitively told.
With inconclusive results, there is always hope…
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Even if it is a slim one. Thanks Sarah Ann.
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Senseless, horrible tragedy. I think it is worse if there is no body. You are forever left questioning.
Well done, Sir
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Thanks Dale.
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who knows? she could have survived. hope springs eternal.
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Very powerful, somehow never finding the remains leaves things without closure, if finding them would offer true solace anyway.
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Thanks Michael
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I think most of us are thinking about the recent bombing. People who hate and are that damaged even destroy themselves. The horror they cause is the result of twisted minds. Good writing, Iain. —- Suzanne
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I can add nothing to the words of those before me. I’m pleased you wrote this yet disappointed it was necessary.
Scotland – Heaven can Wait
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Thanks Keith
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Powefully written Iain, especially that final sentence.
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Thank you
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A touching story–thanks for sharing it. I was so saddened to learn of the attack in Manchester.
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Thanks Emily, an all too familiar tragedy.
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Such a heart wrenching story. Manchester is on everyone’s minds. Well written, Iain!
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Thank you
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Wonderfully written Ian, but terribly sad. You hope that somehow is daughter escaped if they cannot find her DNA. At least I hope for that even though it’s unlikely. Tugs at my heart!
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Thanks Mandi
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