A small story of children trying to understand the adult world, written to a picture prompt at Friday Fictioneers.
He held tight to her hand, his small head tilted back. “Does Mom really live way up there?”
“That’s what the newspaper said.”
“I’d like to live high up where nobody could yell at me.”
“If you lived up there, she’d probably yell at you.”
After a moment he asked, “Did she yell at you when she lived with us?”
“Well, she mostly yelled at Dad. Don’t you remember?”
He shook his head.
“Good,” she said firmly, “it’s better if you don’t.”
“I think Dad remembers.”
“He tries hard not to. So don’t mind if he yells at us sometimes.”
If you’d like to join the fun, write your own story (no more than 100 words!) and post it on your blog, website, media page, whatever. Then click on the New Year’s froggie and enter the link to it. Then read everyone else’s! We want to know what you think.
Genie in a Box: Words and thoughts from Eugenia Parrish, Author 
This tugs at the heartstrings. Great use of dialogue to tell the story.
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Thank you! I often seem to “hear” a story in the characters’ dialogue.
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You’re welcome.
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Gosh this is hard to read.
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I really appreciate you reading it anyway. If it touched you, I’m touched.
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but soon they grow up and the cycle repeats itself. 🙂
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I hope talking and telling stories will help increase awareness. Cycles can be broken. Thanks for reading it!
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Children know more than we think. At least they have each other!
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Yes, thinking of them together was what made me write it. Thanks for picking up on that.
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Sweet but a little sad, thinking about their situation.
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It is sad. Some kids have to grow up faster than others. Thanks for reading my story.
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Children carrying the burdens of caretakers.
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Some do have to grow up sooner than others. Thank you for the comment.
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A touching and heart wrenching story. Unfortunately a reality for many children. Beautifully written Eugenia.
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Thank you so much! I’m not sure why I instantly thought of kids looking up. Then the rest just came.
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Beautiful and poignant. I love what you did, Eugenia.
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Thanks, Dale. I appreciate that.
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I enjoyed reading this, though I fear for the children
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Thank you, Michael. I know, we all fear for the children, all the time. Writers try to help, don’t they?
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Dear Genia,
Touching and poignant piece. From the mouths of babes. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you, Rochelle. Once again, I have no idea where it came from.
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The older child has a forgiving logic, but it does justify the chain of abuse
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Yes, she may need a little maturity too, or at least a little help, to break the chain. Children can’t always see that it’s a chain.
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