IAIN KELLY

SO CLOSE AND YET SO FAR

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 responses to “SO CLOSE AND YET SO FAR”

  1. neilmacdon Avatar

    Interesting take on the prompt, Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  2. Reena Saxena Avatar

    Intense in its simplicity!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Reena

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Edith M. Field Avatar

    I hope that ‘one day’ comes very soon. This touched my heart, Iain. Very moving.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Edith, very kind and I’m glad it touched you.

      Like

    2. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar

      I agree. It was so “smoothly” written. Words flowed, sentences connected then the line about the meds.

      Liked by 2 people

  4. ceayr Avatar

    A disquieting piece this week, Iain, but nicely done.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you CE

      Like

  5. rochellewisoff Avatar

    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

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      That was the intention Rochelle, glad that it came through.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Sandra Avatar

    You captured that fog of despair nicely, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Sandra

      Like

  7. Susan A Eames Avatar

    Great story – very poignant and such an original take on a photo of a bird seen through a mesh window. Brilliantly done, Iain.

    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Susan

      Like

  8. Anita Avatar

    Diseases are hard to cope with. Hope she gets well soon, the mesh disappears and everything is bright and clear.
    Well narrated.
    Note- I have medication in my story too 🙂
    Stranger Outside?- Anita

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Anita

      Like

  9. pennygadd51 Avatar

    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.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Penny, that means a lot 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  10. jillyfunnell Avatar

    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.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Jilly, as I am not a sufferer, I do hope it comes across as a realistic representation.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    There but for the grace of God etc. Simply brilliant Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Keith

      Liked by 1 person

  12. granonine Avatar

    This one really appeals to my therapist’s heart, Lain. Beautifully written.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much.

      Like

  13. pensitivity101 Avatar

    A very clever take on the prompt Iain. It hit home.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Di

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Rowena Avatar

    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

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much Rowena

      Like

  15. J Hardy Carroll Avatar

    Excellent evocative piece, Iain. I’m glad to see you branching away from spy/action/violence. This is my favorite of yours so far.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, high praise indeed, much appreciated.

      Like

  16. Liz H Avatar

    Spare, and absolutely spot-on.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Liz

      Liked by 1 person

  17. 4963andypop Avatar

    I also noticed the hazy effect that the screen had on the images beyond it. Nice how you ran with that effect!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, I was at a loss so I just kinda ignored the bird! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Dawn M. Miller Avatar

    Evocative and timely.
    Wonderful message.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  19. notestowomen Avatar

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much

      Like

  20. Fandango Avatar

    Very evocative.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Avatar

    I imagine depression to feel exactly like that… a veil between yourself and the prospects of living.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Bjorn

      Like

  22. lisarey1990 Avatar

    I love this piece. It’s about such an important topic and it’s written with great honesty.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Lisa, much appreciated

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Michael Avatar
    Michael

    A topic which is close to my heart, well handled.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Michael

      Like

  24. plaridel Avatar

    a timely topic considering news about iconic figures that we lost recently. well done.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. anuragbakhshi Avatar

    Another powerful and oh-so-relevant tale.

    Liked by 1 person

  26. draliman Avatar

    I see a little bit of hope, she hasn’t given up. Nice take with the curtain to show us how she sees life.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, there is always that little bit of hope.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. James McEwan Avatar

    A sad reflection on our pill addicted world, well told.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks James

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Jan Morrill Avatar

    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

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Jan

      Like

  29. petrujviljoen Avatar

    The state of depression well-described.

    Like

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  30. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar

    As you can see by all the likes I’ve submitted, I agree with pretty much everything everyone else has said. A very well done piece, Ian.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much Alicia.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar

    Oops, sorry I spelled your name wrong! Shoot, no way to go back.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Ha, at least you spotted it, as you can imagine this has happened throughout my entire life! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar

        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. gahlearner Avatar
    gahlearner

    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

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much Gabi

      Like

  33. Dale Avatar

    Heartbreaking… and yet, she doesn’t give up which is uplifting.
    Beautifully done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much Dale

      Liked by 1 person

  34. Woman walking Max Avatar

    I liked your story very much. In such a compassionate way it captures what it is like to be depressed, in a way that includes hopefulness. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much

      Like

  35. Laurie Bell Avatar

    Wow, very tight and intense writing Iain. Her pain and desperation is palpable

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Laurie

      Like

  36. Liz Young Avatar

    A vivid picture of depression.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  37. Russell Gayer Avatar

    I’ve known people who suffered from depression. You captured their despair brilliantly.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Russell

      Like

  38. Brenda's Thoughts Avatar

    An incredible take on the prompt. Living life one gray day at a time, longing to experience the joy and color of it, is extremely difficult for many. Your story is very moving.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Brenda, very kind comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  39. PamelaS.Canepa, Writing and Living Avatar

    There is so much meaning here in such a small space. Great job!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Pamela 🙂

      Like

  40. Ellie Scott Avatar

    You’ve done a brilliant job of making this both saddening and incredibly hopeful – really nicely done in just 100 words.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Ellie

      Like

  41. Lynn Love Avatar

    Clever job Iain. That use of the screen as a metaphor for mental illness was a brilliant idea – so close and yet so far from ‘normality’. Great Stuff

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Lynn, much appreciated.

      Like

  42. Sarah Ann Avatar
    Sarah Ann

    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

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Sarah Ann

      Like

  43. The Reclining Gentleman Avatar

    Very nicely done. You’ve described the complex emotions with accuracy and also with sensitivity.
    The hope comes through what could have been a very dark piece.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, much appreciated.

      Like

  44. Sascha Darlington Avatar

    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

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks for the suggestion Sascha, but yes, I wanted to leave on a moment of hope, which I hope those who suffer from depression do hold on to.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sascha Darlington Avatar

        suffering from depression is a lot like living with blinders on from one day to the next, but I do like the hope in your story. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar

        Thank you Sascha

        Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.