Dressed in a stunning blue chiffon gown covered in lace, she dances. Her partner holds her close. They float across the marble floor to the uplifting music of the orchestra.
A sudden pain explodes across the back of her neck. She throws a look at her owner whose face is a strange color purple. Bending close, he hisses, “Get back to work!”
She looks down at her stained frock. Reluctantly, she works her needle through the delicate white material. Her eyes narrow as she turns to watch him walk away.
He has taken everything else. He can’t take my dreams.
~~
“Friday Fictioneers” is a weekly challenge by Rochelle Wisoff Fields. The challenge is to write a story, using only 100 words, in response to a photo prompt. This week’s photo was provided by Roger Bultot. Other stories can be found here.
Thoughts of a Wanderer 
A fluent, forceful and dreamy tale of slavery and bullying. Nice one, Brenda.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for your encouragment, Kelvin!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, Brenda.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully and brutally done Brenda, excellent work.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks so much for the encouragment, Iain!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Brenda,
It took me a minute to realize what was going on. After the second read it became brutally apparent She sounds like a determined woman. I hope she can break free from her cruel owner. Well written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Rochelle! She dreams of freedom and has a determined spirit. I met girls like her while working in India. Some do make it out, not all and of course not nearly enough, but some.
LikeLike
A fine story, You left me rooting for her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad! Thank you for commenting, Michael.
LikeLike
Well written powerful piece. For the strong minded not everything can be owned.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very true indeed! Thank you for your encouragement, Irene.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a superbly powerful tale. Take a bow Brenda!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very sweet, thank you!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brutal, but she hasn’t given up. I can think of somewhere else she should stick her needle, then make good her escape.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your suggestion! =) This is a brutal reality for many, it is heartbreaking. But she is determined to keep her dignity and her dreams! Thank you for commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very nicely done. A lot said in a few words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Sandra, for your encouragment! =)
LikeLike
Owner… what a cruel word… sometimes the border between employer and owner is thin… I did think sweat shop, and wonder how it feels to get married in a dress built from tear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
For sure, all good points. Sweatshops are a sad reality (to say the least) in our world. So many of the products we buy are manufactured by laborors living and working in sub-standard conditions. It is a deep and complicated issue. Thanks!
LikeLike
So very well written ,Brenda.
I feel helplessly sad for those girls/ women.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Moon for your encouragement. Sad indeed!
LikeLike
That was a serious punch in the gut. So well done, Brenda.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your encouragment, Dale. Her life is a sad reality for many, unfortunately.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was so startled by the sudden pain on her neck that I had to go back and start again! Really good writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She has her dreams, her owner cannot take that away from her no matter how he abuses her. When writing this post, a specific little girl came to my mind that I knew in India. I can see her face in defiance and determination. Thank you so much for your encouragement!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Really grim and really ‘like’ the way that the story is framed within such beautiful and delicate images.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The life of a child laborer is indeed grim. Thank you for your encouragement on my writing. I am new to this and am enjoying this medium of communicating and creating.
LikeLike
Brenda, you have a tender heart. Great realistic story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Dan, for your encouragement and kind words! =)
LikeLike
As beautifully crafted as the lace, this is painfully excellent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for your encouraging words! =)
LikeLike
Great ending twist, Brenda. Everyone needs to dream sometimes. She has little else. Good writing. —- Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Suzanne! =)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Powerful one Brenda..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your encouragement! =)
LikeLiked by 1 person
You lulled me into a false sense of security with your opening words, making the blow across her neck doubly brutal.
While this powerful story obviously applies to sweatshop labour in the clothing industry (and well done for highlighting the issue), it could also be an allegory for life as most people experience it. We all receive unexpected blows of fate, and we all need our dreams – and we all have the possibility of escape and freedom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is very true, I hadn’t thought of it in those terms. Thank you for pointing that out. Life has it’s beautiful moments, and then there are at times some shockingly difficult moments mixed in. I hope not too many though, Penny. Take care and thanks for commenting!
LikeLike