“What are you doing in there?”, he growled.
Before I could answer, I was being pulled up by my hair and pushed towards the kitchen.
“Get in there and help your mother.”
I guess he doesn’t want to know.
“See what happens when you hide from work,” she said.
Hide from work? How about I was hiding from the jump rope he just beat me with while you were talking to Mrs. Rosen about styling her wig.
There’s a place I go to tell my troubles. Hidden deep inside the closet is my peaceful place.
2017©Isadora DeLaVega
Genre: Flash Fiction
Word Count: 100
Photo Prompt: Rochelle
To join Rochelle and her Friday Fictioneers in this challenge
click here or the froggy button above
*****In 2015, an estimated 1,670 children died from abuse and neglect in the United States. In 2015, Children’s Advocacy Centers around the country served more than 311,0002 child victims of abuse, providing victim advocacy and support to these children and their families. info:wikipedia
For more information click here: http://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/media-room/media-kit/national-statistics-child-abuse/
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November 29, 2017 at 11:37 am
How sad and timely. It pulls at the heart. Someone is missing seeing the bruises and reporting it. Some children fall through the cracks. Although, many foster homes aren’t much better. Good writing, Isadora. —- Suzanne
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December 6, 2017 at 9:13 pm
Yes, some victims do fall in between the cracks. It’s an issue happening too often. I’m glad you enjoyed reading the story enough to comment and visit. Thank you sooo much …
Isadora 😎
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November 29, 2017 at 6:50 am
How could be parents so hopeless. Strong story. Beautifully written.
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December 6, 2017 at 9:00 pm
Thank you, Indira for reading and commenting. My apologies for the delay in replying. I’m behind and blank on my blog due to hurricane repairs being done. Christmas is definitely colliding with them too.
Isadora 😎
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December 7, 2017 at 4:45 am
It’s okay, dear. Best wishes
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November 28, 2017 at 3:06 am
I’m just as mad at this mother. How could she not know? How could she choose to ignore it?!
Good story Isadora, you’ve really sparked emotion.
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December 12, 2017 at 7:33 pm
Hi Dawn,
I’ve had my time chewed up by Mr. Claus. ~~~ : – ) Sorry for the delay in responding.
I agree with you. A mother should defend her children against aggressive behavior.
I think that’s why I believe advocates can help with that. Perhaps, the mother didn’t think of it.
Yes, I would say the emotions this story brings out are high. Thank you for commenting and visiting.
Isadora 😎
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November 27, 2017 at 9:34 pm
A very strong story on unhappy childhood.
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November 27, 2017 at 10:26 pm
I’m pleased the strength of the story came through in my writing, Rupali.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
Isadora 😎
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November 27, 2017 at 5:17 pm
Too bad, Dad discovered her special place… Though I suspect she will continue to go there every chance she gets. So sad and well told, Isadora
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November 27, 2017 at 10:41 pm
Ahh, yes … secret places aren’t a secret once they’re discovered.
Thank you for coming by,Dale, and leaving your lovely comment.
Gracias y Merci,
Isadora 😎
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November 27, 2017 at 10:53 pm
😘
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November 27, 2017 at 2:28 pm
Heartbreaking but such a wonderful story!
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November 27, 2017 at 10:27 pm
Thank you, PJ. Your comments are always appreciated.
I’m pleased you found the story to be wonderful.
Issy 😎
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November 27, 2017 at 12:41 pm
Poor child – unable to trust her mother enough to tell her.
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November 27, 2017 at 10:29 pm
I’m glad you were able to see the lack of trust, Liz. It’s difficult to convey all the issues in 100 words.
Thank you for visiting and commenting.
Isadora 😎
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November 27, 2017 at 12:24 pm
Querida Isadora,
Such a heartbreaking story. So much eloquently said in few words. Muy trste pero bien escrito.
Shalom y abrazos,
Rochelle
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November 27, 2017 at 10:38 pm
Querida Rochelle,
Gracias por sus buenas palabras.
Your FF challenges make me a better writer. Once I stopped being fearful that I couldn’t say everything in just 100 words, I began to enjoy it.
Now, I see it as a study in writing better with less words. Thank you for sharing your skills with everyone on FF.
Besos y abrazos,
Isadora 😎
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November 27, 2017 at 10:06 am
That’s a very real story; it feels very authentic. Children often have a ‘quiet place’, even if they’re not abused. And the matter-of-fact nature of the parents. Horrible though it is, I suspect from the way you keep everything low-key that they think they’re pretty good parents, just trying to bring up their child to survive in a tough, uncaring world.
Good writing!
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November 27, 2017 at 10:32 pm
I’m extremely thankful for your complimentary words, Penny. I’m pleased I was able to convey
the many issues and feelings in this story with merely 100 words. I’m enjoying the Friday Fictioneer
challenges as they help to build better writing skills. Thank you again …
Isadora 😎
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November 26, 2017 at 10:11 pm
Such a senseless tragedy, but also reassuring to know there are services out there to help children like this.
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November 26, 2017 at 11:01 pm
Children don’t have a voice sometimes. Advocacy for their rights is important.
Thank you, lain for your caring comment.
Isadora 😎
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November 26, 2017 at 9:21 pm
Oh the things who hold in our persona inner closets.
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November 26, 2017 at 10:59 pm
Your thoughts are striking in your metaphoric words. Thank you aFrank.
It’s always much appreciated and complimentary when you visit.
Isadora 😎
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November 27, 2017 at 3:31 am
🙂
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November 26, 2017 at 6:12 pm
Oh, that was such a sad story! Poor little one at least has found a ‘peaceful place’.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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November 26, 2017 at 10:57 pm
The silent voices of children. Thank you for visiting and reading my story.
Isadora 😎
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November 26, 2017 at 6:08 pm
I sense many realities in your share and there is much that can be interpreted here.
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November 26, 2017 at 10:55 pm
You read the story well. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
Isadora 😎
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November 26, 2017 at 11:39 pm
had ti chime in with the AOC comment – I felt the many takes too – well done….
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November 27, 2017 at 10:23 pm
I appreciate your chiming in and visiting my blog. Thank you for that and your well said comment.
Isadora 😎
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November 28, 2017 at 4:27 am
🙂 my pleasure and thanks for the hospitality
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