The wind whipped her loose hair around her face as the small fishing boat chugged slowly out of the bay.
It was calm in the sheltered harbour but ahead in the wide open vista they could see billowing clouds and showers of rain. A rainbow arched over the skyline where the contrasting weather fronts met.
The captain of the boat looked back at her. He had agreed to take her north and drop her on the unguarded coast. He hadn’t asked her why she was running or what she was escaping from.
She opened her knapsack and fished out the remains of the loaf of bread and the bottle of water. The bread was stale and the water warm, but they were enough to keep her going for another day.
The water became rougher as they left the bay, tossing the small boat around, hindering their progress, but still the small motor pushed on. Like her, it just had to keep it’s prow above water and constantly move forward to avoid drowning.
She had no idea where she would end up – somewhere new, somewhere different. Somewhere over the rainbow. She allowed herself a small smile, the first for a long time.
She didn’t look back.
Written as part of Sunday Photo Fiction. Write a story of around 200 words based on the photo prompt given (above). Hosted by Susan Spaulding. For more details visit HERE.
To read more of the stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
My new novel, ‘A Justified State,’ is now available on Amazon in Paperback and on Amazon Kindle. Follow one of the links below to find out more and pick up a copy!
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Lovely descriptions of the weather and I like how the boat moving forward echoes her own need to keep going.
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Thank you Kirst
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A good story Iain.
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Thank you Di
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Excellent mood piece, Iain, expertly crafted
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Thank you Sir.
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A lovely piece of writing, Iain.
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Thank you Roberta 🙂
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Congratulations on the book, Iain!
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Thank you so much Jane! Do let me know what you think if you get a chance to read it 🙂
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I will 🙂
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What a wonderful story of hope, determination and survival, Iain I have no doubt that wherever she ends up, she be just fine.
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I get that feeling too, thank you Deborah.
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Great and inspiring story, Iain. Loved the descriptions and her attitude.
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Thank you 🙂
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Nothing’s gonna stop her now! Ace.
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The world is her oyster 🙂
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I really like this, Iain. I found myself wanting to know more about her. Thank you! And great descriptives, e.g., fishing out the remains of her bread and water.
Blessings 🙂
~Debbie
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Thank you so much Debbie, very kind 🙂
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What a delightful story about hope and venturing out into the world. I like how she is optimistic. The rainbow reinforces the idea that there is something out there and it takes courage, determination and the right attitude to find it. Good for her!
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Thank you 🙂
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Congratulations! Cover looks great.
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Thank you Abhijit, do have a look inside the cover if you get a chance 🙂
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Sure! Will do.
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Iain, Fandango tagged me to write Part 3 of the Finish the Story challenge. It’s not normally something I’d do but I went along with it. I’ve tagged you to write part 4, but please don’t feel obliged to do so. Just let me know if you’d rather not and I’ll tag someone else. it’s at –
The Open Road Parts 1-3
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Thanks Keith, I’ll give it a go 🙂
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Running away to anonymity 🙂
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Thanks Deepa
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Lovely story. Always enjoy reading about determination!
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Thank you Susi
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Mon plaisir, Iain!
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