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I wish I could call my story for this week Flash Fiction. It’s 150 words of what I’m feeling this morning.
VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS
Three young people lie on steel morgue tables while a toddler fights for his brief life.
There’s nothing new under the sun, is there? Newscast after newscast has broadcast similar incidents as I’ve tossed back a glass of wine, shook my head and said, “How awful.”
That changed when I saw the Facebook post that said, “Last night I lost the love of my life.” A couple’s obvious devotion shone from their photos.
My heart plummeted. “That’s my friend, my coworker.”
“Daddy loves you,” said his next post.
Under his words was the picture of a happy father with a smiling boy riding piggyback on his shoulders.
No words in the unabridged dictionary can express the depths of despair, rage and helplessness that drill my soul.
I want to embrace him and say something meaningful to ease his pain, but all I can do is spout clichés through my tears.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Wow, Rochelle–made me gasp. 150 of the most moving words I’ve read in flash fiction. Bravo.
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Thank you, Karen. How I wish it were fiction. This is flowed came from my heart this morning. It was the next best thing to standing out in the middle of the street and screaming.
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OK so I liked your comment, but I don’t like your comment. I’m there too.
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I completely understand. Too bad there aren’t other icons like Detested, Outraged. I get it. Thank you.
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Oh, Rochelle, I do hope this isn’t based on personal experience. So sad and heartfelt and true – these awful tragedies never ring true until we see beyond the statistics to the personal stories. Wonderful
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Dear Lynn,
As you can see what I wrote in my reply to Karen, this one is true and written with tears dripping on my keyboard.
Thank you and Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, I’m so sorry Rochelle. My heartfelt condolences to you. All best wishes at such an awful time x
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I’ve read the comments. So sorry Rochelle. Extremely powerful fiction.
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Thank you, Graham. If only it were fiction.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes your right. I must have been under the effect of your words. Prose would be more appropriate.
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Heartbreaking story, Rochelle. Very moving story, beautifully written.
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Dear J Hardy,
Thank you for such a wonderful comment. It does help mend my broken heart.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sending all the comfort I can muster. Seems we both are treading the thin line today.
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Thank you, my friend. I”ll take all the comfort you can muster. Thin line indeed. ❤ Hugs back to you…and as many as I can muster.
Shalom in the truest sense,
Rochelle
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My arms and my heart are open for you, my lady, my dear friend.
It seems superfluous to comment on how perfectly you communicated this horror.
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Dear CE,
Thank you for your comforting words. They mean a lot. ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hugs for you.
Lovely writing.
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Dear Tracey,
Thank you on both counts. ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Seems like you have had to deal with a terrible incident and Facebook can be so surreal when someone dies.
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Dear Navasolanature,
The whole thing really is surreal. Although I didn’t know the victims I feel my friend’s anguish. Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It is close when it affects a friend and hope you find comfort together.
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A sad time Rochelle. Great writing and deepest sympathies.
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Dear Iain,
Thank you so much for your words. this story just hit too close to home.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great interpretation on the story. What a bitter thing to have happen. 😥
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Dear Cuzzin Notnek,
If I was interpreting anything it was my own emotions. I guess that would be expressing. As I told someone earlier; writing my feelings beat standing out in the middle of the street screaming. It helped to get it out. Just praying that the baby makes it.
Shalom, shalom when there isn’t any,
Cuzzin Shelley
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I know this was a hard one to write and personal. But write you did, and that helps in some way. You may come downstairs for another extra hug and a glass of wine. It doesn’t end the hurt but it helps to know others are there. And we should ALL hug our loved ones every chance we get. Because………you just never know!
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Dear Love of my life,
Now I’m tearing up again. I’ll be collecting the hug and wine very soon.
Rochelle
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Yeah, I meant “expression” not interp.
No, “articulated expression” would be better.
“Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
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😀
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I’m very sorry. I thought it was a powerful story and then I read the comments 😦
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Dear Trent,
No need to apologize. I’ll take “powerful story” as a compliment. Telling it was my way of screaming. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This was so sad. I wish I could say something to make you feel better. Big hugs.
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Dear Debra,
Your comments count as hugs. Simply getting my feelings out did help. Alas, they don’t help my young friend. 😦 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a powerful image and emotion!
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Thank you, whoever you are.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I feel your pain Rochelle. My condolences and hoping that the baby is fine.
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Dear Dahlia,
It’s senseless. What compels these animals do do such heinous acts? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Take care Rochelle.
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Your scream has been heard by many because of your powerful writing. Take care, my friend.
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Dear Lish,
Thank you for your generous and encouraging words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I couldn’t hit the ‘like’ button, because I could hear that this was true. I’m so sad for you and this desperate family.
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Thank you, Hilary. Your comments are appreciated.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hated to like this. Such a sad, sad story. Ripped my very soul out and smashed it. Great writing, as always, Rochelle. Extra prayers raising for you. (Hugs a million over). ❤
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I shall cry by your side, dearest one. As one who has known loss all too well.
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Dear Jelli,
I appreciate the thoughts and comments.I don’t blame you for not ‘liking’ my story. There’s nothing to like. And it’s not for myself that I want sympathy. I am angry and outraged. There’s too many of these things going on. This it was closer to home. Thank you for your words and shared tears.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Deepest sympathy.
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Thank you, Julie.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh. This broke my heart!
– Lisa
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Dear Lisa,
Thank you for reading, commenting and sharing my tears.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, I felt really very bad reading this tragic piece. My heart goes out to you. May you get the strength to tide over this. I am glad you wrote it out as a catharsis. I can only wish you all peace and fortitude to help overcome such a terrible event.
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Dear Neel,
The one I feel for most is my young friend who has lost so much in one senseless act of violence. Your words of comfort are appreciated. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Querida Rochelle,
You’ve captured the feelings and sorrow of all involved.
Heartache and pain … always just under a thin layer of skin protecting the heart.
BRAVA … siempre muy bueno.
Abrazos y sentimiento,
Isadora 😎
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Querida Isadora,
No es para mi que estoy llorando. I ache for my friend…for those involved. Gracias para tus palabras simpaticas.
Shalom y abrazos,
Rochelle
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Si, ya lo sabia. Pero es igual para los que conocen la gente.
Siempre muy amable ….
Isadora
p.s. es llorando no lloro – pero todavía esta bien escrito. 😎
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I knew that. (forehead slap) Gracias, mi amiga.
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LOLOL … you’re funny : – )
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