That time again, and this time, I'm shutting the blog for the whole month of April, so have fabulous holidays, stay safe in the cyclone and enjoy all the Easter festivities.
Be nice, be kind and make this broken world a better place.
I wrote a little story, for a competition called In Print. It's a little funny and bleak at the same time.
The link will stay open for the whole month, and I'll look at the stories when I get back, so please don't think I'm ignoring your efforts.
Add a story in the comments, either in 100 words exactly or one less than 30 words. Then link your blog.
My story (no offense to anyone from small towns, I'm sure a lot has changed, just as the exodus to London is no longer the rite of passage for Aussie teens) I was just toying with an idea, and you know me, somebody has to be the bad guy:
She had left town and said her goodbyes. She was leaving nothing to chance. She'd got the train to the city and stayed overnight in a cheap hostel, to be ready for the airport the next day. Her time had come. No more hiding herself behind small town values. No more listening to the ignorant views and homophobic rants but saying nothing. She was on her way to freedom, where nobody knew her. She handed the attendant her boarding pass and smiled. The woman gave her a wink and grinned as she returned the paper. She wondered if everyone could already tell? In London, she could be proud of who she was. Out and proud and happy.
Have a wonderful April. I'll be off all SM except possibly Insta, hopefully I'll have some pretty pictures for you all, so swing by if you miss me (hahaha!)
I'll post my son's instead (he was 10 when he wrote this):
ReplyDeleteAfter days and days of hard, sweaty labour, days of trekking through hell, they had arrived. The glistening waters and the enchanting sunset took their breath away. The ruins of an ancient temple stood on a mossy ledge. They wasted no time with words and ran towards the sunset, in to the waters. Playing on the beach, swimming in the crystal clear waters, and admiring the breathtaking scenery…
“If only it could be like this forever,” he thought. “But for now…” He went to join his companions, just being happy, without a care in the world. And as night fell, the shimmering moonlight reflected off the glistening waters and for once, paradise was an understatement.
(His blog is http://xtremeofiles.blogspot.hk/ - but it's not consistently updated, though.)
How lovely!! I wish I was there now!
DeleteEnjoy your April off! And no offense taken - I like living in a small town and wish it would stay that way. Too many people give me anxiety. ;D
ReplyDeleteHappy April break! I like your tale too!
ReplyDeleteI've just listened to the new podcast S-Town about a small town in Alabama. This could have totally been an epilogue to that, except the main character was a man. Have an amazing April, see you on the other side!
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting (or depressing - I'm having a detox while away because I find the loathing in the world is getting to me). I want to write a story about spagetti on trees now...;) Enjoy your trip too. Treasure the time with your mum.
DeleteI love your story, Lydia. Hope you win the competition. Love this one, too.
ReplyDeleteMine is silly but semi-true:
"Men!" Barbara thought, angrily scraping plates while Don sat.
"I'm coming back as a man so I can be waited on," she thought.
Barbara recalled working. All day she'd served food, then again at home. Don had retired. What about her? She bristled, slamming the dishwasher shut.
"White with two!" came Don's cheeky order.
"Coming up!" Barbara smiled.
She marched to the living room door, dropped her pants and mooned him. Her backside was white with two cheeks, she reasoned.
Don bellowed with laughter after he got the joke. Then she sat while HE made her a cup of tea.
Love that they're happy...sweet!
DeleteHad I written that story she would have put rat poison in it...;)
DeleteOh, how this has given me a smile tonight Ness! :D
DeleteLove it! Nothing like a London adventure to change your life. Enjoy your break!
ReplyDeleteHave a great break!! Look forward to seeing photos.
ReplyDeleteMy quick try at the 29 word thing:
“Ouch” she screamed as the door slammed on her acrylic, leaving a jagged red nail on her middle finger. “All the better to flip you with”, she yelled defiantly.
Love this!!(said no mother of a teenager ever ;) Made me laugh out loud...
DeleteI like that story! Hope you enjoy your time off Lydia!
ReplyDeleteHave a great holiday! I'm originally from a very small town.... I'm yearning to get back to one actually!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely break and I shall see you when you are back!! Cheers, D.x
ReplyDeleteIsn't it a shame that some people have to move a world away to freely be themselves. Have a fabulous April and see you in May x
ReplyDeleteThat comment resonated with me. It's sad but also such a great feeling to be able to be free of those expectations.
DeleteAll the best for April, hope you get a nice break!
ReplyDelete