Last week, Su stood in a line overnight, with thousands of others, to receive masks and plastic coverings. Now, to go out was dangerous even deadly.
Warnings were ignored and rumors abounded, but none of that mattered.
Tears fell like rain when Su heard of her closest friend’s passing. She thought she might break as her mother took her last breath. Her body would never rest in their ancestral graves. Yesterday, her father was escorted from home into quarantine.
Su held her brother’s hand and whispered, “Breathe, little one.”
She spoke words she didn’t believe, “We’re going to be okay.”
~~
My heart breaks for those in Wuhan. This story poured onto the page. It is my contribution to “Friday Fictioneers,” a weekly challenge hosted by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff Fields. With the help of a photo prompt to inspire, we’re to write a 100-word story. The photo this week was taken by Ted Strutz.
If you would like to join in with this encouraging group of writers or read their stories from this week,visit HERE.
A timely piece, Brenda. Sometimes speaking words we don’t believe is all we can offer.
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Very true, Neil. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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Mine too. And for those in different parts of the world as they are being targeted and attacked because of the way they look.
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Thanks for reading and commenting, Colline.
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Good topical story. Pandemics have always been with us. I shudder at the human rights abuses that will be cloaked in prevention.
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I shudder as well. I think a lot of people do. Thank you for commenting, Josh.
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Dear Brenda,
Chilling story, particularly in light of current events. Watching the news is something like watching a sci fi movie from the 1970’s. You’ve captured it well.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It is truly like a sci-fi movie. Each day, watching the news out of China and hearing from friends in Hong Kong, I certainly do get a chill. It’s so sad and terrifying for those who are affected. Thank you for commenting, Rochelle.
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It’s tragic that people are dying from coronavirus. I am reassured that there is global co-operation in tackling the outbreak, although, like Josh, I see a potential for human rights abuses. Your story is touching – I hope Su and her brother survive.
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Tragically, the right to health (care) is not a right all Chinese enjoy. Often, if you don’t have the means to get care, you don’t get it. We saw that when living there years ago, and it’s sadly still an issue. Of course, there are other abuses as well. Thank you so much, Penny, for your comments.
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If someone had predicted this a year ago we would have dismissed it as scare-mongering. Sadly they would have been right. A timely tale indeed
Here’s mine!
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Unfortunately, that’s true and very sad. Thank you for reading and commenting, Keith.
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So very timely, Brenda!
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Thank you for commenting, Na’ama!
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🙂
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I wish this was pure fiction 😦
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I really do as well. Unfortunately … Thank you for reading and commenting!
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A lot of the stories from the last couple of weeks (including my own) have reflected the tragedy in China. I just hope they can contain it. Heartbreaking indeed, and a touching story Brenda.
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I was ‘out of the loop’ last week but will definitely go back and read. Yes, I hope as well before too many more lives are lost. Thank you, as always, for reading and commenting, Iain!
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The whole world is praying for China right now. Such sadness and fear around the world. Too too many angels ascending every hour.
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You’re right, and we need to keep praying. Thanks so much for commenting!
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Whoa… this does the prompt proud. A friend took this photo and I liked it knowing some good stories would come. You can see her work here… https://instaology.com/
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Such an interesting photo, one to spark many’s imagination in a variety of ways. Thank you for submitting it and for reading and commenting on mine. =) I’ll check your friend’s other shots.
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Sad indeed, we humans have a lot to learn,
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Oh my, we sure do. Thank you for commenting, Michael.
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it doesn’t look good in the short term, but hopefully we can overcome this pandemic as the others before it.
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That is certainly the hope! I appreciate your comments, Plaridel.
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Well done and reflective of what’s going on today.
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Thank you, Dale. It’s a very sad and somewhat terrifying situation.
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Chillingly topical, Brenda.
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We watch and wait, and hope for the best. Thank you for commenting, Sandra.
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Chillingly real-life. Nicely written.
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Unfortunately, so. I read a BBC article today (from a couple days ago) about a woman living in China. It sounded nearly the same as my story. Heartbreaking! Thank you for commenting, Ali.
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Your compassionate heart speaks loud and clear in your story. Well done.
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Thank you for your kind comment, Linda! =)
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You’re welcome.
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Not many laughs this week, Brenda.
Your story is well-told and heart-rending
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It seems we’re a serious bunch this week. Feeling on the serious side of things. Thanks for commenting!
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You captured the the fear and tragedy so well, Brenda! It’s sad to see that this is fast becoming a reality for far too many people.
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It is indeed heartbreaking to read the news each day and watch the numbers rise. Thank you for commenting!
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We live in a precarious world. “We’re going to be Okay – right?’
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We do indeed and I hope so!
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Very timely and using children at the center of this makes it all the more touching.
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And terriby sad as well. Thank you for reading and commenting, Dawn!
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Heart breaking. Not sure I would want to live under these circumstances, everyone around dying. Well done.
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I’m not sure how I missed your comment (so sorry). It would indeed be terrifying to live under those conditions. Thanks much for reading and commenting!
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A heartbreaking scene. She is very brave!
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She is, as are many I’m sure in this situation today. Thank you for commenting, Fatima! =)
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I’m germaphobic, so this touched me deep in my soul. When somebody sneezes I briskly walk the other way. I’m working with people who are sick. I stand back and sanitize frequently. The funny thing is I don’t get sick very often.
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It’s good to sanitize, for sure!! I know it’s difficult for you being germaphobic, but wonderful you push through that and continue to work with people who are sick.
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I am popping so many vitamins and supplements.
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