violence against women

PHOTO PROMPT © J Hardy Carroll

As soon as Amy Leigh saw the blindfold, she panicked. Voices collided around her and those tiny bells reverberated in her ear. Yet she allowed her teenage children to tie it around her head. They didn’t mean any harm. She tried focusing on the celebratory voices around her. But all she could hear was his voice. Husky. With bruised lust. Her jaw ached from gritting her teeth against the blood rushing through her body.

Finally, it loosened. Bright sunlight pierced her eyes. She blinked hard and found herself sat in front of a homemade chocolate cake.

“Happy Birthday, Mum!”

99 words

I have not been on the blogging scene for a few weeks. One of those times where life takes you for a spin in its new G-force machine. Looking forward to reconnecting with you all this week!

Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Write a story in 100 words or less. Submit to the link below and join in the literary fun.

Get the Code

PHOTO PROMPT © Sandra Crook

Inside the box were two necklaces. Each bore a pendant of an interwoven tree, delicately crafted, encircled by a ring of gold. Branches reached outwards, wiry roots dug deep into the bottom edge of the circle.

“They’re beautiful.” said Kelly.

“One for each of us.” Leigh fastened a necklace around her sister’s neck. “It’s the tree of life. Wherever you go, you’re always connected to me.”

Then she added with a sad smile, “And to mom and dad.”

Less than two years later Leigh was dead. Her husband imprisoned. Loneliness and grief filling the empty spaces left by the dead.

100 words

Inspired by an excerpt from my untitled WIP novel. Saw the tree and instantly thought of this scene. Modified it for flash fiction. Hope you enjoy it.

Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle. Challenge yourself to write a story in 100 words or less.

Click to read more awesome flash fiction here.