This is my response to the Friday Fictioneers prompt for November 7. The challenge is to write a 100-word story inspired by the photo prompt. Play along by writing your own, reading others and/or commenting on the flashes we fictioneers create. The photo prompt this week comes from Jean L. Hays. My piece this week weighs in at exactly 100 words.
Copyright Jean L. Hays
Mobile Home
“I just want to go home.” Bobby began to cry. At first, living in the car had been an adventure. He’d even gotten to eat McDonald’s fries two days in a row. Today, there hadn’t been anything to eat, and the car was cold. He held up his stuffed monkey. “Jazz wants to go home too.”
Mommy tucked a blanket around Bobby. “This is home now. Let’s be thankful for what we have.” He saw a tear slide down her cheek.
“We still have each other, right, Mommy?” The boy wrapped his arms around her neck and held her tight.
Hard times ahead, I fear. I felt for the poor boy.
Yes, I wish I could say this was entirely fictitious, with no basis whatsoever in reality.
Thanks for reading, Sandra.
Marie Gail
So sad, and a reality for too many, I’m afraid.
Far too many, David. One of my dear friends, Father Matthew Ruhl, worked with Catholic Charities to raise funds to put a dent in poverty in the U.S., and he is now working toward the same end in Belize. Sadly, my state reelected a governor last night who seems bent on making things worse for people like the little boy in my story.
Thanks for reading. Keep the faith!
Marie Gail
I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what effects this election has. Hopefully they’ll be positive, but I’m not overly optimistic.
Me neither, but the truth is that here in Kansas nothing really changed. And the close nature of all the important races indicates that people aren’t exceptionally happy with the way things are. I hope (although I’m uncertain) that means the powers that be will begin thinking more circumspectly before acting. I’m guessing that the next 2 years will be one of many petition-signings and calls to my legislators for me.
Oh, really sad. And a moment really well caught and described.
Claire
Thanks, Claire. Life is so much better for me these days than it was nearly 3 years ago when we lost our home. Fortunately, I did not have a young child, and we never had to spend a night on the street. However, the experience certainly opened up my eyes even farther to the plight of those who, through no fault of their own, end up in these situations.
All my best,
Marie Gail
So sad.. and alas too true.. and there are even worse living conditions out there…
Yes, there are. Thanks for reading and commenting, Bjorn.
All my best,
Marie Gail
I feel you MG. I am so deflated by the election results I could barely write anything today. It’s maddening and your story helps drive that home.
And yet there is hope, Dawn. Never lose that–I don’t think our little Bobby has.
All my best,
Marie Gail
And here in the UK too poverty and homelessness get worse. And the politicians thrash around like crazy and make empty promises to get re-elected
Thanks for reading and commenting, Patrick. Over coffee with a new friend this morning, I was reminded that the awareness is often the “good thing” that comes when all seems to be going south. Let’s keep raising it!
All my best,
Marie Gail
Heart wrenching. Great writing.
Thanks so much, Susan.
Good story – in its own said way. Well told in a few words.
Thanks so much, Alicia. One of these days I need to try my hand at humor . . . although I’m not sure how well that would work.
All my best,
Marie Gail
To ‘have each other’ is usually more important than anything else. I like the way the positive mood moves from one to the other.
Ellespeth
Thanks, Ellespeth. There is always hope, even in the darkest of times–to paraphrase a particular wizard of Hogwarts fame.
All my best,
Marie Gail
Very sweet, touching story. Well done!
Thanks, Perry. I need to attempt humor soon to keep readers from overwhelming local psychiatrists in the next few weeks, but I seem to do a bit better at the sad tales.
All my best,
Marie Gail
Dear Marie Gail,
A bittersweet story. Too real for comfort. Good use of the prompt.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Want to get comfortable? Time to read someone else’s blog. Just kidding (sort of). Thanks so much for the compliment. Sometimes it is good to get a little uncomfortable, otherwise we wouldn’t reach our full potentials.
Peace,
Marie Gail
Dear Marie,
That’s one of the better things about living in Hawaii. The car doesn’t get as cold as it does in the midwest. A heart wrenching story, well told.
Aloha,
Doug
There are climates that would make living in a car a bit more convenient, but that life isn’t one most people would choose. Thanks so much for reading. I’m glad you liked it.
All my best,
Marie Gail
Sad, but true for so many! How about a new writing challenge? Please visit Mondays Finish the Story and check it out! ^..^
Thanks for popping in and reading. I checked out your page the last time you mentioned the challenge. Things are pretty busy for me these days as I actively launch my web content writing business, but I’ll keep it in mind.
All my best,
Marie Gail
Thanks for your comment Marie! If you need a break and want to have some fun, then do take a moment to participate! Hugs and be well!
Very touching and well written, it is a sad reality for too many families all over the world.
Thanks, Snow. Yes, it is a sad plight, but there is always hope.
All my best,
Marie Gail
Great true and sad story of our times.
Then the locals pass laws that they can’t sleep even in their cars – or parks, or under bridges.
Sweep them away. Make them disappear.
Until the locals start to lose their jobs and homes. But by then it’s too late for them
Randy
Thanks for weighing in, Randy. I liked the solution that Utah came up with. They provide free studio apartments to the homeless. It actually saves the state thousands of dollars.
Marie Gail
I glad to hear that there’s some sanity somewhere.
And someone needs to get some media play on this alternative solution.
Randy
Here’s a link from a reliable source: http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/09/22/home-free.
Marie Gail, this is really beautiful, so touching. You did it so simply, without melodrama or over telling the story. Just perfect.
What high praise! I’m flattered, Dawn. Thanks so much for stopping long enough to read and comment.
Marie Gail
I always love checking out your stories, MG. 🙂
Ouch, right in the feels. Well written.
KT
Thanks so much!
Marie Gail
Oh … this short story is POWERFUL.
Thanks so much, Mike.
Dear Marie Gail, I love the “Mobile Home” angle – so clever and well done! This is such a sweet story! Nan 🙂
I owe my “editors” a thanks for the title this week, Nan. I came up with it but only by inspiration after the first version, with a much worse working title, fell flat.
All my best,
Marie Gail
Nicely captured.
Thank you, Mr. Binks.
All my best,
Marie Gail
A tragic situation. You’ve shown the tragedy well through Bobby’s eyes.
Thank you, Margaret. The world is so big, new, exciting and scary to little ones, isn’t it?
Marie Gail
From the mouths of babes…. Deeply heart wrenching. (And, excellent play with the words on the title.)
Thanks so much, Leona. I just couldn’t shake this story idea once I saw the week’s prompt.
Marie Gail
Marie Gail, It’s a horrible fact that the poor and homeless have become nearyly invisible in wealthy western countries and that this story is so realistic these days. Well written as usual. — Susan
Thanks, Susan. It’s always nice to have you along for the ride.
Marie Gail
I met a couple a few years ago who were living in an old station wagon on the bank of the river. They had a toddler who was just learning to walk. Neither Mom or Dad seemed too bright. I worried that the child might wander off into the river and drown. I hadn’t thought of them in a long time until I read this story. Nicely written, Marie Gail.
Thanks for commenting, Russell. I’m glad the story resonated with you. I remember hearing a story on NPR about a mother who was living in a car in Washington, D.C. with two young boys. It’s a sad reality for sure.
Marie Gail