FLASH FICTION FOR ASPIRING WRITERS
Week of 08-30 through 09-05-2016
This week’s photo prompt is provided by Iain Kelly. Thank you Iain!
HOME
He heard the helicopter and felt the days were long and brutal with few comforts.
He had one thing that could not be taken from him, would never be destroyed and it would always bring him the only peace he could feel in such trying and treacherous times, and that was home.
As the bombs exploded day and night, the heat nearly suffocating him, dirt, smoke, death, surrounding him, his thoughts traveled home to a peaceful place where his family waited for him and the love he gave and received comforted him.
He cried out in anger, frustration, and fear of losing what meant the most to him, as the helicopter flew overhead.
He woke up sweating, and gasping for breath as his wife calmly cradled him and softly told him he was alright and was safely home again.
Words (137)
Copyright © 2016 Written by Jessie Cross ~ All rights reserved
Post traumatic stress disorder!
Your explanation of bomb explotion and dirt and smoke is vivid. Nice take on prompt!
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Thank you! 😊
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A poignant, beautifully written piece!
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Thanks so much!
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You’re welcome!
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A good illustration of post war trauma,
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Thank you! 😊
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Yes! Your raw, poignant descriptions kept me hooked. I felt his emotions as they were very relatable, even though I’ve never experienced that kind of situation. Great job with this take!!
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Thanks so much, I’m glad it had that affect.
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Poor man, still suffering long after his physical trauma is over. Sadly very true for many people. Nicely told tale 🙂
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Thank you, I glad you enjoyed it.
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My pleasure 🙂
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What a brilliant take on the prompt. The idea that the memories come back when he hears the sound of the helicopter. Beautifully written.
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Thanks so much, I’m glad you like it. 😊
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Wonderful story Jessie! It pefectly describes PTSD from war. So sad what these soldiers have to go through because of their war experiences.
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Thank you, Joy! They deserve the best treatment possible.
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Yes, they sure do!
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Great last line. Very powerful imagery and emotions. Well done.
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Thank you!
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If only countries spent the same amount of money, time and energy struggling for peace than declaring war. Great post.
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Yes! Wouldn’t that be great. Unfortunately, there will always be a fight for power.
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This is a well written story Jessie. Providing a real life situation of PTSD or perhaps, only the nightmares and scars seen and unseen, soldiers are left with after war. Thank goodness he has his wife to help him.
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Thank you! There are so many cases like this and these people should get the help they need without delay. After putting their life on the line they deserve no less than the best possible treatment and should never have to wait for this to happen!
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Yeah, I most definitely agree. The way we treat veterans in Canada and the US, is not how they should be treated, at times.
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Thank God he has some comfort to get through the stress.
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Yes, he should get the help he needs. Thank you.
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a very sensitive take on the prompt – wonderful writing that captured his call to duty and longing for home and loved ones that kept him safe during his time at war.
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Thanks so much for reading commenting. I appreciate the compliment.
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Very interesting take on the prompt, and so well-written! PTSD must be horrible, not only for the afflicted but for the family as well. Sad. But a great story!
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Thanks so much! It has affected so many lives and continues to do so for a lot of veterans….they need and deserve all the help they can get and they should not have to wait for the care needed.
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Difficult piece to read – such troubling experiences. He has a loving wife, love may help him heal somewhat.
Well written.
Ellespeth
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Thank you! I think having a loving and understanding wife is so important for his recovery, and any setbacks he may experience.
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