Iain Kelly

OVERTURNED

Another town. She rolled up the side of the tarpaulin and tied it tight. Around her the other vans set out their stalls.

This town needed her flowers. She sensed a sadness.

A young woman walked by. She picked her freshest daffodils and called to her. The woman approached.

She pulled her in close and touched her stomach. ‘We can help you. We cross the state line tonight.’

The woman looked confused, ‘How could you tell?’

‘We need to stick together.’

The young woman nodded and took her hand. She helped her up into the back of the van. The others greeted her with brave smiles.

It had become a dangerous country for them.

Copyright Jan Wayne Fields

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 more stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

I’m delighted to announce my new novel ‘The Barra Boy’ has now been officially published and released by The Book Guild Ltd. A few copies have already made their way out into the world. If you’re interested, you can find all the information for getting a copy HERE.

A couple of early reviews have appeared on Goodreads and Amazon. Here’s what they said:

“Iain Kelly’s The Barra Boy is a superbly written, character driven story that ranks as one of my favourite reads of the year. The author has a wonderful feel for locations & he brings London, Glasgow & the remote Scotish island of Barra vividly to life. His characters are so brilliantly drawn that it’s hard to believe that they are fictional. This is an outstanding novel.”

“This is a charming book about adolescence in the eighties and the mysteries island life.
Iain took me on a wonderful journey with his beautiful descriptive language.
I felt the Barra breeze in my hair as I stepped back in time with Ewan. I was drawn into his story and how the past can haunt us.
I highly recommend this book for its storytelling, mystery and innocence. It’s a delightful book that I’ll cherish and share.”

If you do read ‘The Barra Boy’ and enjoy it, please do leave a short review telling people and help spread the word!

For anyone on NetGalley, ‘The Barra Boy’ is now available to download until the 18th of July.

Iain Kelly

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66 responses to “OVERTURNED”

  1. Michael Avatar
    Michael

    A powerful story, where one lives can dictate one life, even in the land of the free

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. Anita Avatar
    Anita

    Refugees and illegal migrants have a tough life.
    Glad she could sense and invited the woman. But, what if they get caught? Will they make it safe across the border?

    Toady’s paper has the sad report of about the lives of 46 migrants lost – they were found dead in an abandoned trailer in Texas – having crossed from Mexico to USA.16, including 4 children, were taken to hospital.
    Sad state of affairs.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Anita, although there is nothing to say there are any refugees or migrants in this story. Unfortunately, this could be any woman in certain parts of America now.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. neilmacdon Avatar
    neilmacdon

    A timely story and, for once, humane traffickers

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Neil. Yes, funny how the lawbreakers have become the heroes…

      Like

      Reply
  4. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Iain,

    A timely story for today. Well written.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Rochelle

      Like

      Reply
  5. trentpmcd Avatar
    trentpmcd

    May be happening in the near future.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      May be happening right now, unfortunately.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. trentpmcd Avatar
        trentpmcd

        Unfortunately…

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Yamini Ali MacLean Avatar
    Yamini Ali MacLean

    Hari Om
    There are many places where this IS happening – and now it may be a growing trade… spot on, Iain. YAM xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks. Horrifying to think this is what a government has forced its own women to resort to.

      Like

      Reply
  7. Sadje Avatar
    Sadje

    Very interesting story!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Sadje

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. elmowrites Avatar
    elmowrites

    A timely tale, Iain.
    We have good daffodils here in Canada, even in the depths of winter. I’d be happy to share them with any woman in need of them. I fear for the direction of travel in many places though, here included. We’re in for a bumpy ride.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you. A similar story here in the UK, a bumpy ride ahead after an already troubled few years, but the current government only seem to be getting started. Here’s hoping the tide can turn.

      Like

      Reply
  9. Liz H Avatar
    Liz H

    Our country is gearing up over what is the first of many doors being pushed open to let in the Dystopisn State…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Similar to a lot of countries across the globe Liz, not a good time. Here’s hoping things can change direction soon.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Liz H Avatar
        Liz H

        Yeah, rock bottom should definitely not be the goal –>> start being better, doing better NOW.

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Eugenia Parrish Author Avatar
    Eugenia Parrish Author

    Thank you for this.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Very welcome Eugenia.

      Like

      Reply
  11. scr4pl80 Avatar
    scr4pl80

    You know how to spin them, Iain. Scary times.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Janet, scary indeed.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. granonine Avatar
    granonine

    A well-written story, Iain. I just need to make a clarification. The recent Supreme Court decision did not outlaw abortion. It did leave that decision up to individual states, as our Constitution allows for. There are many states that will continue to offer abortion services. There are many that will not. It is no longer mandated, one way or the other, by the Federal Government.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Yes, I know that, you don’t need to clarify anything. As some states will outlaw abortion, it will give rise to the situation where those who wish an abortion for whatever reason, will have to leave their home state if it is banned there, in order to seek a safe abortion in another state. How long before the states that wish to ban abortion services bring in laws to make it illegal for women to travel to other states in order to get a safe abortion? That’s the situation I’m imagining here. The many states that will continue to offer abortion services will provide little solace to the pregnant rape victim, or the sick mother forced to give birth against her will, or endangering her life, in a state that offers her no protection. And then you will start to see the rise in illegal unsafe abortions, and the loss of life that will follow. It is an abhorrent, regressive ruling from the Supreme Court, without any justification in law. I can only hope other countries, my own included, do not follow suit and continue to protect women and their rights.

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply
      1. granonine Avatar
        granonine

        I can see that you feel strongly about this. So do I. I meant no offense. There IS a lot of misunderstanding about this ruling, which overturns the Roe v. Wade ruling that resulted in the death of over 65 million babies. Another way to look at it.

        Like

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar
        Iain Kelly

        Sorry Linda, I find that last comment crass and a massive over simplification of a complicated subject.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. granonine Avatar
        granonine

        Wow. I guess we really can’t discuss it. Emotions run high. I really wasn’t trying to pick a fight. So I will bow out.

        Like

      4. Iain Kelly Avatar
        Iain Kelly

        If you don’t want emotions to run high, don’t use emotive language like killing ‘babies’, and don’t then conflate that inaccurate and offensive language with a woman’s right to choose and control what happens to her own body. If you want to discuss something, don’t use inflammatory language. If you don’t want to cause offence, don’t call 65 million US women ‘baby’ killers.

        Liked by 2 people

  13. creatingahome Avatar
    creatingahome

    A deep or rather multifacetated topic here.
    Great story though.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Yes, a complex one and a polarising one, with most people, myself included, set in their minds about it one way or the other. Thank you.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  14. plaridel Avatar
    plaridel

    i hope it never comes to this but it’s happening as we speak. anyway, congrats on your new book. thank you for being around this site and serving as an inspiration to us all.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Very kind, thank you! Without this group and the support of many I have found through it, the books wouldn’t exist, so thank you!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  15. joyroses13 Avatar
    joyroses13

    As always you write wtih poignancy and sadly this is too true. Good job.

    On a happier note the review of your new book sounds great. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much, such a sad time.

      And thank you, hope you will get the chance to read it and enjoy it too, it is so nice to get positive feedback 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  16. Na'ama Yehuda Avatar
    Na’ama Yehuda

    Great timely story, this one … alas. I hear there are all manner of ‘hiking clubs’ that are being organized in different States. Complete with pre and post-trail ‘rest areas’. Sad that this is where the US is now, walking back into the dark ages and overturning civil liberties, instead of leading the world in civil rights. Well done, Iain!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, it does feel like such a dark time, but hopefully the reaction from the majority of people will see the tide turn soon.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Na'ama Yehuda Avatar
        Na’ama Yehuda

        Amen to that, Iain. These are tricky times indeed. I think that HOW we’ll get through these times will be even more telling than the times themselves …

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar
        Iain Kelly

        Very true, let’s see what happens next. The outcry has been encouraging, I hope it leads to some sort of change.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Na'ama Yehuda Avatar
        Na’ama Yehuda

        Amen. For now it seems like it is heading for rock bottom and the stone age first …

        Liked by 1 person

  17. R.M. Carlson Avatar
    R.M. Carlson

    Thank you for recognizing our plight – on a number of fronts. Yes, a dangerous country. Fascism is taking over. What happened to our shining city on the hill?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Indeed Rosemary, a telling question. Thanks so much.

      Like

      Reply
  18. Bill Avatar
    Bill

    I enjoyed the dramatic aspect of your story. Well done, Iain.
    I also enjoyed reading the comments and your replies.

    Dare I ask for more of both? 🙂

    Like

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Bill. I do like it when a short story gets a reaction or starts a debate.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Bill Avatar
        Bill

        Brilliantly handled. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  19. Keith's Ramblings Avatar
    Keith’s Ramblings

    Another situation where people are forced to risk all by crossing borders. Living on the southeast coast I’m only too aware of the danger so many face when in need of escape.

    Like

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Keith. The disappointment in both situations is that the laws should work to protect people and keep them safe, and in both cases, it seems to be doing the opposite, actively putting people in danger.

      Like

      Reply
  20. GHLearner Avatar
    GHLearner

    A brave and timely and important story, Iain. I applaud you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you. I don’t think of it as particularly brave, but more that some things need to be talked about.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    First, good luck with your new book!
    And, sadly, there will be a need for these gentle lawbreakers the way things are going down in the US… Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Dale, criminalising doctors, nurses and abuse and rape victims surely can’t be the way to go.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Dale Avatar
        Dale

        No. Definitely not. It’s completely ass backwards.

        Liked by 1 person

  22. Woman walking Max Avatar
    Woman walking Max

    Skilfully understated Iain, a most topical story about people driven to defy the law.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you so much

      Like

      Reply
  23. larry trasciatti Avatar
    larry trasciatti

    It is good to see she met such a friendly stranger . Not everyone is that lucky

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      No, I fear there will be many who will be gar less fortunate.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  24. CGraith Avatar
    CGraith

    A poignant 100 words.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  25. msjadeli Avatar
    msjadeli

    Timely and terrifying story. The Supremes seem to be on a rollback of basic human rights. They now are saying there doesn’t need to be any limit to carbon emissions. Sleepy Joe and the Congressional Trolls need to step it up and put the balance back in balance.

    Iain I just joined NetGalley because of your link and wanting to read your new book. It says whether or not I can is pending? Hoping I can and then do a review on it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Great, don’t know enough about it to know what the pending means! If not you should be able to get in Amazon UK, which will let you buy for Kindle in US. Hope it works out, would love to know what you think of it 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  26. authorfleurl Avatar
    authorfleurl

    A timely and powerful story in just 100 words. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  27. jlennidorner Avatar
    jlennidorner

    Congratulations on the book.
    Great story. Though one needs to be vigilant. Never know who would offer a “blanket” but really it’s loaded with “pox” (pretending to be a friend and ally, but actually plotting betrayal of the most horrible kind).
    I wrote a humorous piece for the June WEP prompt.
    And I have my favorite book world narrowed down for the IWSG July prompt.
    July 03 is Plastic Bag Free Day, which hopes to eliminate single-use plastic bags.
    Over at Operation Awesome, our Pass or Pages query contest opens Monday with July’s family saga genre. Know any writers who might want to enter?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks – yes, where there are vulnerable people, someone will look to take advantage.

      Like

      Reply
  28. Vartika Avatar
    Vartika

    You have wrote it so well. I am glad that you can feel their pain. Well done

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply

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