The benches sit empty now.
Once they had gathered there every morning, under the shade of the tree, watching the passing cars and mopeds and the pedestrians hurrying along the pavement on their way to work.
That was where he saw her for the first time, going into the store across the road. That was when he left the benches and followed her. That was the end of his childhood.
He remembers the faces of his friends. All gone now. Some had made it out of the neighbourhood, most had not.
She had been his saviour from that life.
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.
‘The Barra Boy’ is now available around the world through Amazon, as well as from many booksellers in the UK. If you’re interested, you can find all the information for getting a copy HERE.
If you do read ‘The Barra Boy’ and enjoy it, please do leave a short review and help spread the word!
Iain Kelly 
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