Gilded Cages

White doves cooed and shuffled about in their cages. Restless. The sun was out, a windless day yet Penelope’s mind was fogged over. Thick with anxiety. She glanced sideways at the rows of silk clad guests, smiling expectantly. The minister’s voice cut through the mind-fog, “Penelope?”

The groom’s frown betrayed his embarrassment.

“Penelope?” The minister nudged, “Do you take Jasper to be your lawful wedded husband?”

She could feel her mother’s eyes boring into her from the front row, urging her to finish it. She thought of the futility of marrying only in your social class.

And said, “I do.”

100 words

Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle. The challenge is to write a full story in 100 words or less.

Click here to read more flash fiction.

Responses

neilmacdon

Oct 14, 2017

There’s a lot of tale packed into 100 words here. Well done, Fatima

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Keith’s Ramblings

Oct 14, 2017

She went with her heart rather than what was expected of her. A great little tale.

Click to read my FriFic!

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1. Fatima Fakier
  
  Oct 14, 2017
  
  Actually she did was what expected her despite what she really believed in. 😊
  
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rochellewisoff

Oct 14, 2017

Dear Fatima,

I felt for Penelope and caught that she did what was expected of her. As Neil has already said, a lot of story packed into 100 words. Well done.

Shalom,

Rochelle

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1. Fatima Fakier
  
  Oct 14, 2017
  
  Thank you, Rochelle. 😊
  
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Dale

Oct 14, 2017

Excellent job, Fatima. As said… sooo much was packed into 100 words. Let’s hope he turns out to be an ok guy…

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1. Fatima Fakier
  
  Oct 14, 2017
  
  Indeed. Fingers crossed! Thank you, Dale.
  
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Varad

Oct 14, 2017

That was very powerful. Penelope, at last, had to give into what others wanted from her. A sad beginning to her new life.

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1. Fatima Fakier
  
  Oct 19, 2017
  
  Thank you Varad. It is sad that she didn’t go for what she wanted.
  
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Iain Kelly

Oct 14, 2017

Good on her. I’m sure her mum will get used to it!

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granonine

Oct 16, 2017

Heartbreakingly sad.

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pennygadd51

Oct 16, 2017

Well written, Fatima. I particularly like the opening, setting the scene. The restless white doves make a delicious little metaphor for the couple being married, and the doubts that they feel.
As for the end, well, I can’t disagree with my namesake’s choice. You can travel a long way on the goodwill of “I do”, and if she’s chosen happiness while sacrificing joy she may find that it’s worthwhile in the long run.

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1. Fatima Fakier
  
  Oct 19, 2017
  
  Thank you Penelope! The restless doves do indeed set the scene and tone for the couple’s dynamics and future together. People expect those doves to be well lovey-dovey, and free. And yet Penelope chose a gilded cage. But as you say it is possible that she may find it worthwhile in the future. Who knows? Definitely a potential plot twist. I am thrilled you enjoyed it and even more thrilled with the feedback.
  
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athling2001

Oct 18, 2017

I wonder if she will regret her decision. Well done.

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1. Fatima Fakier
  
  Oct 19, 2017
  
  Thank you!
  
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