The dome street lights cast a shadow across the isolated road.
Parking near a light, he props his law book on the steering wheel and begins reading. In two days, he’ll take his finals. Could his days on the street soon be over?
His radio blares a call about shots fired.
He turns the red and blue flashing lights on as he makes his way to the location.
Speed spurs him into the adrenaline cave.
These calls never end well. Shootings are headline news.
“The coroners arrived and left,” Ronald tells me.
Tomorrow’s Headline: *Boy Commits Suicide at Gun Range*
2018©Isadora DeLaVega
Genre: Flash Fiction
Word Count: 100
Photo Prompt: Jilly Funell
To join along with the Purple Goddess, Rochelle,
and her Friday Fictioneers challenge
click here
Depression is an illness that impacts the brain. It’s a real illness hidden for too long.
Anyone suffering from depression will tell you, it’s not imaginary or “all in your head.”
Depression is more than just feeling “down.”
It is a serious illness caused by changes in brain chemistry.
Research tells us that other factors contribute to the onset of depression, including genetics, changes in hormone levels, certain medical conditions, stress, grief or difficult life circumstances.
Any of these factors alone or in combination can precipitate changes in brain chemistry that lead to depression’s many symptoms.
For Help click below:
Inside the Mind of Isadora 
October 26, 2018 at 8:25 pm
My brother is a police officer and the things he has witnessed are at times horrific, this being the worst, a tragic suicide. The hope is always to help at the front end before it happens. Well-written!
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October 27, 2018 at 1:21 am
My husband is a retired NYPD shot 🤕 on the job police officer. His stories were never told to me until he was retired. It was a very difficult life for a wife to live. Despite the injury, I was relieved. Yes, many of the experiences they have can affect them. I’m pleased you felt it was well-written. Thank you, Brenda. Have a wonderful weekend …
Isadora 😎
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October 27, 2018 at 4:33 am
I’m so sorry your husband was shot and hope he is fully recovered. My brother is retired as well and my sister-in-law was relieved when he did, she would always fret and worry for him. Take care Isadora, and you too have a lovely weekend. =)
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October 27, 2018 at 3:01 pm
Fortunately, he recovered after years of physical therapy. We were blessed.
Thank you 😎
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October 27, 2018 at 3:34 pm
Again I’m so sorry for the pain of years of therapy, but glad he is recovered.
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October 27, 2018 at 4:08 pm
😎
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October 23, 2018 at 9:52 pm
Excellent post, Isadora!
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October 24, 2018 at 1:50 am
Thanks, Resa. I’m pleased you thought such a kind thought about my story. Isadora 😎
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October 23, 2018 at 8:54 am
Depression became my reality after a tidal wave of unfortunate circumstances, including divorce, incurable mysterious illness, betrayal and a lifetime of suppressing my true self. I have faced that exit sign many times. Daily life was a battle. And I told myself, I had to fight to survive, because not fighting meant I was dying. That’s how I know, those with this illness are the bravest and strongest souls. Because they fight with all they have to live life on a level others take for granted. Mental health awareness is now a passion of mine. Thanks for shedding light on this dark topic.
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October 25, 2018 at 6:40 pm
Thank you so much for talking about this illness with such eloquence. I believe you have more information and experience with this illness than I.
Although, my mother suffered severe depression after my younger brother was mentally/physically handicap. I was 10. It was terrible to grow up with her always being sad. I do like to add information about this illness for the many who suffer in silence. I appreciate your visit very much as well as your comment. Your welcome on the shedding light. I hope I’ve reached at least one person.
Isadora 😎
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October 23, 2018 at 7:30 am
Wow that had a very sad twist at the end, well done
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October 23, 2018 at 12:54 pm
Depression is an overwhelming illness for many. I hope more will be learned about it so others who feel hopeless can find a better way to live. I was going for shock in the story. We need to be jolted into the reality that this exists. I’m pleased it read that way. Thank you, Michael. Glad you’re back with us at FF.
Isadora 😎
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October 22, 2018 at 9:39 am
Querida Isadora,
Creo que tu cuento es tu realidad de tu nieto. Lo siento para tu pérdoda, mi amiga. ❤ :(. Thank you for sharing about depression. Been there, done that and the worse thing anyone can say is, "Snap out of it." Your story is well constructed and heartfelt. Besitos y abrazos para tu familia.
Shalom y cariño,
Rochelle
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October 23, 2018 at 1:44 pm
Queries Rochelle,
Siempre escribo con mi corazon. The creative mind is seeped in reality. Es verdad lo que escribes.
Es una tragedia de immensa calidad. Se tiene que hacer mas para los que sufren de la depression.
Depression is a disease no one wants to talk about.
My mother suffered postpartum depression after my brother was born handicapped. She lived with it until she passed. A tragedy for her.
Gracious pot sus Buenaventura’s palabras, mi amiga. 😍😋😍
Abrazos y Carino
Isadora 😎
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October 22, 2018 at 1:36 am
Too real…. 😦
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October 22, 2018 at 3:29 pm
A sign of the times … depression needs to come out of the closet and be spoken about so people can get help. Thanks for commenting.
Isadora 😎
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October 21, 2018 at 11:38 pm
Hard to “like” one that is so very sad.
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October 22, 2018 at 3:28 pm
You have left me the best comment. It is hard to ‘Like’ something that carries so much sadness. Thank you for visiting.
Isadora 😎
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October 21, 2018 at 6:44 pm
This is a topic very close to my heart. Thank you for taking this opportunity to bring awareness to depression.
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October 22, 2018 at 3:27 pm
Your very welcome, Lisa Rey. My mother suffered severely from postpartum depression due to my brother being menatlly and physically challenged. She suffered from it all of her life. A very sad life for her. Thank you for appreciating this sensitive subject that more should be written about. It’s quite epidemic in my view. Sadly, the stigma keeps it hidden. People don’t seek help. Have a wonderful week ….
Isadora 😎
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October 26, 2018 at 10:59 pm
You too. 🙂
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October 27, 2018 at 1:16 am
🙏
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October 21, 2018 at 4:32 pm
I wonder where he will go after he passes his exams… maybe away from the streets but not away from the horrors…
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October 22, 2018 at 3:23 pm
I imagine he’s trying to get away from the danger by preparing for a better job. For sure, he had goals he wanted to accomplish. Glad you stopped by, Bjorn, and commented. Thank you …
Isadora 😎
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October 21, 2018 at 11:27 am
I hope he passes his exams but others like him are sadly still needed for the adrenaline cave, as you so expertly described it. Best wishes, Isadora, from Jilly.
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October 22, 2018 at 3:20 pm
Yes, Jilly, someone has to be out there on the streets to protect the innocent or to help those in need. As the wife of a retired police officer(15 years – then, shot on the job), I can attest to the emotional difficulties the family has to go through each time they leave home. While he protects others we endure the pain of, “Will they return?” Thanks for commenting … have a great week.
Isadora 😎
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October 20, 2018 at 5:45 pm
So sad. I feared something would happen to this man and, though glad, still am sad…
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October 22, 2018 at 3:12 pm
I wasn’t sure which way I was going in the beginning of the story. It just developed as I wrote it. The police officer, fireman or service man all have jobs that place them in danger. I’m grateful they are there for us. Thanks for commeting, Dale. I always appreciate your visits.
Isadora 😎
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October 20, 2018 at 5:41 pm
Well done for shining a light on the illness that is depression.
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October 22, 2018 at 3:10 pm
Thank you, Penny. I like to write about depression from time to time. My mother suffered severe postpartum depression after her 4th child was born mentally and physically challenged. It lasted all of her life. It was a sad way for her to live. I hope I did the subject justice. Have a lovely week …
Isadora 😎
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October 20, 2018 at 2:34 pm
So sad. Suicide is so tragic! My niece killed herself 5 years ago this month. It was devastating.
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October 20, 2018 at 3:27 pm
This video popped up in my email one day. I thought it was something that needed to be said. It’s a shame the pressures teens are in going through today. Social media can cause isolation. Two parents working, divorce, etc. These are difficult parenting times.
Sorry for your loss, PJ. It’s never gone.
Have a great weekend
Izzy 😎
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October 21, 2018 at 2:06 pm
Yes, social media does contribute to isolation. I agree with you about this being a difficult time for parenting. I hope you have a wonderful week, Issy!
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October 20, 2018 at 11:44 am
Street duties are tough and rough. It is better to get off the streets and go behind a desk. Only if he gets time to study.
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October 22, 2018 at 2:45 pm
Yes, many policeman, foreman and serviceman have PTSD from the dangers they encounter. I’m sure many would say they’d rather be outside where the action is despite the danger. But, it could go the other way too. Life is about decisions. Only the person can decide. Thank you, Abhijit, for commenting. I ppreciate it very much.
Isadora 😎
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October 20, 2018 at 7:42 am
That was a clever misdirection, I too feared for the police officer. Though going through such incidents impacts them mentally too. Nice one.
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October 22, 2018 at 2:42 pm
I’m pleased I was able to steer you in the direction of the police officer. I thought it would create a little more suspense. Thank you for commenting and enjoying, Sobroto. Yes, many, policeman, fireman and serviceman are daignosed with PTSD because of their jobs. I THANK THEM foe their service.
Isadora 😎
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October 19, 2018 at 9:30 pm
I am so happy that the police officer will live to take his test. Perhaps he will be able to help someone before it is too late.
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October 22, 2018 at 2:33 pm
Being a police officer has so many challenges and dangers. I think his goal … if I continued with this character … would be to have him pass the test and move on to a career with less danger. Thank you for enjoying my 100 word story and leaving your comment. Have a great week …
Isadora 😎
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October 19, 2018 at 8:56 pm
Important spotlight on depression, given how many lives are lost to it, all over the world, and should not. Na’ama
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October 22, 2018 at 2:17 pm
This is very true, Na’ama. The stigma of depression keeps it hidden. I know many many, many people who prefer to say they are moody than depressed. Let’s hop more is done to help people who need it. Thank you for visiting and commenting.
Isadora 😎
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October 19, 2018 at 8:49 pm
For a moment I feared for the police officer. Tragic enough without his future also being ruined.
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October 22, 2018 at 2:15 pm
I’m glad I steered you into the possibility of danger lurking for the police officer. After all, their jobs are dangerous. Thanks for popping in and leaving your great comment, Lain. Have a nice week …
Isadora 😎
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