I live behind a veil, safe inside my head. I try to disappear; shrink into the shadows, blend in with the walls. When they notice me, I smile when they hurt me and agree when I don’t. I silence their voices by listening to the one who lives with me inside my head. She is kind and never shouts. She takes my hand and leads me to the cozy house we built. The walls are high, they cannot see. We go inside and close the door. Someday, I will be free. Until that time, we will hide inside my head.
~~
This story is my contribution to “Friday Fictioneers,” a weekly writing 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. This week, the intriguing photo was provided by Roger Bultot.
If you would like to join in and write your own story, or if you would like read the stories of others from this week, visit here.
Thank you for stopping by!
Thoughts of a Wanderer 
There’s hope in “Some day I will be free”.
A deeply disturbing situation that you have put across with resigned emotion with your tone in the story.
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I’m glad you heard her voice, James, Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments.
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I like how you used the curtain as a veil
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That’s all I saw. Thanks, Neil, for commenting. 🙂
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Excellent use of the prompt Brenda, well done.
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Thanks so much, Iain, for your encouraging comment!
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Fabulous interpretation of the photo Brenda.
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Thanks so much for the kind comment, Margaret! 🙂
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Great write, Brenda. I like the way your descriptions unfold what she’s thinking and feeling. There can be a contrast of thoughts going on even when they shouldn’t be. A good read … Isadora 😎
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Thanks so much for you very kind comments, Isadora! I’m happy you enjoyed the story.
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The veil is an excellent take; well done, there.
Troubling storyline with a ray of hope to one day be free.
Excellent writing, Brenda.
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Your comments made me smile. Thanks so much! 😊
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A unique take on the prompt. Well done.
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Thanks, Sandra, for your kind comment!
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Disturbing but very well done.
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Thanks so much!
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Dark and different. a great take, Brenda.
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Thanks, Keith, for the encouraging comment. 🙂
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Love how you used the curtain as a veil to the mind. Isn’t going into that cosy house also a kind of freedom? Very unique and insightful take on the prompt.
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It’s true, the house in her mind is a way of escape. Thanks so much for your kind and thoughtful comments. 🙂
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excellent writing. one of the best i’ve read from you.
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Thank you, Plaridel, for giving me a smile to start my day. Your comments are kind and very encouraging.
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Brenda I like how you used the image as a metaphor. Trauma victims who are prisoners probably depend on this technique. Good writing.
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Indeed, it is a coping mechanism, and one used by many of those I’ve worked with over the years. Thank you for your kind comments about the writing of the story. I appreciate it, Lisa!
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You’re very welcome and appreciate you sharing info on trauma.
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Oh gosh, this is tremendously sad. She has found a way to mentally remove herself but at what cost. A beautiful use of the curtain but I’m left bereft and hope she will find true safety soon. A lovely piece.
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Thanks so much, Laurie, for stopping by and for your thoughtful comments.
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Dear Brenda,
Wonderful use of the prompt. How many are living inside their heads? Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I imagine quite a few. Thanks so much, Rochelle, for commenting!
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I wonder if she knows how lucky she is that the voice inside her head is kind?
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That is a good point, Dawn. Thanks for commenting!
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I enjoyed this,
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I’m very glad you enjoyed. Thanks for letting me know, Michael! 😁
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interesting take on the prompt; your writing draws us in to the inner workings of the characters mind and her struggles. Well done.
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Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments!
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This is really sad, but hopeful. I have just discovered “Friday Fictioneers” and it seems quite difficult to achieve a “complete” story in only 100 words. But you did that so well here!
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Thanks so much, Jen. It is quite a challenge but a lot of fun. Welcome to FF!
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