“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
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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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