IAIN KELLY

COLD TEARS

They huddled closer together as the roar passed overhead. The stone walls of the barn did little to protect them from the frost outside. Their breaths formed white clouds in the air, their cold tears stung their faces.

They heard an explosion in the distance. Then a series of cracks like gunfire. They had come far, but the fighting was following them. They would have to leave the barn soon and carry on west.

She looked into her daughter’s eyes. She saw her husband’s features in her young face and wondered if she would ever see him again. She apologised again for bringing her daughter into this world.


Copyright Lisa Fox

Written for Friday Fictioneers 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, visiHERE.

64 responses to “COLD TEARS”

  1. neilmacdon Avatar

    It’s so hard to imagine what that must feel like

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It’s devastating to watch, and to try and imagine how any of us would cope under similar circumstances.

      Liked by 2 people

  2. Mason Bushell Avatar

    Nicely done, Iain. great atmosphere for so few words.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Mason

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Yamini Ali MacLean Avatar

    Hari OM
    An opportunity well taken… YAM xx

    Liked by 2 people

  4. trishsplace Avatar

    Well written Iain.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Trish

      Like

  5. rochellewisoff Avatar

    Dear Iain,

    A reality too many are living. Well written.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Rochelle

      Like

  6. Tannille Avatar

    Sad reality for too many. Even more terrifying with a child.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Hard to grasp what their lives have become in such a short time.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. notestowomen Avatar

    Powerful and beautifully written story, Iain.

    Liked by 2 people

  8. Liz H Avatar

    Beautiful tribute to Ukraine. With you, we hold our breath & send our blessings for what may be a long siege. 😰🥀

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Liz.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. magickmermaid Avatar

    Well-written, Iain. The senseless devastation of war spares no one.

    Liked by 2 people

  10. elmowrites Avatar

    I read Rochelle’s and now yours and I wonder if we have really changed anything in 100 years. Well-told, frighteningly bleak.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Unfortunately I think you are right to wonder. It seems we have not learned.

      Like

  11. Fandango Avatar

    A harsh reality that those people in Ukraine are suffering at the whim of Putin. What a tragedy.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Every day it seems to only get worse.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Fandango Avatar

        I know. It’s heartbreaking.

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Danny James Avatar

    Sadly, that’s happening real time today.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Afraid so, Danny. We can only hope it ends quickly.

      Like

  13. Dale Avatar

    I can’t imagine how difficult it is to go through what they are. Nicely written, Iain.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Dale. It’s impossible to imagine how their lives have turned upside down in such a short time.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale Avatar

        It’s awful. Awe (not the good) inspiring.

        Liked by 1 person

  14. scr4pl80 Avatar

    So heartbreaking.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Janet.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. msjadeli Avatar

    Imagining the families looking for shelter and trying to stay ahead of the blasts brings such sorrow, and in this cold… 😦

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It’s horrific, and we seem to be powerless to prevent it.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. pennygadd51 Avatar

    You give us a little glimpse of the almost unimaginable suffering of refugees in wartime. I like the way you use the daughter’s appearance to make the family bonds vivid. The title is excellent, too.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Very kind Penny, thank you. A story you wish didn’t have to be written.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. CGraith Avatar

    Well done. You packed so much in those 100 words.

    Liked by 2 people

  18. Michael Avatar
    Michael

    The evil that is war came across so well in your writing.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Michael

      Like

  19. Vartika Avatar

    Touching.. well done Iain

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Vartika

      Like

  20. Sandra Avatar

    It’s a terrible thing, to feel guilt for giving life. But there are still monsters amongst us who can prompt that. Sensitively done, Iain.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Sandra.

      Like

  21. Bill Avatar

    Such a dark and forlorn scene, Iain. Well composed.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Bill, dark times for many.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. draliman Avatar

    Such a terrible situation.

    Liked by 2 people

  23. Inside the Mind of Isadora Avatar

    A timely write, Iain. I can’t begin to imagine their fear.
    I remember when we had to go to a shelter during a severe hurricane here in Florida.
    The building shook and the wind was frightening. You captured that feeling in this story.
    Isadora 😎

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Isadora

      Liked by 1 person

  24. plaridel Avatar

    how sad. war is hell where there’s no victor.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      War is hell with or without a victor. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Nobbinmaug Avatar

    Good job bringing us into the situation so many are currently facing. I can’t believe this is happening in today’s world.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      It really is unbelievable.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Liz Young Avatar

    Great write. We are all obsessed with their fate and our inability to do anything. I sorted out some warm clothes – not much against bombs.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      But something, and better than nothing. Thanks Liz

      Like

  27. Margaret Avatar

    I can imagine the fear and despair. Also the guilt she’s feeling about not being able to protect her child from it all. An undeserved guilt, but I understand it would feel that way. Well told.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Margaret

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Laurie Bell Avatar

    Heartbreaking Iain.
    This must be utterly terrifying

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Laurie

      Like

  29. Woman walking Max Avatar

    A poignant and topical story, ‘Cold Tears’ says it all.

    Liked by 2 people

  30. Heather Musk Avatar

    Such a poignant piece, Iain. Well done.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Heather

      Like

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