PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Scuffling at the entrance caught little Paul’s attention. Through the wide church entrance he saw the priest, and some church elders, arguing with her.
She caught his eye then, watery blue. Then she looked at her adversaries and turned around, down the steps away from the church. The elders watching after her, ensuring her retreat.
“It is a shame.” muttered Mama. “Her father built this very church. And now she cannot enter.”
“Why?”
“She believes in things the elders do not.”
“People say she is a witch.”
“Shush!”
Paul remembered her eyes. “I think she’s more of a fairy.”
99 words
Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. The challenge should you wish to accept it, is to write a story in 100 words or less.
Thanks to group leader Rochelle for this week’s intriguing image that led me to thoughts of cathedrals, witches, outcasts and fairies.
Click the blue frog to read more flash fiction or to upload your own story.
Fajr, Books & That First Cuppa 
Little kids are often right and know better than older men.
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They can see into one’s soul and it can seem they have more wisdom too.
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A nice picture of how communities respond to difference
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Thank you, Neil. Many do not handle differences and outcasts well.
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Women who think for themselves terrify men, don’t they? I like the way you use Paul’s childish point of view to articulate the way the elders are thinking. And I like the way you show the cost to the stonemason’s daughter, unable even to enter the church built by her father.
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I used a lot of symbolism here, Penny which you picked up on. One of which is the church built by her father represents any old belief system or tradition or way of life one can no longer return to once you stand up for your true beliefs. It is costly, but if one is to be true to themselves, it is unavoidable.
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Dear Fatima,
So much thought into 100 words. How sad she’s dubbed a witch for thinking for herself. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, witch can be replaced by unbeliever, progressive, reformer, anything that is unlike them and beyond the system of control. Thank you, Rochelle. The image was evocative.
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Another eternal conflict in this week’s collection: The established line of though vs. anything that upsets that apple cart. I hope she persists, especially if she’s really a fairy 🙂
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It is another proof that being different or your own person causes unease with others. The wisdom of children to understand and accept…
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You give us a sad mix of ignorance and wisdom here. Good story.
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It takes that brave individual to speak out at first, but in years to come more will follow her, like little Paul perhaps.
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