The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow was right there.

But everytime she tried to grab it, something blocked her, like a thin mesh she couldn’t penetrate, dulling her view of the world.

She would fall back and begin the long journey again, reaching up through the fog to the light.

A different medication, a different routine, anything to break the cycle.

She should be happy, her life was full. People tried to understand, it was a disease, an illness.

And so the battle goes. One day she would see the world in bright colour once more.

meep-by-the-window
Copyright Jean L. Hays

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.

93 thoughts on “SO CLOSE AND YET SO FAR”

  5. Dear Iain,

    It’s a horrid disease that leaves the sufferer riddled with guilt and those around her confused and often angry. At least if you’re speaking of clinical depression. Well done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 3 people

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  9. Wow! You’ve really nailed it this week! What a poignant and powerful story about the sheer slog of trying to overcome depression. People around generally have no idea of just how tough it is. The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is a great metaphor for the goal of recovery.

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  10. In my experience people who suffer from depression very rarely come across as downbeat or miserable. Yet it is such an awful blank sense of pointlessness.. I am sure anyone who fights the daily battle to manage it will appreciate the imaginative concept in your writing.

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  14. How tragic, Iain. In your usual style who told this story so well and I can certainly think of someone close to me who this sadly describes too well. It is tempting to wrap them up in a warm blanket and protect them, when getting back out there again is ultimately the best thing for them.
    Best wishes,
    Rowena

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  19. A very powerful take on someone suffering from depression. I know a few people who struggle with mental illness, wanting to live medication free lives. It’s a very sad reality for many who feel like they are living in a haze and longing to break free. Well done, Iain.

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  28. I loved your use of the screen as “like a thin mesh she couldn’t penetrate, dulling her view of the world.” A timely story, and a poignant look into the life of someone who suffers silently.

    Liked by 2 people

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      1. Been there. Everyone mispronounces my name. It’s intended to be pronounced as if it were spelled Alisha, not Aleesha which is popular now. I just shrug and answer. (My nickname is Lish which people still pronounce Leesh.) Sorry, I’m rambling.

        Liked by 1 person

  32. This is so powerful, and beautifully written. Depression can affect everyone at any time, no one is immune. I love, and applaud the narrator’s willingness to accept help and get better.

    Liked by 1 person

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  42. A wonderfully affecting description for the journey through depression. You have summed so well the ups and downs, and how frustrating and disheartening it must feel to never reach the elusive gold.

    Liked by 1 person

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  44. I love what you’ve done here. You’ve described what I interpret as depression quite well, somewhat poetically, and it is probably just me, but I wonder if the piece wouldn’t be stronger without indicating that she would see color once more. I do understand you’re trying to make the piece hopeful, however. Just a thought…maybe a bad one. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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