One morning in the classroom at the beginning of recess, he held her arm asking her to stay.
When the others had gone, he said starkly, "My brother was killed. Shot by a drug dealer."
She stared at him, stunned. Pain screamed in stricken silence.
Friday Flash Fiction |
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Linda admitted that she had a crush on Bob. They didn't move in the same Grade Seven social circle, but they sat next to each other in class. She let him copy her homework, and he teased her with smiling eyes. Every day they had a friendly little chat, although sometimes he seemed worried.
One morning in the classroom at the beginning of recess, he held her arm asking her to stay. When the others had gone, he said starkly, "My brother was killed. Shot by a drug dealer." She stared at him, stunned. Pain screamed in stricken silence.
Swapan k Banerjee
28/5/2021 08:25:21 am
Sudden turn of events, Jennifer. Such a beautiful beginning ...
Sue Clayton
28/5/2021 08:32:53 am
That's one hell of an opening line that would crush any budding romance.
Pamela Kennedy
28/5/2021 12:30:23 pm
Bob obviously trusted Linda to open up to her about his pain...future romance ..maybe....friendship...more than likely.
Susan F. Reid
28/5/2021 01:09:43 pm
I can see the first part of the story going on in many schools decades ago. The second part of the story is not shocking to me. I volunteered in elementary schools in Baltimore, MD, US. One day, the teacher asked the students how many had relatives who had been killed. Many raised their hands.
Krystyna
28/5/2021 03:23:26 pm
The understanding between them is bonded with love. So beautifully worded, Jennifer.
Jennifer Duncan
28/5/2021 06:56:56 pm
Thank you for your comments, Swapan, Sue, Pamela, Susan, and Krystyna. I really appreciate your input.
Paritosh Chandra Dugar
29/5/2021 08:39:08 am
A tale beautifully begun and superbly ended. Very well written, Jennifer.
Brian
29/5/2021 05:09:53 pm
Wow! A sweet and tragic story.
Mary Wallace
29/5/2021 08:13:07 pm
This was so well done. I felt as shocked as Linda must have been.
Jenifer Duncan
29/5/2021 08:35:45 pm
Thanks Brian and Mary. Life often doesn't give us warning about tragic events.
Jennifer Duncan
30/5/2021 12:25:38 pm
Thank you, Paritosh for you kind comment. Comments are closed.
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"Classic"
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