Friday Fictioneers is a weekly challenge to write a complete story in 100 words or less based on a photo prompt. Thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting this challenge and Ronda Del Boccio for this week’s prompt.
Amy had one wish…solitude.
Her hectic life kept her busy morning to night.
Always doing something for everyone else, never herself.
She often dreamed of running away, someplace quiet, and peaceful.
Taos sounded nice.
The speeding car came out of nowhere.
Everyone said Amy was lucky to be alive.
Quietly they whispered, she might not be so lucky after all.
What kind of life was it to exist on a breathing tube, paralyzed from the neck down?
Through the small space between the planters on her window sill, Amy silently watched the world go by.
Wishing for anything but solitude.
Redbuds and Roserocks 
Sad. Let her spirit grow as tall as the grass.
Thanks James. I’m glad you liked it
Oh, that’s so sad! Poignant take on the photo prompt.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thanks Susan. I’m glad you liked it
So tragic. I like the opposing first and last lines.
Thank you. The contrast between wishes is what i hoped to achieve
Who knows what tomorrow brings? A sorry tale indeed.
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So true Keith. Often we get caught up in day-to-day problems that we lose sight of what is important. Every day is precious and we should appreciate it to the fullest
It is in times of tragedy that friends can make the most difference. I hope hers bring her to Taos.
If you permit a comment from my brief experience in the world of “permanent” Disabilities: I know what you portray is a real thought, this idea of it being a lesser life, when one is permanently disabled.
I know it actually does pass through the minds of people who are “typical”( both in the usual sense and in the specialized sense, of not being disabled in any real way, yourself).
But, understandably, some people with disabilities and those who love them consider such thinking an existential threat.
I hope that your character and her friends will push beyond this pre-judging, this prejudice, and come to realize all types of lives can be fulfilling and valuable.
I appreciate your comments and shared experience. In my story, Amy’s condition is still in the early stage. But there was also a part of me considered what life would be like if her support vanished with her capabilities. A good support system is essential to healing and recovery. But what if she lost that as well?
You are so gracious to accept my inappropriate and no doubt impolite sermonizing. I am still quite conflicted and trying to figure out my own position. It was a lovely story.
Your comments were nothing of the sort. I take it as a complement that you responded and engaged with the story with your own personal experiences. I truly appreciate them.
It would be very hard to understand the WHY of such a tragic event. Well-written.
Thank you Linda. Trying to understand why would be difficult indeed.
Oh that was so sad! Talk about being careful what you wish for..
Spending too much time wishing for what you don’t have is never a good thing. Best to enjoy what you do have. Thanks for commenting Dale.
Darn tootin’!
Dear Susan,
Breathtakingly tragic. I’m sure that wasn’t the kind of solitude Amy wished for. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
No, it wasn’t what she wanted at all. Thanks Rochelle.
Maybe start by having Amy move alongside a window from where she can see more of the world. Unlike the curious, isolated child in another story I have just commented on, I think Amy could use a bigger clearer view. I can imagine a full story here and hopefully some improvement in Amy’s condition, eased and maybe facilitated by the inspiration of a wider vista.
Thanks for your comments Jilly. I agree that a wider view of life is necessary. Not just for those who are disabled.
Your story emphasises that we should be grateful for a life packed with service to others, even when that feels irksome. However, if we can cultivate an approach of seeking joy in every experience, then irksome service can be a joy, and we might even find joy in what we can still achieve by our wisdom in extreme adversity. Amy’s not finished with yet!
Thank you for your comments Penny. I agree that we should work toward finding the good in everything, but also we should take care of ourselves as we do others. That was Amy’s mistake.
Accidents happen. It is courage to live on that is more important. You painted it well.
Thank you.
This was a story with real pathos. Many will desire solitude at some point. But being truly alone can be devastating.
Yes Michael, there is a big difference between alone and loneliness. Thanks for commenting.
Poignant.
Thank you Lisa.