Beth
felt like she’d had to grow up a lot in the past six months. Since Daddy had
been away, she’d turned ten, had earned an achievement award at school, written
stories about what they would do if they were all together again – all things
she wanted to share with him.
But
she couldn’t.
Mummy
was vacant a lot of the time, dealing with it in her own way, which was to
remain silent and clean the house like a robot – which meant Beth often had to
be the one to wipe away the tears of her younger sisters, Lily and Molly, and
tell them everything would be alright in the end.
*
Today, I'd also like to give a shout out to Patricia Lynne who is launching what sounds like a very entertaining book.
Learn A Word in 100 Words
A collection of flash fiction inspired by unusual words. Each tiny tale is crafted around a word that is unique or no longer in use. Read them while waiting in line or before bed. They range from sweet and lighthearted to dark and disturbing. Look out for the supernatural, but don’t turn your back on the average human. A killer might be lurking underneath. Expand your vocabulary, and get some inspiration of your own.
Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/booA collection of flash fiction inspired by unusual words. Each tiny tale is crafted around a word that is unique or no longer in use. Read them while waiting in line or before bed. They range from sweet and lighthearted to dark and disturbing. Look out for the supernatural, but don’t turn your back on the average human. A killer might be lurking underneath. Expand your vocabulary, and get some inspiration of your own.
Patricia Josephine never set out to become a writer, and in fact, she never considered it an option during high school and college. She was more of an art and band geek. Some stories are meant to be told, and now she can't stop writing. She writes Young Adult under the name Patricia Lynne.
Patricia lives with her husband in Michigan, hopes one day to have what will resemble a small petting zoo, and has a fondness for dying her hair the colors of the rainbow.
Twitter - https://twitter.com/plynne_wri
Website: - http://www.patricialynne.com
Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00
Poor Beth - she seems to be dealing with everything like a tiny adult.
ReplyDeleteTasha
Tasha's Thinkings - Shapeshifters and Werewolves
That's tough on Beth doing an adult job while being a child.
ReplyDeleteNilanjana
From Madly-in-Verse
Very tight yet descriptive flash fiction. I don't know how you keep yourself from just going and going. It takes discipline.
ReplyDeleteChecking in from the Blogging from A to Z Challenge.
Hi Nick - difficult times for one and all ... bet Beth feels like her mother at times, then re-calibrates and looks after her sisters ...
ReplyDeleteI saw Patricia Lynne's book - sounds a good read with lots of ideas .. cheers Hilary
Poor Beth, but what a strong little girl she is. I do hope she doesn't miss out on her childhood. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Nick ! Beth is really mature and compassionate for a 10 year old and i am so proud of her. Beautiful portrayal !
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for all of April,
Moon
https://aslifehappens60.wordpress.com
Beth has a lot of responsibilities on her shoulders, which can happen with the remaining parent is not there. Hope you're having fun with the challenge.
ReplyDeleteVery nice piece, Nick. Very effective, and efficient.
ReplyDeleteTo have so much responsibility at such a tender age is pretty daunting. Beautifully concise.
ReplyDeleteClick HERE to read my 200-word tale
Auww, poor Beth. What a very sad 100 words.
ReplyDeleteDiscarded Darlings - Jean Davis, Speculative Fiction Writer, A to Z: Editing Fiction
A sad and touching piece. And yay for Patricia!
ReplyDeleteNice little peek into Beth, sad, but good.
ReplyDeletePoor Beth; to be so young and saddled with that responsibility in the care of her younger siblings.
ReplyDeletebetty
you killed me. it hurt to read how she growing up and adulting before she should have to. I have a feeling she will resent this by the time her dad comes home.
ReplyDeleteWhere has Alistair gone - did he choose to leave or has he died? Poor Beth, left alone with a mother who's not coping and sisters who are so much younger.
ReplyDeletePamela @ Highlands Days of Fun
Apparently, Beth is the oldest child. First borns often do take on a mothering role for the younger ones. Especially when Mum has checked out.
ReplyDeleteNice peek into your work.
Nick,
ReplyDeleteI'm on the other side of the ocean. The only reason I've heard of your birthplace is from The Who when they performed Tommy. "From Soho down to Brighton, he must've played them all..."
I've sang that a million times, but you're the first person I've ever seen that I've known was from Brighton.
Have fun with more A to Z!
Poor Beth. That's too much responsibility for someone so young.
ReplyDeleteThanks for highlight my book. =)
~Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
Story Dam
Patricia Lynne, Indie Author
Very sad. How old is Beth?
ReplyDeleteAaaaww...poor li'l Beth...I wonder which of all the characters you've created you love best...?
ReplyDeleteAnyhoo, my B post, for your perusal: “How do you personally deal with writer’s block?”
Children do have to grow up when the parents are absent!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for a book, Patricia!