He had pulled himself up from the gutter, from the place where the only options was to rise or die.

He kicked the addictions, beaten the disease, climbed each painful step through the trash and rubbish and litter of his broken life.

Now he had made it back, back to the light, to the world, to society. This should be his triumph, his moment of glory.

But he looked around at the world he had aspired to, that he had fought so hard to attain. And he saw that it was just as hideous as the one he had escaped from.

Happy New Year to you all! A cheery story on the state of the world to kick off 2023. Here’s hoping for more optimism in the months ahead.

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 available now. You can find all the information for getting a copy HERE.