IAIN KELLY

WHEN WE DANCE

When she danced, she left behind the grey walls and barred windows. She broke free from all that restrained her and held her back. Her world came to life in glorious technicolour and barriers fell away.

She could feel the music flowing through her. It was more than an urge or a desire, it was her whole soul. It was who she was. It was what she was born to do.

The grey walls closed in again. The music faded, the world returned to monochrome.

She looked down at her broken, paralysed body. She felt the pain of the impact. Screeching tyres, shattered glass, crumpled metal. The moment the dance had stopped.

Copyright Dale Rogerson

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.

My new novel All We Cannot Leave Behind is available to order in paperback and ebook from all good booksellers, along with The State Trilogy and The Barra Boy.

53 responses to “WHEN WE DANCE”

  1. Anita Avatar

    Such a touching story.

    All the happiness, colour & movement -> to -> sadness, monochrome & paralysis.

    Very well narrated.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Anita

      Like

  2. neilmacdon Avatar

    Maybe, just maybe, she will find a new dance to do

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      There has to be that hope. Thanks Neil

      Like

  3. The Sicilian Storyteller Avatar

    Incredibly moving and painfully beautiful, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much

      Liked by 1 person

  4. elmowrites Avatar

    Beautiful and agonising, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. rochellewisoff Avatar

    Dear Iain,

    Your use of color, and the lack there of, told her story well.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Rochelle

      Like

  6. Dale Avatar

    Oh, how heartbreaking. Beautifully told, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Dale

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale Avatar

        My pleasure, kind sir.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. msjadeli Avatar

    I’m not sure if her ability to remember so vividly, both the dancing and the crash, is a blessing or a curse. Nice texture to this story, Iain.

    Like

  8. justjoyfulness Avatar

    Oh dear! What a heart-wrenching story of loss. Sometimes it takes just one moment to turn our life around. Well-portrayed.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much

      Like

  9. R.M. Carlson Avatar

    A fine piece of writing. Love this, Iain!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you so much Rosemary, much appreciated.

      Like

  10. CGraith Avatar
    CGraith

    A poignant, well told story.

    Like

  11. Sandra Avatar

    A stunning contrast.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Sandra

      Like

  12. granonine Avatar

    Oh,my. Such a change, all in a moment of time. I’m glad she can still hear the music and dance in her mind.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Hopefully she will learn there is reward enough in that. Thanks Linda

      Liked by 1 person

  13. plaridel Avatar

    simply, one of your best. well done.

    Like

  14. authorfleurl Avatar

    This is beautifully poignant. Brilliantly narrated. If she can still feel and hear the music in her mind, that is a happy place to be.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. authorfleurl Avatar

        You are welcome 😊

        Liked by 1 person

  15. Margaret Avatar

    Oh, what a tragic ending. All the colour and music taken from her in a moment. So well told.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Margaret

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    From pure joy to utter despair. A touching tale. Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Keith

      Like

  17. Angela Avatar

    Beautiful and heart-wrenching. Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Angela

      Like

  18. Michael Humphris Avatar
    Michael Humphris

    Sad and yet a powerful piece of writing

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Michael

      Like

  19. Inside the Mind of Isadora Avatar

    This story spoke to me, Iain. I was a dancer for many, many years.

    My knees are damaged because of it. To dance once more would be glorious, yet, I must accept my fate.

    Touching and Poignant …

    Isadora 😎

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  20. GHLearner Avatar

    So joyous and sad at the same time. Wonderful story telling. Her mind is strong with such vivid memories, maybe she’ll find another way to dance and experience joy in life agaiin.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you, let’s hope so

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Laurie Bell Avatar

    Oh wow. This is heartbreaking
    All that colour and life lost in but a moment. Lots of emotion in this short piece Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Laurie, and many thanks for the review of the new book, much appreciated and so pleased you enjoyed it.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Nobbinmaug Avatar

    This gave me chills. Heartbreaking. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Dawn M. Miller Avatar

    Oh wow..just wow.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  24. thisobscurelife Avatar

    You moved us through this well with the gut punch at the end. How everything can change in one tragic moment.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Liz Young Avatar

    Ouch – I could feel her joy and then the pain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  26. Smitha V Avatar

    The first part reminded me of a poem I had written some time ago. It was based on a friend who loves dancing. She is just as you described when she dances. Your story made me think of her when I reached the shocking, tragic end of the story.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Smitha

      Like

  27. Heather Musk Avatar

    From beauty to tragedy in 100 words, this was very well done and I felt the rollercoaster of emotions with her throughout.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Heather

      Liked by 1 person

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