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.
Fatima Fakier 
Well done.
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Thank you James 😊
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An inspirational tale, both your fiction and Nadia Nadim.
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Thank you Iain. It inspired me!
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I’m glad it works out… A great step, and so good to be able to find something new.
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She came a long way didn’t she? Made the most of her situation, that’s what I love about Nadia’s story.
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A brave theme, and it works
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Thank you Neil. 😊
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Much told with just 100 words. I wish more refugees would be rewarded with a happy ending.
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Thank you😊 I’m sure there are many more success stories that we don’t hear of…
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Dear Fatima,
Sensitive story, well told. Thank you for sharing this and the video.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It was all my pleasure! I’m glad you liked it. Thanks Rochelle.
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A lovely story inspired by a wonderful achievement. Great.
Click to read my Six!
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Thanks Keith.
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Loved the read. Reminds me of Sania Mirza (they made life so difficult for her).
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Oh yes Sania Mirza is a tennis player. She was quite good in doubles. She faced a lot of cultural barriers too. Thank you!
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I love success stories such as the basis for this one. Yeah, Nadia!!!
Scott
Mine: https://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2017/10/05/friday-fictioneers-by-the-light-of-the-silvery-moon/
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Thank you Scott. Glad you enjoyed it!
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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 .
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Thanks so much. I’m thrilled it inspired you too. 😊
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I love this story. And the story about Nadia is so inspiring. Thanks for sharing it with us.
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Oh thank you!
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A very good, inspiring story. Thank you, Fatima.
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Thank you Varad 😊
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Very inspiring!
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Thank you Vivian!
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You’re welcome!
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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!
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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!
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