Image © J Hardy Carroll
My feet crunch on broken glass, tears rising quickly.
‘Why…’ I begin, but the choke in my throat holds back the rest of my words.
Afternoon sunshine streams through the window, the upended tables and chairs brushed bronze, shards of glass glint gold.
The air is heavy with dust. With loss. But underneath there is something else. Love. We fall silently into our roles, a human chain, stronger together, clearing out the rubble. At first I think nothing is salvageable but then I realise there is. Amongst the splinters of wood, the twisted metal, it is there. A tiny kernel of hope.
We stand together.
‘We stand together’ was written for Friday Fictioneers. A weekly 100 word story challenge inspired by a photo prompt. This week’s prompt is topical as we all try to make sense of the senseless. My heartfelt condolences for everyone affected by the atrocities in Manchester.
Join in with the challenge over at host Rochelle’s blog here.
fabricating fiction 
A very good story. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Henrietta.
You are welcome!
Dear Louise,
All I can say is “well said and may we stand together.”
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks. I nearly didn’t take part this week when I saw the photo but then I found there was much I wanted to say.
I was going to write down my favorite line, then I found another and another and decided to just say I love this whole piece. Well done.
Thanks Alicia.
I understand your initial feeling not to respond to the photo. I felt the same. But I like what you did
Thanks Neil. Felt a bit raw but sometimes perhaps that’s a good thing.
Lovely, Louise!
Thanks Clare.
I’m so pleased you found that bit of hope for us to hold on to.
Thanks Iain. Where would we be without it?
Glad you posted this story, we are all looking for ray of hope after the events of recent years
Indeed. Thanks Michael.
Yes, we must stand together. I agree the photo didn’t goad us to write on. But then, we wrote, still, as writers that’s all we can do. Very poignant story.
Very true – thanks.
Hope is difficult to find in the context of Monday’s event in Manchester, but I do hope you’re right, Louise, about that tiny kernel.
Without it where would we be Drew?
Indeed, where ?… to quote the last line of my all time favourite novel The Count of Monte Cristo “Wait and hope!”
A wonderful analogy Louise.
Thanks Claire.
It’s hard to see anything but despair and evil in the ruins. I’ll have to take your word for the ‘kernel of hope’ right now.
There has to be hope I think or we wouldn’t care so much & be desperate for change.
Poignant sentiment after the week we’ve had. Well done.
Thanks.
Actually one of the best thing of tragic events is the strength of humanity… We saw it in Manchester and also in Stockholm… people stand united (at least the first days).
Very true.
“At least the first days” … I note those words, Bjorn. People are capable of huge outpourings of collective grief, but it’s those who are there for the individuals touched by a disaster a year later and probably for the rest of their lives. The Press so often makes a huge noise about a tragedy and then just dump it for the next big story. Am I being cynical here?
Even worse is the making of political points afterwards
Indeed
You’re absolutely right about that. As you can imagine, I’m heartily sick of politics in my country just now D:
I think you’re spot on Sarah.
Beautiful writing. I hope “hope” exists and thrives and douses.
Thanks Sascha.
Such events have a way of uniting people from all backgrounds.
They do.
Indeed, we stand together. We MUST, in the face of an implacable evil.
Absolutely.
Rochelle’s choice of photo has chimed so closely, so painfully with events this week – even though she picked the image days ago. You voice the emotions so well, Louise. That undercurrent of strength running beneath the surface, the back bone that keeps the whole together and standing. Wonderfully written as always
Thanks Lynn.
🙂
I find myself repeating my comments to you, your stories are always strong and packed with emotion. Here I go again – this was beautifully written and evoked strong emotions.
And it’s always very appreciated. Thank you!
We took a similar approach Louise. Looking to hope. Love your story.. well written.
Yes I’ve just read yours. Thanks.
I like this! I think I will start this from next week!
Oh please do but be warned – it’s addictive!
Never heard flash fiction described this way, but it’s so true, lol!
Very!
That was absolutely beautifully done, Louise!
Thanks Dale.
i love the positive tone of this story. well done.
Thanks so much 😃
Very touching, emotive and well told.
Thanks 😃
Nothing shines like hope! Captures the despair and the redemption.
Thanks!
I’m sure many found love in helping and in being helped. Good writing, Louise. 🙂 — Suzanne
Thanks very much Suzanne.
Exquisitely told …. every word a work of art. You captured tragedy and it’s aftermath perfectly.
Loved it …
Isadora 😎
Thanks so much.
An appropriate and meaningful response to the prompt and this week’s events. Sensitively done.
Thank you Sarah.
Very moving, a perfect response to events
Thanks
Really lovely. Thank you for sharing it.
Thanks Emily!
Commendable job!!
Thank you!