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!
Fajr, Books & That First Cuppa 
So sad
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It is sad, but the reality for many.
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Unexpected and moving.
Nice one.
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Thank you!
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Heartbreaking that anyone should be left with this as their only option. Well written.
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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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Very sad
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Heartwrenching. And the unfortunate reality for many. THank you, Trent.
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Doris seems unsurprised to discover a baby on her doorstep – what a sad neighbourhood she lives in.
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You’re right, Liz. I think she is doing a great service to humanity.
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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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Oh that’s so awesome to hear! I’ve learned alot from my fellow Fictioneers over the years 😉
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It’s a wonderful writing community for sure! 🙂
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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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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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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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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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A poignant tale indeed Fatima.
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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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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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under the circumstances, i think the mother did what was best for the baby.
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So sad. And yet the baby has been left at the door of a known angel. Beutifully told.
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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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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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So sad, and to be driven to that… 😦
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This was so beautifully written and so sad
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Sad but poignant tale Fatima.
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Heartbreaking story. I really feel for the mother.
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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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A sad story with a wonderful ending. Thanks.
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Thank you for taking the time to read my story, Geri!
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