The baby box

PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot

Bells chimed in the hallway. Doris waited a few seconds to give the bell-ringer time to leave. Or change their mind. Then she went downstairs, taking care with each step not to make a noise.

Doris heard the soft rustling of wool against cardboard. That alone told her she’d find a note with the baby that was gently waving limbs about, upsetting the carefully wrapped blankets. A mother’s last act of love in her desperation: “Please take care of my baby. His name is Edwin.”

It was seldom longer than that. A wet spot stained the note – tearful kiss.

99 words

Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. The challenge is to write a story in 100 words or less. Click the frog to submit your flash fiction and join the Fictioneers!

Responses

neilmacdon

Mar 3, 2021

So sad

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1. Fatima Fakier
  
  Mar 4, 2021
  
  It is sad, but the reality for many.
  
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ceayr

Mar 3, 2021

Unexpected and moving.
Nice one.

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1. Fatima Fakier
  
  Mar 4, 2021
  
  Thank you!
  
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Iain Kelly

Mar 3, 2021

Heartbreaking that anyone should be left with this as their only option. Well written.

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1. Fatima Fakier
  
  Mar 4, 2021
  
  It really is. Moreso that I’ve based this story on a real life baby box near where I used to live in Cape Town.
  
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trentpmcd

Mar 3, 2021

Very sad

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1. Fatima Fakier
  
  Mar 4, 2021
  
  Heartwrenching. And the unfortunate reality for many. THank you, Trent.
  
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Liz Young

Mar 3, 2021

Doris seems unsurprised to discover a baby on her doorstep – what a sad neighbourhood she lives in.

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1. Fatima Fakier
  
  Mar 4, 2021
  
  You’re right, Liz. I think she is doing a great service to humanity.
  
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msjadeli

Mar 3, 2021

The details in your story have elevated it from good to great. The soft rustling of the wool on the cardboard box and the tear stained goodbye note ❤

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1. Fatima Fakier
  
  Mar 4, 2021
  
  Oh that’s so awesome to hear! I’ve learned alot from my fellow Fictioneers over the years 😉
  
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  1. msjadeli
    
    Mar 4, 2021
    
    It’s a wonderful writing community for sure! 🙂
    
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rochellewisoff

Mar 4, 2021

Dear Fatima,

I raise my glass to the Doris’s of the world. Bittersweet story in a box. Lovely.

Shalom,

Rochelle

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1. Fatima Fakier
  
  Mar 4, 2021
  
  I’ve based this story on an actual baby box near where I lived in Cape Town some years back. To save babies from being abandoned, a small charity group put up a mailbox-type container for mothers to anonymously place their babies. Sounds terrible to some. But the idea was that innocent babies could be saved from abandonment – when their parents are unable to take care of them. The babies would then be entered into orphanges, fostering and adoption programs. Thank you for your kind comment!
  
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James McEwan

Mar 4, 2021

Ah, so word has got around she takes in the babies. I think the idea you describe in Cape Town is a saviour for these babies. I am sure there are a hundred reason why this situation has arisen.

Thanks for the story.

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1. Fatima Fakier
  
  Mar 4, 2021
  
  So true, James. At the end of the day, we can judge all we want, but it’s people like Doris who are doing something about it. Thank you for your comment and I enjoyed writing it too.
  
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Keith’s Ramblings

Mar 4, 2021

A poignant tale indeed Fatima.

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granonine

Mar 4, 2021

Oh, my heart! One weeps for the mother who felt she had no choice, and for the baby who may always wonder why his mommy didn’t love him.

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Brenda’s Thoughts

Mar 4, 2021

These kinds of situations occur often in many parts of the world. It’s good that the baby found a safe haven, but tragic for the one who left the child. The last line brought a tear.

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plaridel

Mar 4, 2021

under the circumstances, i think the mother did what was best for the baby.

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jenne49

Mar 5, 2021

So sad. And yet the baby has been left at the door of a known angel. Beutifully told.

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David Stewart

Mar 5, 2021

Great story, Fatima, although sad too. Can’t imagine what a mother in that situation would go through. Hopefully they could be reunited later, although I’m sure that’s rare.
-David

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Na’ama Yehuda

Mar 5, 2021

Sad and beautiful. I know someone who was left in a church pew, or so the story went. Wrapped in a man’s sweater. A note with their name. That was all.

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draliman

Mar 5, 2021

So sad, and to be driven to that… 😦

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Nichika

Mar 5, 2021

This was so beautifully written and so sad

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Girl in Niagara

Mar 5, 2021

Sad but poignant tale Fatima.

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notestowomen

Mar 5, 2021

Heartbreaking story. I really feel for the mother.

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pennygadd51

Mar 9, 2021

A lovely story, and beautifully written. You capture so many details that it becomes completely believable, and very moving. Terrific response to the prompt, too!

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Geri Lawhon

Apr 12, 2021

A sad story with a wonderful ending. Thanks.

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1. Fatima Fakier
  
  Apr 26, 2021
  
  Thank you for taking the time to read my story, Geri!
  
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