Country road (take me home)

PHOTO PROMPT © Danny Bowman

“Why can’t I go to my old school?” I sobbed.

“Because we live here now, Mitch, and your old school is hundreds of miles away.” Dad replied.

Dad promised that I would love the new city, the new house and my new school. I didn’t trust the promises adults made. I used to believe everything they said. You’re my little boy, Mitch. I’ll always be right here with you. That’s what mom used to tell me. Then she left and I never saw her again.

Dad calls her a nasty cyst. Whatever that is. I just miss her.

98 words

**nasty cyst = narcissist (Of course, Mitch doesn’t know what a narcissist is and hears something different 🙂 )

Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle, where the challenge is to write a complete story in 100 words or less.

I had trouble accessing the link last week (don’t know why) and so if you haven’t yet read my FF post from last week, you may read it here: Ransom.

Click here to read more flash fiction.

Responses

  1. Iain Kelly avatar
    Iain Kelly

    I’m glad you put the explanation, I was just wondering what sort of insult nasty cyst was! Good story. I hope they learn to like their new home.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fatima Fakier avatar
      Fatima Fakier

      I didn’t think an 8 year old could pronounce narcissist 😁 thanks Iain.

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply
  2. Christine Goodnough avatar
    Christine Goodnough

    Terrible to be so young and already such a cynic. But there’s a pecking order at school, he will likely discover, and he’s coming in at the bottom. 😦

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fatima Fakier avatar
      Fatima Fakier

      The new kid will have to find a way to fit in. Perhaps his difficult childhood will give him some grit later in life. Thank you Christine.

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      1. Archon's Den avatar
        Archon’s Den

        Like Johnny Cash’s ‘Boy Named Sue.’ 😳

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Moon avatar
    Moon

    I feel his agony and feel sorry for his disillusionment with promises at such a tender age. Hope something in this new place will re-instate his faith- a great teacher, perhaps. Heartbreakingly beautiful.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fatima Fakier avatar
      Fatima Fakier

      Oh a great teacher can do wonders for a child with a dysfunctional family. That would be just the right touch to his story. Thank you 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. Keith's Ramblings avatar
    Keith’s Ramblings

    A sorry tale beautifully told.

    Click to read my FriFic

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. yarnspinnerr avatar
    yarnspinnerr

    Lovely take – it is so difficult to explain our biased thoughts to unbiased (innocent) minds.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fatima Fakier avatar
      Fatima Fakier

      Yes children are so simple in their love and emotions in such a beautiful way. I’m sure if his mom came back he’d just be happy to have her back. Couldn’t say the same for his dad. Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Natasha avatar
    Natasha

    Touching tale of an innocent child and the changes life brings forth for him. They are more resilient than us, so I’m hoping Mitch starts liking the new place as much.
    That’s a very sweet story. Glad I stopped by.

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    Reply
    1. Fatima Fakier avatar
      Fatima Fakier

      Thank you for stopping by Natasha 😊 yes kids can adopt to changes better than adults sometimes.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) avatar
    Björn Rudberg (brudberg)

    I would assume that you would miss your mother still…

    Liked by 1 person

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  8. granonine avatar
    granonine

    Love that play on words, which I think is totally applicable. And by the way, I’ve always love the picture you use for your header. All those wonderful books!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fatima Fakier avatar
      Fatima Fakier

      Thank you dear! I took that picture when I was in Venice. The oddest little store, in an unexpected place. It seemed to be a bookstore. Nice little story behind that picture, will maybe post about it 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. granonine avatar
        granonine

        You should 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Sarah Ann avatar
    Sarah Ann

    Poor little Mitch. I really feel for him. And have a new earworm for the day 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fatima Fakier avatar
      Fatima Fakier

      Hope the earworm won’t trouble you too much. Thank you Sarah Ann.

      Like

      Reply
  10. rochellewisoff avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Fatima,

    A lot of broken promises for this poor kid. Narcissist, nasty cyst, they both work. 😉 Well done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fatima Fakier avatar
      Fatima Fakier

      Thank you Rochelle 😁

      Like

      Reply
  11. Woman walking Max avatar
    Woman walking Max

    I like your story, its what parents do say, and so empathically poignant for the boy.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Fatima Fakier avatar
      Fatima Fakier

      Thank you 😊 kids always caught in the middle of these things whether intentionally or not.

      Like

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