IAIN KELLY

WRECKAGE

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 responses to “WRECKAGE”

  1. neelwritesblog Avatar

    Tragic end. Death to the fascists. May peace prevail. Very poignant and topical, Lian.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Neel. I wish death to no one, only that people would stop senseless killing for arbitrary and aimless reasons.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. neelwritesblog Avatar

        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

  2. neilmacdon Avatar

    Timely, as I think many today will be

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It’s hard to contemplate much else at the moment.

      Like

  3. rochellewisoff Avatar

    Dear Iain,

    Manchester is on everyone’s mind this week. Writing is cathartic. Your story is timely, well written and tragic.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Rochelle.

      Like

  4. Claire Fuller Avatar

    These things need to be written. Thanks Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Claire.

      Like

  5. shehannemoore Avatar

    An apt piece today Iain when there’s people in this position x

    Like

  6. Michael Avatar
    Michael

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I’m sure it will too. I just wish communities and cities didn’t have to keep doing this.

      Like

  7. J Hardy Carroll Avatar

    Reminds me a bit of The Goldfinch. And, alas, Manchester. Nicely told.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Clare Hempstead Avatar

    ‘If she had been standing next to the bomber there may be no remains.’ Truly horrific. Well told.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Clare

      Like

  9. FabricatingFiction Avatar

    So heartbreaking. No words really.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  10. ladieswholunchreviews Avatar

    So concise yet so powerful. And so very horrible…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Afraid so, thank you.

      Like

  11. Rowena Avatar

    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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      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.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. James Avatar

    Horribly tragic. If I were the father, I don’t know how I could go on.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      My thoughts exactly James.

      Like

  13. Sandra Avatar

    A terrible reality for some people right now. I cannot conceive of a way to cope with the absence of information, confirmation…

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      A horrendous situation to be in, not knowing and obviously fearing the worst.

      Like

  14. spicedmullings Avatar

    Oh no. Another parent in pain! Nothing can stop a parent from hoping and seeking!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. k rawson Avatar

    So chilling. My thoughts are very much with the people of Manchester right now. A tragic scene no one should have to face.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Impossible to comprehend, both the motivations and the aftermath people are having to come to terms with.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Addison Albright Avatar

    Timely and sad. 😔

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Unfortunately so. Thanks Addison.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Jade M. Wong Avatar

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Sigh indeed Jade. It’s all so senseless.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Avatar

    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)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Horrible events that are happening all too often.

      Like

  19. Life Lessons of a Dog Lover Avatar
    Life Lessons of a Dog Lover

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. granonine Avatar

    If only words of heartfelt grief could end wars—-and make no mistake, this is a war.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It is, largely of our own making and with little hope of any end.

      Like

      1. granonine Avatar

        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

  21. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar

    Truly, I can’t imagine how anyone would feel in the aftermath of such tragedy. You have captured it well with your words. Kudos

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Alicia

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar

        My pleasure.

        Liked by 1 person

  22. joyroses13 Avatar

    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

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      We can only hope our children see how much of a mess we have made of things and find a way to change them.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. joyroses13 Avatar

        Very true!

        Liked by 1 person

  23. draliman Avatar

    Tragically real.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  24. Lynn Love Avatar

    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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Lynn.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lynn Love Avatar

        My pleasure 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  25. Liz Young Avatar

    I think we all wrote about Manchester this week.

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Moon Avatar
    Moon

    A heart wrenching truth , beautifully written.

    Liked by 1 person

  27. NJ Avatar
    NJ

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Wouldn’t that be nice and make all the difference. Thanks NJ

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Sascha Darlington Avatar

    Heart-wrenching. Very well-written, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Sascha.

      Like

  29. Laurie Bell Avatar

    I am still heartbroken.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  30. Barbed Words Avatar

    Lovely piece. Just heartbreaking.

    Liked by 1 person

  31. Fatima Fakier Deria Avatar

    Missing presumed dead must be the worst words for a loved one to hear. No closure.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      The not knowing must be horrific to live with.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Sarah Ann Avatar
    Sarah Ann

    Sensitively told.
    With inconclusive results, there is always hope…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Even if it is a slim one. Thanks Sarah Ann.

      Like

  33. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    Senseless, horrible tragedy. I think it is worse if there is no body. You are forever left questioning.
    Well done, Sir

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Dale.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. plaridel Avatar

    who knows? she could have survived. hope springs eternal.

    Liked by 1 person

  35. Michael Wynn Avatar

    Very powerful, somehow never finding the remains leaves things without closure, if finding them would offer true solace anyway.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Michael

      Like

  36. patriciaruthsusan Avatar

    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

    Liked by 1 person

  37. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Keith

      Like

  38. The Reclining Gentleman Avatar

    Powefully written Iain, especially that final sentence.

    Liked by 1 person

  39. Emily Livingstone Avatar

    A touching story–thanks for sharing it. I was so saddened to learn of the attack in Manchester.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Emily, an all too familiar tragedy.

      Like

  40. Shweta Suresh Avatar

    Such a heart wrenching story. Manchester is on everyone’s minds. Well written, Iain!

    Liked by 1 person

  41. mandibelle16 Avatar
    mandibelle16

    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!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Mandi

      Liked by 1 person

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