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The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
I almost never write sequels to my stories. Although I think this one stands alone, it is, indeed Chapter 2 to last week’s story N2MB3RS.
I’m blaming it on Na’ama who put the bug in my muse’s ear. Thanks, my friend. 😀
Click me! Click me!
Genre: Fiction
Word Count: 100
LEST WE FORGET
Bubbie lifted her glass. “Next year in Jerusalem!” The numbers 45457 on her arm had faded in seventy years but remained legible.
“I bought the tickets.” Beaming, Dad raised his wine. “Jerusalem!”
***
Miriam shielded her eyes from the noonday sun over the old city. “I wish you were here, Bubbie.”
Miriam remembered her argument with her grandmother over tattoos.
“My friends have them.”
“What do they know?”
Later Bubbie passed away in her sleep.
Miriam went to the tattoo parlor.
The artist frowned. “You sure? ‘45457? Just numbers?”
Back in the present Miriam studied her arm. “I’ll never forget, Bubbie.”
In the States we commemorate 9-11. The Jews commemorate 11-9. November 9 marks the 82nd anniversary of Kristallnacht, Night of Broken Glass.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
A lovely story of remembrance, Rochelle. I’m wondering if any young people have done that. Good writing as always. —- Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
When I learned from Na’ama that many young people related to survivors have done just that, I had to write the sequel. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautifully-crafted, Rochelle
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Thank you so much, Neil.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Among your best, m’lady, a touching tale that crosses generations.
But, like the rest of the world, I wish you Americans would get your dates the right way round!
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Dear CE,
Dates. Shmates. Thank you for a lovely compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A perfect sequel, and she did take her grandmother’s advice and got something meaningful for her tattoo. Touching story Rochelle.
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Dear Iain,
That story begged for sequel, didn’t it? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very touching – great sequel!
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Thank you so much, Trent.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Permanently etched memory of grandma.
I still miss mine.
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Thank you, Anita.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love this. Perfect sequel.
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Thank you, Linda. 😀 Glad you thought so.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very touching story. May we never forget.
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Thank you, m’luv. 😀
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Dear Rochelle,
I am so glad Na’ama inspired you to write a sequel to last week’s. This is beautiful and poignant and got me in all the feels.
Shalom and lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
As soon as she made the comment I was all over it. How could I not? Happy to break the emotional barrier. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom and lotsa warm hugs,
Rochelle
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Great sequel. The irony of willingly getting the camp number tattooed on yourself is stunning.
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Dear Josh,
I thought so, too. Now there’s a tat I would proudly have done. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great stuff.
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A moving and respectful way to carry on the memory. And if ever a story warranted a sequel, this was it.
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Dear Sandra,
Your encouraging and affirming words make me smile. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A moving tribute to her grandmother. Forgive me for asking, but why were there only five numbers when millions were killed?
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Dear Liz,
I copied this number…one digit off…from a photo. There were any number of configurations. Some numbers included a letter. I have no idea how those animals chronicled their numbers. I hope you can access this video.
Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks – i saw the video on your next blog post.
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A lovely sequel to a terrific tale! ❤️ I learn something new from each of your tales. Well penned! 🙂
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Many thanks, Priya. High praise indeed. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful, Rochelle. I got chills when Miriam got the numbers tattooed.
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Dear Nobbin,
Mission accomplished. Thank you for your chills and kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Some stories beg for a sequel. This was is the result! A story that trascends time, cuts across generations. As usual, good writing .
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Dear Neel,
Indeed. Last week’s story did beg for a sequel. You can find a the validation I found on You Tube. https://rochellewisoff.com/2020/11/05/tats-and-stats/ Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah, I’m glad to be blamed! This was an important sequel to add!
🙂
Mine’s gone a bit less profound. Or, actually, perhaps not.
For there is always more potential for growth than destruction.
Amen.
Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
I can’t thank you enough for the inspiration. If I had a relative in the camps I would certainly have their number tattooed on my arm. Wonderful way to keep the memory alive.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hugs back and … may we Never Forget!
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Very touching, Rochelle. Well written too, of course. 🙂 I didn’t know young people were getting those types of tattoos. I always learn something from your blog.
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Dear Susan,
I just learned this myself. When Na’ama mentioned it the comments, the sequel was born. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
You can find out a little more here: https://rochellewisoff.com/2020/11/05/tats-and-stats/
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A perfect sequel. I understand why it begged to be written. She will never regret remembering. May we never forget!
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Dear Brenda,
No doubt that tattoo will mean more to Miriam than a pretty rose. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I’m so glad you wrote this sequel. Miriam’s love of Bubbie brings all the tenderness of memory to life.There’s so much to learn from her about how we cherish those whose love we’ve been given. Mega-kudos for this sweet scene!
Shalom,
Dora
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Dear Dora,
Todah rabba, many thanks for the kudos and sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You are very welcome, my friend!
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A permanent remembrance… awesome, disturbing, worth considering. After my Grandfather’s stories of the war, the atrocities he saw liberating camps… I’ve never EVER considered getting a real tattoo. Yeah, I’ve done the temp ones for halloween, but never serious. It’s too… too… hmm… unsettling a thought. Like pierced ears… a mark of enslavement…. Deep writing this week. I’m wrapped up in Nano. Decided to take today, and was going to write FriFic…hmmm… got spun around at the craft store. I was looking at the Hanukkah display considering picking up a new driedl when a dear one with a slight accent speaks to me. Something about her bearing and the way she spoke, I instantly knew she was Jewish. Wished me an early Hanukkah. I’d already read your story this morning, and looking into her aged face and eyes, I could picture the “Bubbie” in your story. Who could write after that one. 🙂 ❤ Shalom, (ach, I'm hearing the rest of the phrase in my head but can't get it out.) L'Chaim.
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Dear Bear,
I’m not a big fan of tattoos myself, but this is one I would get. Thank you for such a wonderful comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A touching story, Rochelle. I could imagine doing that in memory of a relative.
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Dear Penny,
I would totally do this in memory of a relative. Fortunately, there weren’t any that I recall. Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My first thought was “sequel” and you did a bang-up job. I never thought about any of the next generation getting those numbers tattooed on purpose, but your story told me why they would do it. Thank you.
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Dear Lish,
Not only would they do it, many are. For more on that: https://rochellewisoff.com/2020/11/05/tats-and-stats/ 😉
Thank you
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you for this continuation of the first. It brought tears to my eyes. Profoundly moving.
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Thank you so much, Anne. Your comments make me happy…and hopeful.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Never thought of doing this, but reading about it, I am heartened by the young people taking actions in this way. When Bono introduced, “Helter Skelter” on U2’s live album, “Rattle and Hum,” he said, “This is the song Charles Manson stole from The Beatles. We’re stealing it back.” I cried when I heard Bono say it, and I’m crying right now. Talk about flipping the script!
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Dear Lisa,
I love it that the next generation is honoring their parents and grandparents in this way. It brings tears to my own eyes. Thank you for your affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you are very welcome.
Shalom ❤
Lisa
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That tattoo says so much more than photographs or possessions could ever do. A poignant sequel indeed Rochelle.
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Dear Keith,
I love how a symbol of shame has become a badge of honor. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful story of Miriam’s remembrance and loyalty to her grandmother.
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Thanks for your kind comments, Frank. 🙂
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A fitting and moving tribute to her grandmother, and all the others.
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Thank you, Ali.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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OMG gorgeous sequel, Rochelle. Such a feel good piece with sadness too.
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Thank you so much, Laurie. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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the best tribute miriam could give to her beloved grandmother. i could imagine her smiling from the other side.
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Dear Plaridel,
I think she was smiling from the other side. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful story, Rochelle.
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Thank you, Sascha.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a meaningful gesture. Beautifully written, Rochelle.
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Many thanks, Mags. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hey! Here’s mine
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