Carrot Ranch Congress of Rough Writers prompt, November 11, 2015: In 99 words (no more, no less) write about a place of comfort that is a refuge.
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| cindy47452 Flickr/Creative Commons |
It’s been a long day, selling newspapers on the corner. Cold temperature, cold people. “Get a job,” she kept hearing. Hello, I’m trying, and meanwhile I’m hawking newspapers, not dealing drugs or breaking into your house.
Back at the dank abandoned house she did break into, she struggles with damp shoelaces and slides into her sleeping bag fully clothed.Troubles whuffs and curls up beside her.
Pretend there’s a campfire. She’s not homeless; she’s camping. Camping is temporary, voluntary, fun. Arms around the warmth of the dog’s neck, sleeping bag slowly warming, she drifts into the haven of sleep.
99 Monkeys 
Loved this flash. Homelessness is such a vicious cycle which you have portrayed really well. She is lucky to have Troubles and no doubt he her – both being given comfort and a refuge from the cold and dank.
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I'm amazed at how much you manage to communicate about homelessness in a 99 word flash. There's something powerful that is growing from bringing this topic to fiction. We hear from her perspective those harsh judgements, trying to succeed, finding shelter and pretending it's something fun. This scene sticks with me and breaks my heart for her and Trouble. I hope she does find a rocker!
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Thank you so much!
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Thank you for hosting these flashes! I think I'm definitely going to give her a rocking chair. She needs it.
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