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.

j-hardy-rubble
Copyright J. Hardy Carroll

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.

82 thoughts on “WRECKAGE”

      1. 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.

        Liked by 2 people

  6. 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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  11. 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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  18. 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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  19. 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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      1. 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.

        Liked by 1 person

  22. 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!

    Liked by 1 person

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  24. 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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  27. 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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