Wiping away tears, Alina stood on tiptoe peering through the pawn shop window at her papa’s beloved chess set. He was gone, the drink had taken him to his grave.
Alina’s mama promised, “Someday, we’ll buy it back.” But, her mama’s broken heart pulled her to the grave soon after.
Winters were brutal. Alina barely made it through. What would mama and papa think of what she had to do to survive?
The dusty old chess set still sat upon the shelf. Standing tall in front of the shop, Alina pressed her forehead against the window as she whispered, “Someday.”
~~
“Friday Fictioneers” is a weekly challenge hosted by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff Fields, to write a story using only 100 words in response to a photo prompt. This week’s photo was provided by Jeff Arnold. For nearly a year now, I have enjoyed starting off my weekend by writing a story. If you would like to join in with this encouraging group of writers or read their stories from this week, clickHERE.
This felt like something from a Dickens novel. Very moving. Liked it.
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High praise indeed. Thanks so much, Sandra. You made me smile!
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sandra, I agree – well said
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Powerful tale, Brenda, expertly crafted.
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Thank you, CE, for your encouraging comment. It means a great deal.
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So sad – and yet something made me think that she will be strong enough to endure and regain her papa’s chess set. Beautifully done, Brenda.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Thank you, Susan. Your encouragement is much appreciated. The chess set reminds her of being loved at one time in her life and gives her hope to persevere. We all need hope.
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Leaves one wondering what she has had to do to survive… Excellent piece Brenda.
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She has very few options to survive. Unfortunately, that is the case for far too many around our globe. Thank you so much, Iain, for your encouragement. I sincerely appreciate it.
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It matters less, perhaps, whether she ever gets the chess set back than that she cherishes that goal
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That is certainly true, the set represents a goal to move towards. It gives her hope. Thank you for reading and commenting.
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I like the way you leave a lot to the imagination – the drink, what she had to do to survive. Well done.
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Thanks so much, Jan! There’s a balancing act between saying too much and leaving some for the imagination. Though, when you only have one-hundred words to work with… =)
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A story waiting to be told here Brenda!!
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That is certainly true, I even have a little girl in mind as it is loosely based on a true story. Thank you for commenting, Marie! 🙂
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Hi Brenda, you’re welcome. Keep us posted on its progress and maybe you’d share it in instalments twice weekly like a soap!
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Felt like a Hans Christian Anderson tale. I hope she gets the set.
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What a wonderful compliment, Stuart. Thanks so much! 🙂
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Touching story. Yes someday she would get the set that is so dear and brings her father’s memory back.
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Thank you! It is meaningful that it’s still there and she can be reminded.
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Very sad, I hope she manages to get back on her feet and gets the chess set back. It’s so important to her I think she’d see getting it back as a symbol of better times to come.
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That’s certainly true, she’s suffered so much to survive and getting it back would mean a great deal. Thank you for commenting! 🙂
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A deep and layered tale well told. Now oddly I would say, forget the chess set. They are there in your heart with you; now move on. (Easy for me to say to your fictional character!)
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Thank you for your kind comment on the writing and for adding your opinion. I appreciate it and we’ll see. 🙂
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I think everyone here is rooting for her to get that chess set back some day. Beautifully set up tale.
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It seems so, and only right. Thanks so much for commenting!
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Very creative take on the prompt. You got me to care about her in so few words. Well done.
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Thank you so much for saying so, that’s a compliment. It’s hard to do in one hundred words only. =)
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And you did very well. 😊
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sandra, I agree – well said
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sorry about the duplicate comment to sandra’s comment —
this was chilling and realistic. Hard times to really bad times – and sigh with sadness to see her looking at the set
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I’m always sad at how many young people live difficult lives on the streets, doing what they can to survive. The chess set gives her a measure of hope. Thank you so much for commenting! =)
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🙂
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Beautiful.
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Thanks so much, Tina. 🙂
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sad story. a pawn to her fate. i’m afraid ‘someday’ might come too late..
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I hope not but it is certainly possible. Thank you for commenting! =)
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This was fabulously done, Brenda. So many layers, a story in 100 words…. I’d even go so far as to say brillliant…
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That is high praise, Dale, thank you so much! =)
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😁 I tell it like it is…
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Dear Brenda,
I wholeheartedly agree with Dale. Brilliant and multilayered. We can only imagine what the poor girl has to do to survive.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your comment is very encouraging, Rochelle, I’m flattered and smiling! It’s true, there are horrific realities out there that I cannot imagine living through. Even when I am told, it seems unreal.
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I hope this is the sad beginning of a girl making it against all odds…
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I love those type endings, but sadly that’s not how many of these stories end. Thank you for commenting!
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One determined girl she is. Someday, she is going to get it. Very well written, Brenda.
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Thank you so much, Priya, for your comment on the writing of the story. She is determined and hope she one day make a life for herself through the dire circumstances she finds herself.
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A very sad piece that really pulled at the heartstrings, beautifully written
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Thank you, Michael, for saying so.
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Beautifully written piece, Brenda. Sad, but hopeful.
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Thanks so much!
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