“Not everyone will like you,” she said.
“Why not?”
“That’s the way of things. Never show them it hurts.”
I looked at the iron gate before me and thought of spears. A phalanx of invisible soldiers clutching towering spears.
“When can I return?” I said.
“You cannot.”
“Never?”
“You must always look forward. Behind lies naught but ashes and dust.”
“Once I step through, you’ll be behind.”
She said nothing.
“I’ll miss you,” I said.
“As I will you.”
“You could come with me.”
She smiled. “The price of your freedom was more than I have.”
I looked from her face to the man in the shadows. A glint of gold flickered as he opened his mouth. “Time to go.”
“Ashes and dust,” said my mother, and shoved me into the light.
Ryan Stone
ah, amazing piece, ryan. these words –
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Why thank you, dear Beth 🙂
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Really powerful writing, with impressive word economy. Great piece!
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Heya, Al. Thanks so much 🙂
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Amazing flash Fiction piece. Very carefully chosen words I can tell. And very effective, the danger that lies ahead for the son, the price the mother had to pay, which seems to lead her to a terrible fate or at least at the bad end of her deal, for the son she loved. True sacrifice & also a fear of the unknown. “Ashes Dust,” death for the mother but “into the light” or life for the son. 😊
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Nothing stronger than a mother’s love. Thanks once again, Mandi. Smiles to you 🙂
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That I believe 🙂
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Profound. Love your writing Ryan.
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Thank you, Miriam. Lovely to hear from you. How was today’s sunshine?! Wow 🙂
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It was spectacular. Loved it 🙂
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