Friday, August 10, 2012

Running Away

Mile after mile she sped down the highway, hoping with each passing town she would be further from the past that has haunted her every waking moment for nearly two decades.  She would be eighteen now, graduating from high school and starting life as an adult. Jenna hoped her daughter would make better choices than she had at that age as she reflected back on those days of drugs, booze and indiscretions which resulted in a life-altering moment as she gave up her first-born child.  

This current upheaval came about the week before when she received a phone call...one that she had dreaded for eighteen years...Mom?

Knowing in her heart of hearts (albeit mistakenly) that this was the best thing she could do for the daughter she abandoned all those years ago, she did what she has always done when her life runs amok, she runs away.

Written for Five Sentence Fiction based on the prompt Distance.

9 comments:

  1. A wonderful piece of writing and the twist at the end caught me by surprise.
    For some people putting distance between themselves and taking responsibility is the only way they survive. In the end though you just have to stop running.

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  2. Such an interesting use of the prompt, Linda. You expressed both physical and emotional distance here.
    Lovely writing.

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  3. For some people, running away from situations seems the best thing. It usually never is though.

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  4. While this story is amazing because of the writing, it's timing is what's really left me with my jaw dropped. A friend of mine JUST found her biological mother. She's meeting her next week.

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  5. The distance is increasing I see. A lot of sad situations written for this week's FSF, but so many nicely done, yours included. Good work!

    Brian

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  6. This blew my mind and broke my heart! Amazing writing, Linda. Truly.

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  7. Nicely done. You pack a whole lot of excellence into your five sentences.

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  8. I really am behind here - it's already Tuesday.

    mjshorts- Thank you! As you say, running is never the answer. Thanks for visiting!

    Jayne- Thank you. I keep forgetting about these great prompts when I am trying to figure out what to write.

    Babs- True, although sometimes it seems easier to run than face the problem.

    Nicky- That is exciting for her. I hope it goes well for them.

    pinionpost- It seems the prompt lends itself well to sad stories. Thanks for visiting!

    Meleah- Many thanks. We are so much more fortunate than my characters.

    Jeff Tsuruoka- Thanks so much, and thanks for stopping by.

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  9. This one packed a punch, Linda! Short and powerful. The ending really caught me off guard. Well done. I love surprises :)

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Hi, thanks for visiting my humble abode. All comments are read and appreciated.