Abandoned as a baby, Meili spent her first years inside the walls of a dark sunless orphanage.
At the age of five, she stood with her toes to the edge of a coy pond near her new home. She searched for the flowers that had not yet risen. The ones that grew in the dark below the murky waters. She waited until a beautiful lotus flower broke the surface and absorbed its first rays of the sun. Looking up at her parents, Meili warmed at the love she saw in their eyes and their radiant smiles beaming down on her.
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Meili (美丽) means beautiful. This story 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. It’s ‘easier said than done’ but a lot of fun! The photo this week was provided by David Stewart.
If you would like to join in with this encouraging group of writers or read their stories from this week, visit HERE
Thoughts of a Wanderer 
That’s such a sunny, optimistic tale of new life and new possibilities!
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Thanks so much. I’m glad you enjoyed the story! 🙂
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This one is a tear-jerker. I like how she connected herself with the beautiful flower that had been in the dark for so long ❤
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I’m happy you saw the connection. That’s what I was going for. Thank you for your nice comment! 🙂
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You are very welcome. My pleasure.
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Blooming lovely 😉
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Haha … love it! I’m happy you enjoyed. 🙂
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You make it look easy Brenda!
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Hi there, Marie! I’m not sure why but your comment went to ‘spam.’ Thank you so much for your sweet comment!! 🙂
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A glich Brenda with WP, Hugh at Hughsviewsandnews posted a helpful piece on that problem. Hope you are doing ok, staying safe in France.
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I’ll certainly take a look at that. Thanks a lot. I hope you are staying well and safe.
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We are Brenda, thank you, blessed with great weather and lots of countryside around us! Waiting now to see how recent easing of some lockdown restrictions might impact infection rates. Town and supermarkets today were too busy for my liking and any proper social distancing!
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Thank you for letting me know how you are! We walked to the store today and hauled groceries home so we can stay in a while again. The store was crowded for my husband (who goes in and shops and we wait outside). We pack up and walk home together. It’s a beautiful day here today, the sky so blue and clear. I miss getting out but know this will pass and we need to stay safe for the time being. Take care, stay safe! =)
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I’m glad to know you are doing all you can to stay safe Brenda, all wise choices. Stores too crowded here too. Hopefully people will use common sense now and we won’t see second waves. Xx
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Heartwarming story. Enjoyed it.
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I’m very glad you enjoyed! Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
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I’m glad she ended up with a beautiful life. I wish all kids did.
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She did … and me too! Thanks, Tannille. 🙂
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I loved the image of the flower rising from the dark
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I’m very glad! Thanks for your lovely comment, Neil. 🙂
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Great positive vibes from this. Nicely done!
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Thanks so much for the kind comment! 🙂
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from darkness to light, she has risen like the lotus. great story.
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She has indeed. Thank you for your kind comment!
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What a great analogy! And a reminder that good and beautiful things do come from even the darkest places. Thanks, Brenda!
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They do indeed. I so appreciate your kind comments, Ann.
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What a beautiful outcome for Meili. Lovely story, Brenda.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Thanks so much, Susan!
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This was gorgeous and so full of hope. Of course, the real stories of adoptees are rarely quite that simple and they almost all have ups and downs, but the moments of awe and rapture are still important to celebrate. Nicely done!
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Thank you, Na’ama, for your kind and understanding comments. I agree, the “real” is not so nice and neat, so those moments are important to celebrate and remember. 🙂
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🙂
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Dear Brenda,
A beautiful story that leaves this reader hopeful and smiling.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m so happy to make you smile, Rochelle. Thank you for your kind comment. 🙂
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What a sweet, uplifting tale, Brenda.
I suspect it might not be truly fictional.
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Indeed, not completely fiction. I’m very glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
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She’s going to be just like the lotus 🙂
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Yes, she is!! 🙂
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An optimistic, hopeful story. How wonderful that she has been adopted by loving parents.
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It was wonderful! 🙂 Thank you, Penny.
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That’s meili!
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Yes, it is!! 😀
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With a name like that, I hope the rest of her life be better than it began with that dark orphanage
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Yes, I hope as well. It’s off to a good start. Thanks, Bjorn!
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This was so beautiful, Brenda. A happy ending for that child.
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Thank you very much, Dale! 🙂
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