SIGN YOUR NAME

‘Add your name.’

There wasn’t much space left on the walls. What had once been grey concrete was now covered in garish name-tags.

I found a small corner.

‘Not there,’ Marguerite stopped me. ‘Front and centre.’

‘There’s no space.’

‘There’s always room for one more.’ The old lady pointed to a spot in the middle of the wall.

I sprayed my name. Another success story in her one-woman crusade to steer the local kids away from the gangs and the drugs.

‘You understand the significance of signing your name? You’ve made a promise to me.’

I nodded. Somehow, like all those before me, I knew I wouldn’t let her down.

Copyright Carole Erdman-Grant

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, visit HERE.

64 responses to “SIGN YOUR NAME”

  1. Such people exist, and thank heavens for that

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Neil, we could do with some more of them.

      Like

  2. Congrats on being featured in the Hall of Fame 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Hari OM
    OH yes, let there be more such ‘old ladies’ – and signees! YAM xx
    Q=Query

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Dear Iain,

    The old lady in the story is a tour de force. We need more like her in the world. Lovely story.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Rochelle 🙂

      Like

  5. Marguerite sounds like quite the lady

    Liked by 1 person

    1. She is that, thanks Trent

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Wonderful inspiring story!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Given the right opportunity, a spray can of life & committment, & a nod from Marguerite, a man can change his life!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It just needs that little push to start. Thanks Liz

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Graffiti with a purpose. Nice one Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. An art form in search of the right home. Thanks Keith

      Like

  9. This story is really lovely. There should be a Marguerite in every town; maybe more than one. Makes me want to buy an abandoned building and continue her work.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Aw, thank you so much 🙂

      Like

  10. Great story, and beautifully told.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Sounds like she isn’t as alone in the effort to help the youngsters in the community than was at first thought. The helpers can’t deny such a public signature either.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. She’ll hold them to it. Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re very welcome.

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Well told…We do need the help of many such individuals…

    Liked by 1 person

  13. I like how they made a commitment by signing their names.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. I can’t help be see her take over the city with the kids. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. An ambitious twist! Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Such a touching story.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Every person counts. Beautiful story Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. I really liked this Iain. A real feel good story.
    Best wishes,
    Rowena

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Wonderful story, Iain. Conscientious leadership is always a warming story. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Bill, we could do with more of it

      Liked by 1 person

  19. What a great character she is! Obviously she has garnered the respect of many young people. Good one!

    Liked by 1 person

  20. What a wonderful story. I think it would be a great idea in real life.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. It’s on the wall and none can deny that. A promise for keeps! Nice story.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Marguerite’s a wise lady. I like the idea of the graffiti being a positive sign instead of a destructive one. Great thought. Lovely story.

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Patricia Clair Avatar
    Patricia Clair

    I really loved this – one lady, many names.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Patricia, glad you liked it 🙂

      Like

  24. bless her heart. i want to believe there are more people like her in this world. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We could do with more. Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

  25. I love the positive vibe in your story.

    Liked by 1 person

  26. That’s a good idea 🙂 And I prefer the building in the photo to bare grey concrete.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, brighter is better here.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. At least it’s for a good cause. Great take.

    Congratulations on the new upcoming book!

    Liked by 1 person

  28. Oh nice twist on the graffiti wall tagging. I hope they do keep their promise.

    Liked by 1 person

  29. This is beautiful. People like her a holding the world together.

    Liked by 1 person

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    Like

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