Image © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
I’m broken. Exhausted. Afraid. The stench of my fear is cloying, catching in my throat. The ties binding my wrists slicing deep into my flesh.
Pain. So much pain.
The shutter rattles. He’s back. I curl into a ball as though I can fold myself away.
‘It’s time.’ He drags me outside. The brightness of the sun burns my eyes.
‘Please, Sir.’ A little girl holds out a coin to the man. ‘Can I have a photo with your monkey?’
I plead with her with my eyes – save me. She doesn’t listen. No-one ever does.
She strokes my matted fur so gently I want to weep.
Huge apologies for not getting around to everyone’s story last week – I usually do try. Finishing the draft of book 3 took longer than expected (doesn’t it always!) but it’s off with my agent now so I get a few days rest – hurrah!
‘Broken’ was written for Friday Fictioneers. A 100 word story inspired by a photo prompt. You can join in over at host, Rochelle’s blog, here.
Poor monkey, a sad take, well written.
Thanks Iain.
Oh this is so terribly sad.
Thanks Ronnie.
Really sad tale, Louise. Clever bit of misdirection from the opening, as I was thinking this was a kidnap situation, that maybe the victim was a small child or a woman, being dragged outside for something truly awful. Clever to spin it on its head and make the MC an animal. Nicely done. And well done for finishing that draft – a nice sit down and a sin of your choice is due I’d say! 🙂
I agree ~ all the way.
Thanks Alicia.
Thanks Lynn. Typically finished it & then come down with a heavy cold!
Your body held off the infection just long enough for you to finish at least! Get well soon
Thanks Lynn.
The poor thing! I feel terrible about him.
Me too.
This was brilliantly done, Louise. No way did I think we’d end up where we did. Poor little beastie…
Thanks Dale.
A monkey’s eye view. I feel for those creatures whenever I see this situation. Well done.
Me too. Thank you.
Their eyes plead, but only some of us can see it. Sad story that touched my heart.
Thanks so much.
Poor monkey… and still it felt like a relief that it was not a human (I know I’m a terrible person)
Not terrible, just honest.
You drew me in and surprised me very effectively. I’m sorry to admit that, like Bjorn, I felt relieved when you revealed the abductee wasn’t a person. I did feel sorry for the monkey though.
Thanks so much for reading.
Dear Louise,
Wonderful take on the prompt. I, too felt for the poor monkey. Few people can pull off these types of stories, in my opinion. You did and did it very well. Congrats on getting the third book done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle. Know you not keen on animal POV so pleased you enjoyed it.
I liked the clever misdirection too, although the real story it turned out to be is plenty sad in itself. Poor little monkey.
Thanks Joy.
Beautifully done!
Thanks Alicia.
My pleasure!
What a great twist, Louise. Poor animal. Finally, people all over are beginning to object to this kind of so-called entertainment. Good writing as always. —- Suzanne
So glad it’s becoming widely unacceptable.
Oh no. You made me cry!
I always do pity such things!
Me too – thanks.
Very sad, many of these little monkeys are treated like this I have heard 😦
Nice piece.
It’s so sad.
Oh, so emotionally charged this is. Wonderfully told. What we do to the least of these, indeed.
Indeed. Thank you.
I also went along the kidnap path, your story caught me well and truly. Well done.
Thanks Michael.
So sad. Poor little guy.
Indeed. Thanks for reading.
So very well written
Thanks!
I was only yesterday watching an episode of Monkey World as they rescued a chimpanzee from a street photographer. Poor abused creatures.
They are so gentle as well ☹️
I was discussing literature yesterday with an acquaintance and, quite unprompted by me, she said how much she’d enjoyed ‘The Gift’.
That’s lovely! Thanks for letting me know Drew.
Beautifully written as always. You have a gift in putting emotions onto a page.
Aww that’s made my day – thank you 😊
Poor monkey, I’ve often wondered what they’re thinking about on the end of their chains, thrown onto strangers shoulders all day long.
Me too ☹️
Well written
Thanks
So sad, and the first person narrative and clever misdirection make it all the more so.
Thank you!