Night of the Star

PHOTO PROMPT © Ted Strutz

 

Some things never change.

Nadia looked up at the full moon, brilliantly white. The same full moon lit up the dark roads all those years ago as she held Mama’s hand fearfully. Sobbing for her murdered Papa. Led to that unknown place beyond the mountains she knew so well. She still hated that word refugee. But over the years it became part of her like the moles on her skin.

“Ready Nadia!” her new captain slapped her shoulder. Cheers erupted from the stadium crowd as the team ran on to the pitch. Refugee to star striker.

So much has changed.

 

100 words

This one is so close to my heart. I had a previous life of entrepreneurship (don’t ask), and my passion was Muslim women in sports. So I started a sportswear brand aimed at developing and encouraging Muslim women in sports. Many women are not active enough for various reasons.

Today I saw this video of Nadia Nadim who has signed on with Man City Women, and I feel like a proud mother hen. Despite the business not working out, this is what it was all for. To develop top level sportswomen. Her story is incredible. Boy did she break barriers. Her father was executed in Afghanistan by the Taliban. Her family fled to what they thought was London, but unknowingly ended up in Denmark. It was the mistake that led to her career as a footballer.

She has achieved a lot in her life already and still plans for much more: watch the video!

 

 

Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle. The challenge is to write an entire story in 100 words or less. Click here to read more flash fiction.

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Responses

  1. James avatar

    Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thank you James 😊

      Like

  2. Iain Kelly avatar

    An inspirational tale, both your fiction and Nadia Nadim.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thank you Iain. It inspired me!

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) avatar

    I’m glad it works out… A great step, and so good to be able to find something new.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      She came a long way didn’t she? Made the most of her situation, that’s what I love about Nadia’s story.

      Like

  4. neilmacdon avatar

    A brave theme, and it works

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thank you Neil. 😊

      Like

  5. nonsmokingladybug avatar

    Much told with just 100 words. I wish more refugees would be rewarded with a happy ending.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thank you😊 I’m sure there are many more success stories that we don’t hear of…

      Like

  6. rochellewisoff avatar

    Dear Fatima,

    Sensitive story, well told. Thank you for sharing this and the video.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      It was all my pleasure! I’m glad you liked it. Thanks Rochelle.

      Like

  7. Keith's Ramblings avatar

    A lovely story inspired by a wonderful achievement. Great.

    Click to read my Six!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar
  8. yarnspinnerr avatar

    Loved the read. Reminds me of Sania Mirza (they made life so difficult for her).

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Oh yes Sania Mirza is a tennis player. She was quite good in doubles. She faced a lot of cultural barriers too. Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. kindredspirit23 avatar
    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thank you Scott. Glad you enjoyed it!

      Like

  10. Moon avatar

    So truly inspiring.
    Thanks for sharing the Video.
    Great work, Fatima. I am going to come back and re-read when I see my own motivation, faltering .

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thanks so much. I’m thrilled it inspired you too. 😊

      Like

  11. granonine avatar

    I love this story. And the story about Nadia is so inspiring. Thanks for sharing it with us.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar
  12. Varad avatar

    A very good, inspiring story. Thank you, Fatima.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thank you Varad 😊

      Like

  13. Vivian Zems avatar

    Very inspiring!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thank you Vivian!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Vivian Zems avatar

        You’re welcome!

        Like

  14. pennygadd51 avatar

    You pace this story very well. You start with what is, for flash fiction, a leisurely description of who Nadia is, and where she’s come from (I loved the sentences “She still hated that word refugee. But over the years it became part of her like the moles on her skin.”). Then, with a slap on the shoulder, you pick up the pace and give us the triumphant climax. And you’re artful enough to realise that a little reflection will help us digest the story, and allow time for the climax to resonate, so you give us the final sentence “So much has changed” which mirrors the opening sentence structurally, but denies it in every other way.
    Excellent writing, Fatima!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Your feedback is greatly encouraging, thank you, Penny. I love contrast in writing, showing different perspectives of the same object or situation. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

      Like

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