She was surprised her mother had said she’d take her tomorrow. Plagued with social anxiety, her mother never went out. But, she said she would.
Megan picked out her red and green snowflake hat and gloves. She wanted christmas written all over her in the photographs mother would take.
Morning dawn peeked through the curtains. Megan had butterflies in her stomach from anticipation.
She smelled coffee.
Mother was up.
She ran downstairs.
“Mother, what time are we leaving to see the tree at Rockefeller Center?”
Without turning she sulkily said, “Not today, Megan, maybe tomorrow.”
2016©Isadora De La Vega
Genre: Flash Fiction
Word Count: 100
Rochelle hosts the Friday Fictioneers challenge
to join in click here
to read other entries click froggy button
~~~~~
*****Social anxiety disorder also called social phobia involves overwhelming worry and self-consciousness about everyday social situations. The worry often centers on a fear of being judged by others, or behaving in a way that might cause embarrassment or lead to ridicule.
Anxiety disorders can cause such distress that it interferes with your ability to lead a normal life.This type of disorder is a serious mental illness. For people who have one, worry and fear are constant and overwhelming, and can be disabling. But with treatment, many people can manage those feelings and get back to a fulfilling life. info:web md
For Online Support Group: Anxiety and Depression Association
December 13, 2016 at 9:30 pm
How sad it must be to be disappointed all the time… maybe one day she will understand.
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December 14, 2016 at 6:34 am
Children are resilient but disappointments linger into adulthood.
Thank you for commenting, Bjorn. It’s nice to see you here.
Isadora 😎
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December 13, 2016 at 5:43 pm
Well expressed in 100 words. It’s hard to come over this sickness but not impossible.
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December 14, 2016 at 6:32 am
There are new research medications that seem to help some people.
I wish they had had them years ago. My mother may have benefited.
I’m pleased you enjoyed this story, Indira. Thank you for visiting and commenting.
Isadora 😎
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December 14, 2016 at 8:58 am
Feeling sorry for your mother dear. You wrote beautifully.
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December 15, 2016 at 8:55 am
She has been gone for 12 years now. I was unaware until after she passed what her condition was. Thank you for you rkind words, Indira. I hope the story helps someone to realize they may be suffering from this terrible paralyzing condition.
Isadora 😎
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December 13, 2016 at 12:35 pm
I’ve heard of that terrible problem. Those people do need help as you say. Good writing, Isadora. —- Suzanne
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December 13, 2016 at 12:54 pm
I think more people are going to begin to develop this problem due to online social media.
They are fixated on computer socialization. It would be a sad thing if it happens.
Glad you enjoyed the story, Suzanne, I appreciate your stopping by.
Isadora 😎
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December 13, 2016 at 1:54 am
Its one thing to not be able to muster the courage to do these things, its another to give your child false hopes! Shame on her!
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December 13, 2016 at 12:56 pm
The children are the ones who suffer the most. It isn’t something they can understand at a young age.
Tragic, for sure. Thank you for stopping by, Dawn. I always appreciate your comments.
Isadora 😎
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December 11, 2016 at 6:51 pm
I think I felt as disappointed as Megan did! I was a little confused as to who Dawn is? We don’t really know that… or should we? Anyway, great tension building and story telling.
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December 11, 2016 at 7:49 pm
Oh my, I was referring to the break of dawn as in morning arriving. MMMMmmm …. I can see the confusion when I went back to read it.
I may have to change that. I have to figure it out to keep within the word count. Thanks for pointing that out, Dawn.
It wasn’t you peeking – was it? 😄
I’m pleased you could sympathize with Megan’s disappointment. I did too. Thanks for popping by.
Isadora 😎
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December 11, 2016 at 10:18 pm
morning dawn is not capitalized, only the name. It’s an easy change that doesn’t require any more words. 😉
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December 12, 2016 at 9:14 am
Yes, Dawn, it was an easy fix. It flow better too. Thank you for your guidance with this line.
I appreciate it very much. Have a wonderful week.
Isadora 😎
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December 10, 2016 at 12:50 pm
Aw. Expertly portrayed, Isadora!
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December 10, 2016 at 9:11 pm
Thank you, Tom. I try … I try.
Isadora 😎
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December 10, 2016 at 11:19 am
You conveyed the little scene really well – the girl’s excitement and disappointment. And I absolutely believe mum would feel up to going out one day then feel incapable of going through with it. A well told tale, Isadora
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December 10, 2016 at 9:14 pm
I enjoyed reading, Lynn. You’re right her mother has up and down days. Maybe, eventually, she can fulfill
the dream the child is longing for: her presence. Thank you for stopping by and visiting.
Isadora 😎
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December 11, 2016 at 5:20 pm
My pleasure 🙂
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December 10, 2016 at 4:52 am
I’m not a people person, yet I seem to light up when there’s a crowd around. Of course, I work in TV, so maybe that’s why … I just turn it on when it’s needed.
Social anxiety disorder can be brutal. It’s tough, I’m sure.
Nice work, Iz. 🙂
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December 10, 2016 at 9:27 am
I think we can all have a little apprehension when entering a situation that’s unfamilair to us.
Anxiety seems to amplify those feelings. Sadly, when it’s a parent it can affect the child in many ways.
The incident is fiction but the story is based on my mother’s illness. I’m happy you enjoyed the story. Thank you,
Iz 😎
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December 10, 2016 at 8:58 pm
You are MOST welcome.
Oh, and incidentally …
Rochelle y yo son primos que hablan español … especialmente cuando hay personas que hacen estrés para nosotros. Lo sé de tus conversaciones en español también. 😉
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December 10, 2016 at 9:24 pm
HA HA … como es la vida. Es un mundo muy pequeño. Su prima es una maravilla. Tiene tanto talento y es muy humorosa.
Yo no tengo con quien hablar español. Toda mi familia no estan vivos. Las dos hemos empezado a escribir espanol para practicar.
Estoy agradecida por todo el apoyo que me has dado.
Gracias
Isadora 😎
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December 10, 2016 at 9:34 pm
De nada y gracias por los comentarios. Mi abuela nació en Mexico y tengo familia allí, sin embargo, no saben que existamos.
¿Es español tu primera lengua? Ese es mi secunda.
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December 10, 2016 at 9:58 pm
Soy nacida en Brooklyn, New York. Espanol es mi segunda lengua. No podia hablar espanol afuera. Solo en la casa con mi mama y abuela. Mi papa queria que sus hijos seran Americanos nadamas. Mi mama no estaba de aquerdo. Ahora es que ha llegado a apreciar el lenguaje.
Es in placer coconerlo 😎
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December 10, 2016 at 11:12 pm
Eres una boricua, mexicana, Centro Americana, o cual?
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December 11, 2016 at 6:25 pm
75% boricua 25% francesa de parte de mi madre … 😎
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December 11, 2016 at 6:29 pm
Sweet! Es un placer a conocerte igualmente.
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December 11, 2016 at 7:41 pm
😎
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December 13, 2016 at 12:00 pm
Sonrisa aquí. You entiendo casi todo. 😀
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December 10, 2016 at 12:36 am
Ouch!! Is exactly what I was thinking “Megan picked out her red and green snowflake hat and gloves” says so much about her anticipation. Then the let down. Well done.
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December 10, 2016 at 9:24 am
Yes, a big disappointment when the magic of Christmas lurks everywhere and you want to be a part of it.
The incident is fiction but the story is based on my mother’s illness. I’m happy you enjoyed the story. Thank you,
Isadora 😎
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December 10, 2016 at 12:18 am
Such a sweet and tragic story. I really hope the child’s desire to go see the tree can be a positive and help the mother overcome her anxiety. Great piece.
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December 10, 2016 at 9:21 am
Good to see you visiting here again, Iain. The intocence of children is what I wanted to showcase in the story.
Sadly, children aren’t aware that this is a disease until they grow up and realize how different life was for them.
Disappoinments for both in the story as people with anxiety suffer greatly from the illness and the disease.
The story is fiction but based on my mother’s illness. I’m happy you enjoyed the story. Thank you,
Isadora 😎
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December 9, 2016 at 11:20 pm
You describe both so well, the mother’s pain and the child’s anticipation and disappointment.
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December 10, 2016 at 9:16 am
An innocent child who hopes for more but has a sick mother whose paralyzed with fear.
Sadly, it happens more and more everyday. Thank you for visiting and commenting.
Isadora 😎
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December 9, 2016 at 10:24 pm
You built up the child’s anticipation beautifully and showcased how anxiety touches the people around those that suffer with it.
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December 10, 2016 at 9:10 am
I appreciate your wonderful insight in my writing. Thank you for visiting and commenting.
Isadora 😎
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December 9, 2016 at 6:06 pm
I feel deeply for both of them.
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December 10, 2016 at 9:08 am
A difficult situation for both as the mother is affecting the daughter.
Thank you for visiting.
Isadora 😎
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December 9, 2016 at 4:19 pm
I love the way you’ve written this and how the immense sense of disappointment comes through by implication not telling. Great
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December 9, 2016 at 5:05 pm
Thank you so very much, Michael, for your kind comment. It was my desire to write it
in that way. I’m pleased you liked it.
Isadora 😎
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December 9, 2016 at 2:06 pm
Querida Isadora,
I felt poor Megan’s disappointment. I also felt for her mother. Having dealt with the disorder for a short time myself. Mine was a side effect from a drug, but very real and horrific. I could barely function at work. One memorable occasion was when my eldest son wanted to go to a thrift store, one of our favorite things to do together (and still is). I sat in the car and cried while he shopped. My story has a happy ending, although I’m still more uncomfortable in crowds than I used to be.
Good story con um mensaje muy importante.
Shalom y abrazos,
Rochelle
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December 9, 2016 at 5:12 pm
Querida Rochelle,
Having lived with anxiety during my hubby’s 15 years on the NYPD, I can attest that when he was shot it was a blessed day.
He survived his injury, was retired, and I could finally be at peace. It ended those trying days and nights, eventually.
Thank you for sharing your trauma too. BTW … I adore thrift stores. There’s always interesting finds.
I’m gald you thought the story had an important message. I done good then ….
Muy amable siempre,
Isadora 😎
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December 9, 2016 at 11:53 am
Poor kid. I’m not much of a large crowd person myself. It feels stifling and claustrophobic. But I don’t let it control my life. I grit my teeth and grin and bear it for the sake of those who want me to go with them. If you ever give in to your fear and anxiety one time, you’re a goner.
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December 9, 2016 at 1:15 pm
I’m short. I dislike crowds. I feel overpowered by everyones size. Don’t grind too hard your teeth may not like it. ~~~ : )
But, I have a tall hubby who manages to keep them from using my head as a table top. LOLOL
Thanks for leaving your wonderful comment, Russell. I appreciate it.
Isadora 😎
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December 9, 2016 at 2:10 am
Ouch!
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December 9, 2016 at 12:45 pm
A devastating disappointment for sure. 😔
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