An endless wall.
In the middle a black door.
In front of it signs reading: ‘No Entry.’
‘If no-one is allowed to enter, why have a door at all?’ Qiáng asked.
‘So that those on the other side can expel people out.’ Mǐn replied.
‘So it is an exit only?’
Mǐn shook her head and smiled. ‘It is an opportunity.’
‘How so? To get to the other side of the wall?’
‘Why would we want to get to the other side of the wall? Mǐn had heard stories from the kingdom beyond the wall.
‘Then what is the opportunity you see?’
‘Every person that comes through the door is an opportunity, who can offer something to our land, who can share our values and be valued in return.’
Qiáng looked at the wall. He no longer feared it, but was thankful for it. Those on the other side had built it to protect their kingdom. Now it sheltered this land from the evils of the kingdom beyond.
Written as part of Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. The challenge is to write a flash fiction story or poem in around 150 – 175 words, based on the weekly photo prompt. Thanks as always to the challenge host Priceless Joy. For more information visit HERE.
To read other stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
Sometimes we need a friend to remind us that perspective matters. Well done, Iain.
Emily In Ecuador
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Thank you Emily
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That was a fascinating response Iain….well done.
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Thanks Michael, glad you liked it.
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that was a very optimistic way of looking at things we consider barriers but in fact the y can be opportunities
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Thank you Aks, that what I was aiming for 🙂
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A positive perspective. Reminds me of Game of thrones.
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Thank you – never actually watched it, although I get the general gist of it!
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What a beautiful perspective to something as blunt as no entry. Good post! I had a completely different take on this one 🙂
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Thank you so much 🙂
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Great story, Iain! It really makes one think!
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Thank you PJ 🙂
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What a great take on the prompt, unfortunately building walls with one way doors is a rather popular and ancient past time,
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Seems to be in vogue at the moment.
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What a great way of looking at things, I wish everyone could see things the same way.
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Thank you, it’s all perspective.
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Isn’t it all about perspective? What is a barrier to some is an opportunity for others! You are a brilliant writer Iain.
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Thank you Sonia, too kind 🙂
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This feels like the opposite of ‘the grass is always greener.’ Good character descriptions through dialogue – Min being the optimist and Qiáng less so.
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Thank you Sarah Ann, definitely a situation where optimism is needed
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a different outlook with optimism Ian. loved your take
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Thank you 🙂
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