Before her mother died, she said to Jyothi, “It is not safe. You must hide. If no one sees you, you don’t exist.”
Living on the streets, Jyothi learned to acquire what she needed without being seen. Abandoned alleyways. Cardboard houses. Trash bin meals.
Sitting in a doorway one bright sunny day, loneliness squeezed her chest.
Jyothi cried out-loud, “If I do not exist, what is the point?”
A shadowy form blocked the sun as a man stood before her. His voice sounded, deep and low. “I see you.” He reached out his hand. “And, I can help you.”
~~
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. The photo this week was provided by Sarah Potter.
If you would like to join in with this encouraging group of writers or read their stories from this week, visit here.
Thank you for stopping by. Stay safe, stay well!
Thoughts of a Wanderer 
I’m in two minds about this mysterious stranger…
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I’m glad to keep you guessing! Unfortunately, it could go either way.
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To be seen is to be human
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Exactly!
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This could go either way…
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Unfortunately, it could. Thank you for stopping by! 🙂
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Oooh, I’m not sure I would trust him, there will be some conditions attached!
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Sadly, that is often the case. I hope you and your family have a nice weekend, Iain! 🙂
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never trust a stranger.
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Very true. But, isn’t it sad how careful people have to be nowadays. Thank you for stopping by, Plaridel! 🙂
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Hmmm knight in shining armour or serial killer or pimp or supernatural… This is like chose your own ending! Fun B.
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True, it is up to the reader. Thank you for commenting!
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Intriguing tale! 👍
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Thanks so much, Ramya!
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Oh my goodness, that left me worried for her. I hope he’s the real deal! Great take on the photo prompt, Brenda.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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I’ll relieve your worry, Susan. The story is loosely based on a true one and the man was the real deal. Thank you so much for stopping by!
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Hopefully her mothers words leave her with the showing up of this stranger.
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Very true, Evad. Thank you for stopping by!
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Dear Brenda,
A shadowy story. Hopefully the appearance of the stranger is a good thing. It’s one thing to not be seen, but to live in the streets and alleyways seems a terrible way to live. Well written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have to say, this story is loosely based on a true one from our time working in India. My husband received a note from a “Jyothi” thanking him for seeing her. It’s heartbreaking how many children live on the streets and the dangers they face every day. Anyway, thank you for your thoughtful comment. Take care!
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Yep, sometimes you just have to reach out and ask for help. Trust in the kindness of strangers and your instincts.
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That’s very true, James. Thank you for stopping by!
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Invisible is no way to live. I hope the mysterious stranger is sincere in his offer to help.
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It is certainly a sad way to live, but sadly there are far too many where it is a reality. Thank you so much for commenting!
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Not to be seen can be so bad, but to be seen by the wrong person is dangerous. It is a dilemma for far to many.
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It certainly is, all over the world. Thank you for commenting!!
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Oh! Now we need to hope that he is a positive apparition and not a negative one! I like this.
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Thank you so much, Dale. I’m glad you enjoyed the story!
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Good story Brenda. I’m not sure whether he’s a creep or to be grateful for his help.
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Thank you so much for commenting. Have a nice week ahead!
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You as well Brenda!
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i take it as a happy ending! providence!
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Thank you so much, Wi, for stopping by. Providence is alway good!
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I hope this turns out well. Despite our cynicism, there are still good people out there. She can’t live in the shadows forever.
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There certainly are still good people, Russell. Thank you for stopping by. =)
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I like the rescue at the end.
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Thank you much for reading and commenting! =)
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Ooooo I’m actually worried about this stranger. Are they up to good or bad, I can’t tell. You’ve left me thinking !
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I’m glad to leave you thinking, Laurie! Thanks so much for saying so. =)
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Very good! It makes me wonder if her luck just got better or worse. And it certainly makes me want to read on!
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Oh, I’m so happy to hear that you want to read on! Thank you so much, Ann. =)
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We need a bit of happiness right now, so I reckon the stranger is a good guy!
My yarn!
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He is! Thanks for stopping by, Keith, and take care. =)
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Hopefully he genuinely wants to help her because to hide away forever will kill her.
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I find it incredibly sad to think about the numbers of those who live on the streets world-wide, simply way to many. But, for this little girl, she has found someone who wants to help. Thank you for stopping by, Michael.
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Sad yet scary at the same time.
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Thanks for reading and commenting! The streets are a scary place, for sure.
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You are welcome, Brenda.
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Aww that was a beautiful, heart-warming ending.
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Thanks so much, Sandra!
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