Freedom Of Choice (Flash Fiction)
I recently tried my hand at “flash fiction”. I aimed at 100 words. This piece has 99. (Or 102 if you include the title. 🙂 )
FREEDOM OF CHOICE
It was a shock.
Yes, it had been years. And the matron said it had been five days since she handed in all her valuables and stopped eating. Still. … Like a death mask.
“Mrs Smith. Your son is here to see you.”
A pause, then a sudden radiant smile.
“Raymond?”
I took her hand.
“I came to say goodbye. I love you, mum.”
The years, the words spoken and unspoken dissolve, leaving four eyes in tears.
And she drifts off again.
Back in the office the matron wants advice. Help.
“Let us honour her right to end her life.”
Posted on December 18, 2014, in Flash Fiction and tagged Death, Family, Freedom, Life. Bookmark the permalink. 14 Comments.
Ben Naga 
You unveiled more of your talent. Well written story and relevant today. A powerful and sympathetic message.
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Relevant today and every day. Thank you for your kind words, Kim. And how are things with you?
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Healing. For a while I thought I would be in pain for ever. Hoping all is well with you.
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Seven weeks free of of any”episodes”. Yay! 🙂 Haven’t been on WP so much recently; giving more attention to other aspects of my life.
So glad to hear that your pain is easing.
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I did miss you. But I’m use to you taking breaks now and then. 🙂
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Thank you. 🙂
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Interesting subject. We’ve been discussing this one in various collections of folks for days now. Agreed! Also like ‘four eyes in tears.’
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How strange that you have been talking about this recently. The web of souls.
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I am very moved by the impact of your story. Concise and speaks to today’s important issue. Saying goodbye and accepting the end with dignity.
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That you are moved says something about us both, does it not?
GIVE US OUR DAILY BREAD
Hell in a handbasket
Eyes open amid the chaos
Seek recognition
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Yes, it does.
Perfect Haiku. I’m afraid it is so spot on. We all need to see the direction we are headed or we will continue to walk backwards.
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Let go, my sister
After all, we are already (t)here
Meanwhile, of course
We carry on with the immediate
Accompanied by those
We have decided to imagine
Those precious few whom we love
Those we are fortunate to have imagined
(And so grateful for your kind words. 🙂 )
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I can only say “Amen”… May we all have the right to choose the time of our transition when things begin to fail. Very eloquent, Ben.
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Thank you, Betty. 🙂
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