Friday Flash Fiction
  • Home
    • About Friday Flash Fiction
    • Christmas Competition, 2025
    • Terms & Conditions
  • 100-Word Stories
    • Other Archived Material >
      • Longer Stories
      • Poetry
  • Authors
    • A
    • B
    • C
    • D
    • E-F
    • G-I
    • J-L
    • M-O
    • P-R
    • S-V
    • W-Z
  • Christmas Contest Entries
    • Christmas Contest Submissions

Food for my Soul, by Sandra James

21/2/2021

 
FOOD
It was the lowest day of my life. Divorced and alone, I moved my meagre belongings into the rundown cottage. My friends gone, abandoned in my hours of need. A far cry from the two storey home with ocean views.

Despair washed over me and I sat staring at the grubby grey walls. Then a knock at the door.

A small boy stood proffering a plate of crudely decorated cupcakes with a gap-toothed grin.

I think I’m going to like this neighbourhood.
Pamela Kennedy
21/2/2021 11:42:52 am

This is so sweet-it brought a smile to my face.

Sandra James
21/2/2021 12:52:23 pm

Thank you, Pamela! Although this is fiction, I have a very strong image of that boy at the door with the cupcakes and he makes me smile, too :)

Jennifer Duncan
21/2/2021 12:45:20 pm

The best neighbours aren't always in the fancy neighbourhoods. An encouraging story well done.

Sandra James
21/2/2021 12:56:34 pm

Thank you, Jennifer. Yes, I totally agree, there are a lot of very good people out there with not-so-posh postcodes :)

Andrew Carter
21/2/2021 01:07:52 pm

Brought me to tears, instantly. Recognition of superficiality artfully explored contrasting deeper levels of beauty. You know how to touch the heart, Sandra. I really love how great stories like this are so often the most simple. Your stories have such touching truths.

Sandra James
21/2/2021 10:19:45 pm

Oh, Andrew! Now my eyes are misting. Thank you for your lovely comments. So often we (and, yes, I've been guilty, too) of judging, boxing or labeling people, neighbourhoods etc but reality is very different. Some of the worst people come from some of the 'best' neighbourhoods, while some of the best people come from some of the 'worst' addresses. Thanks again!

Andrew Carter
21/2/2021 11:29:39 pm

Bah haha haha. I was brought up on top of Bilgola Plateau overlooking Pittwater, and Lion Island, on the northern beaches.
Maybe you could've replied with a quote from Lovelace, "Stone walls do not..."

Jennifer Lai
21/2/2021 02:12:17 pm

Nice story. I wish all neighbors were that welcoming.

Sandra James
21/2/2021 10:21:04 pm

Thanks, Jennifer. Me, too! I've had some 'interesting' ones over the years :)

Peggy Gerber
21/2/2021 03:31:24 pm

Lovely story with an important message.

Sandra James
21/2/2021 10:26:41 pm

Thanks, Peggy. I'm lucky that I've met lots of wonderful people over the years from both sides of the tracks :)

Jim link
21/2/2021 04:03:46 pm

I second Andrew's wonderful comments about your wonderful story. Simple things are so often overlooked, and you've brought this one to light. Nicely done.
Jim

Sandra James
21/2/2021 10:28:57 pm

Thank you very much, Jim! Waking up to all these lovely comments this morning I feel very honoured :) I do appreciate it!

Susan F. Reid
21/2/2021 08:31:27 pm

Aw. Somebody's parent was thinking about you, and sent the perfect delivery boy.

Sandra James
21/2/2021 10:34:12 pm

Thanks, Susan! Once, many years ago, when I stopped in a small country town for a break, a young boy rode past on his bike and welcomed me with hello and a big smile. I never forgot him and think I modelled the delivery boy on him :)

Sue Clayton
22/2/2021 12:39:58 am

Brought back memories of when we moved to our rural farm, Sandra. On arrival day we found a bunch of flowers and a plate of cakes on the veranda. No note, no nothing. Just a beautiful, anonymous welcome.

Sandra James
26/2/2021 02:49:06 am

Lovely! And, I bet they were pleased when they found out they were getting such a good neighbour, too :)

Padmini Krishnan
22/2/2021 11:03:46 am

Shows that it is the people who matter...We may find honest and friendly ones in humble neighbourhood. Enjoyed reading this one.

Sandra James
26/2/2021 02:52:12 am

Yes, Padmini, there are just as many good, honest people in the most humble surroundings. Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it and thank you for your feedback :)

Don Tassone link
22/2/2021 03:24:15 pm

Sweet. Well done, Sandra.

Sandra James
26/2/2021 02:54:59 am

Thanks, Don. This is fiction but I have been lucky to find many special people in 'unexpected' places and situations :)

Mary Wallace
23/2/2021 05:15:14 am

It's the little things that mean so much. Lovely story.

Sandra James
26/2/2021 02:55:53 am

I agree, Mary. Like lovely postmistresses who call you by name when you're new to the area :)

Candace Arthuria Williams
23/2/2021 03:39:23 pm

Sandra, I can picture the young man, too. As I do my own characters. Nice to see we have that in common.

Sandra James
26/2/2021 02:57:11 am

Oh, yes, Candace, that is lovely. And, I suspect we have lots in common as well as our love of writing! Thank you :)

Marie Johnson-Ladson
24/2/2021 02:13:42 pm

Great story just a small gesture made you feel welcome!

Sandra James
26/2/2021 02:58:28 am

Thank you, Marie. Sometimes the giver doesn't even realise how much those little things mean but they make a huge difference to the recipient.

Marjan sierhuis
27/2/2021 06:32:28 pm

Beautifully told like all your stories, Sandra.


Comments are closed.

    "Classic"
    100-Word
    Stories


    Friday Flash Fiction
    Rules
    Kinda obvious, really...
    • Fiction only
    • Stories of 100 words only
    • Don't be nasty or cheat
    • Include your name and a story title

    EDITOR'S CHOICE
    Each week, our editor selects a story or (occasionally) a poem as 'Editor's Choice'.
    ​
    During contests, both Editor's Choice and comments are suspended.

    Please feel free to comment (nicely!) on any stories – writers appreciate it.
    Naturally, we reserve the reserve the right to remove comments we feel are inappropriate, or where there's a possibility they may come from a source associated with online spam or abuse. If you have one, please switch off your VPN and don't post from a public server.

    Since Friday Flash Fiction began in September 2013, 100-word stories have remained its 'beating heart'.

    Normally, 100-word stories are scheduled for 07.00 BST (GMT in the winter) on the following Friday. However, where a larger number of stories (more than 25) are due to be published on the same day, we publish the later ones EARLIER around 3.00 am. On the rare occasions where there are more than 50 stories, we'll post an even earlier set, probably around 2.00 am UK time.

    We have a FACEBOOK PAGE where regular contributors can share ideas and discuss stories. Why not join in?

    We occasionally send out little newsletters running competitions – and subscribers are also our voting panel. If you'd like to join us, please click the Subscribe to newsletter button below.
    Subscribe to Newsletter
    No spam, we promise!

    Archives

    December 2025
    November 2025
    October 2025
    September 2025
    August 2025
    July 2025
    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013


Picture
Website by Platform 36

Photos from YLegrand, Tony Webster