Towards the edge of the world

© Fatima Fakier Deria

Cape Town, 1963

Omar clutched the rails of the SS Trekker, peered down on the bustle of people below. Fishmongers marketed their wares amongst the tearful. Prices and goodbyes mingled in the salty air. Only one of Omar’s twelve brothers came to see him off. The others obliged to their jobs. He waved at Omar now, smiled, then dug his hands into his pockets. He looked about him cutting a lonely figure in the crowd.

Skeeter Davis sang sweet melancholy from a nearby radio somewhere. Omar’s heart squeezed, then beat faster. London seemed like the edge of a big wide world.

100 words

*****

Written for my fave flash fiction Friday Fictioneers, hosted by Rochelle. Challenge yourself to write a story in 100 words or less. Click to view more flash fiction here.

Thank you Rochelle for using my photo of Cape Town harbour, for this week’s prompt! So chuffed!

 

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Responses

  1. neilmacdon avatar
    neilmacdon

    A neat evocation of the place and the period, Fatima

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fatima Fakier Deria avatar
      Fatima Fakier Deria

      Thank you Neil. My dad left Cape Town for London on a ship too, around the same time. This story echoes what his experience might have been.

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      Reply
  2. rochellewisoff avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Fatima,

    “Why does my heart go on beating? Why do these eyes of mine cry?…” You put that song in my head. Lovely and well described tribute to your dad. Thank you for the photo this week.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fatima Fakier Deria avatar
      Fatima Fakier Deria

      Well I hope you like the song Rochelle, if it is now stuck in your head. 🙂 My parents’ stories of their youth sounded so extraordinary to me. Still do. Thank you for using my photo!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. rochellewisoff avatar
        rochellewisoff

        I didn’t even have to click the link to hear the song. It was one of my favorites…still is. It sounds as if you heard some great stories from your parents. 😀 Thank you for sharing a snippet of one. I enjoyed it very much.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. yarnspinnerr avatar
    yarnspinnerr

    Lovely write. Thanks for the prompt pic.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fatima Fakier Deria avatar
      Fatima Fakier Deria

      Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. Magaly Guerrero avatar
    Magaly Guerrero

    Goodbyes can be such heart-ripping events…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fatima Fakier Deria avatar
      Fatima Fakier Deria

      Oh they certainly can. Thank you Magaly.

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  5. Life Lessons of a Dog Lover avatar
    Life Lessons of a Dog Lover

    Beautifully written story.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fatima Fakier Deria avatar
      Fatima Fakier Deria

      I appreciate that. Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  6. michael1148humphris avatar
    michael1148humphris

    A fine tribute to all who have left there homeland and sailed to a new world

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fatima Fakier Deria avatar
      Fatima Fakier Deria

      Thank you Michael 😊

      Like

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  7. Dale avatar
    Dale

    This was beautifully written, Fatima! And I, too, love that song… goes so very well with your words!
    Thank you (again) for your picture!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fatima Fakier Deria avatar
      Fatima Fakier Deria

      Thanks for your thoughtful comments Dale. It is a great song. And you’re welcome for the photo too😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. Michael Wynn avatar
    Michael Wynn

    You captured the sense of worry and anxiety about leaving your homeland well here

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fatima Fakier Deria avatar
      Fatima Fakier Deria

      Thank you Michael. I’m glad it came across 😊

      Like

      Reply
  9. yuhublogger avatar
    yuhublogger

    Thank you for the lovely prompt! It triggered a lot of thoughts in me. A lovely and a moving story.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fatima Fakier Deria avatar
      Fatima Fakier Deria

      You’re welcome! I’m happy you liked it. Thank you for reading and for your wonderful comments too.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. yuhublogger avatar
        yuhublogger

        My pleasure!

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Ajay avatar
    Ajay

    Emotions were well portrayed and the surroundings too. Great read!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fatima Fakier Deria avatar
      Fatima Fakier Deria

      Thank you Ajay! I’m pleased you enjoyed reading it. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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