IAIN KELLY

NEMESIS AND THE BEAUTY QUEEN

She checked behind her. The dilapidated shack stood there.

She looked back at the mirror. The shack was reflected in it.

The mirror seemed to work as a mirror should.

She bent down and peered into, her breath clouded the smooth surface, but still the mirror did not show her reflection.

She pinched herself, poked her sides, pulled her hair. She was real, she existed.

From the shack a man appeared, surrounded by a glow.

He spoke: ‘Can you discover a beauty that lies within? Can you live without the ardour that your appearance provokes in others?’

With that, he vanished.


nathan-sowers-dawn-millers-friend
Copyright Dawn M. Miller

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 original Nemesis myth: Wikipedia, and particularly the encounter with Narcissus, upon which this story is based around.

118 responses to “NEMESIS AND THE BEAUTY QUEEN”

  1. magarisa Avatar

    A thought provoking story that’s particularly relevant nowadays, with the prevalence of selfies. Well done.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Russell Gayer Avatar

      I love your comment about selfies, Magarisa. It’s amazing how many we see, particularly on Facebook. Rarely do we see the essence of the inner person.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. magarisa Avatar

        That’s the reason why I avoid Facebook like the plague.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you – let’s not get me started on the cursed selfies!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Russell Gayer Avatar

    Fascinating story, Iain. For a moment there, I thought she might be a vampire. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      I was heading that way at first, then decided to try and do something a bit different. Glad it fascinated.

      Like

  3. Bettina Avatar

    Ooh I like it!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. D. Avery @shiftnshake Avatar

    What a wise little tale. She has been given something to reflect on.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Sarah Ann Avatar
    Sarah Ann

    Really enjoyed this. Like Russell I thought she might be a vampire, but this was so much more interesting and thought provoking.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Sarah Ann, glad it got you thinking 🙂

      Like

  6. patrickprinsloo Avatar

    Not a burka salesman, is he?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

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