Arriving at the beach, she reflected on her life. It seemed the earth had given way at her feet often, stranding her on top of precipitous cliffs. Life’s incessant strife had eroded her strength, faith and hope. She stood on the edge of the rocky shore.
The daily grind faced her like a vicious beast growling, foaming at the mouth with malice. Should she end it now? Walk into the ocean until the toes no longer touch the shifting sands? Can she drown herself if she knew how to swim?
A tide of emotion swept her out , far from the shore to answer all her questions. She felt a nibble , then another. A school of small fish were nibbling at the callouses of her sole, tickling her. She couldn’t stop laughing until there were tears in her eyes. A wave lapped it up as if the ocean wasn’t salty enough.
She swam back ashore.
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The above story was in response to ‘Monday’s finish the story’ flash fiction challenge. This unique flash fiction challenge provides a new photo each week, and the first sentence of a story. The challenge is to finish the story using 100-150 words, not including the sentence provided. Details are available in this link:
https://mondaysfinishthestory.wordpress.com/2015/05/11/mondays-finish-the-story-may-11th-17th-2015/
Word count: 145 excluding sentence provided and title.
Phew, narrow escape… Nicely done!
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Thanks Sonya.
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“The daily grind faced her like a vicious beast growling, foaming at the mouth with malice.” These create a powerful mood!
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Thanks.
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Those little fish were telling her something, weren’t they? Well done! Thank you for your contribution to the Mondays Finish the Story challenge! I hope that you return for the next exciting challenge… Be well…. ^..^
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They sure were telling her that’s there’s still room to laugh in life whatever the troubles. Thanks for hosting and the Inspiring photo and prompt sentence. I hope to return too 🙂
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You are welcome and I look forward to reading more of your writing!
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It’s funny the little things that suddenly make things seem not quite as bad. I’m glad she had a change of heart!
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Me too! 🙂
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Wonderful! Sometimes it only takes a very small thing to remind us why life brings joy in the most unexpected ways. Great job!!
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Thanks!
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Great writing, I enjoyed reading your text, thanks for sharing.
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Thanks Cecilia.
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A wave lapped it up as if the ocean wasn’t salty enough
Really nice line 😀
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Thanks Karthik.
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I absolutely loved this! I think it was brilliant.
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Thanks PJ!
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Little fish and laughter–all she needed to save herself. Very nice.
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Thanks!
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Sweet! Saved by the love of Mother Nature! Nice story with a nice happy ending!
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Nothing inspires us like Mother nature! Thanks for your comment.
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I love a great happy ending, Ansumani. It seems she found life to have humor as well as sorrow. I’m glad she gave it another chance. Great description. Well done. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks Suzanne. You’re right…Life is a mixed bag of humor and sorrow.
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