Memoirs of a nineties street kid

PHOTO PROMPT © Na’ama Yehuda

“Shh! Be quiet. And no you can’t play in the park. Wait here.”

Mama pushed me gently backwards into the bushes. “Remember -“

“I know, I know. Don’t go anywhere.”

I watched her figure ripple in and out of the shadows thrown by the park lights. Another figure joined her. A man. A different one than the other night. Together, they disappeared behind the restrooms.

Five-year-old me knew Mama wouldn’t be long. I jumped out of the bushes and watched the cars honking on the street. The lamp-lit windows floated in the tall buildings.

I didn’t feel so alone anymore.

99 words

Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Write a story in 100 words or less. Click the frog to submit your flash fiction and read other stories too.

Responses

  1. neilmacdon avatar

    Absolutely brilliant, Fatima. Understated and trusting the reader to fill-in the blanks

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thank you, Neil! 🙂

      Like

  2. Keith's Ramblings avatar

    I guess it puts food on the table. Just a shame it has to be that way.

    Here’s mine!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Desperation drives people to do things they don’t want to do.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Iain Kelly avatar

    Great write of a sad situation. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thank you, Iain!

      Like

  4. Russell Gayer avatar

    Poor kid. It puts a whole new meaning on “take your child to work day.”

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Haha! It certainly does. He is learning about life the hard-knock way.

      Like

  5. rochellewisoff avatar

    Dear Fatima,

    Such an awful education for one so young. Well written from the child’s POV.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      For now, he doesn’t realise how bad it really is. But wait till he is old enough to figure it out. Thank you, Rochelle.

      Like

  6. plaridel avatar

    i wanted to believe it was mama just needing a restroom break… i wanted to believe.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Sadly, that wasn’t the case.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. justjoyfulness avatar

    I just hope the mother’s efforts give the child a better future. Single-motherhood is hard. Wonderful story Fatima!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Somehow I think it worked out. Seeing that he ended up writing a memoir, I presume he did okay for himself and is in a better position.

      Like

  8. Liz Young avatar

    Maybe that’s how she became a mother in the first place. What a sad start for the poor kid’s life.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      It is possible. And unfortunately, it may be what keeps her stuck in that cycle, trying to provide for her kid.

      Like

  9. Paula Sue Bryant, Writer avatar

    I feel for her. Emotional without being histrionic. NIce!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thank you, Paula Sue!

      Like

  10. Dale avatar

    I agree with Neil. This is a fabulous write. Horrible situation but wonderfully written.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thank you, Dale!

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Sandra avatar

    Beautifully understated.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thanks so much, Sandra.

      Like

  12. Bill avatar

    From the innocence of a five-year-old’s perspective. Well put.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Thank you, Bill and welcome to the group.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. ahtdoucette avatar

    An intriguing story. I hope this kid gets to keep innocence a little longer.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fatima Fakier avatar

      Me too, though he might figure it out in a couple of years. Thank you!

      Like

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