Mother spray-painted the car; “voices” told her to hide.
Psych meds scattered everywhere, memories of lullabies linger, Mama’s gonna buy you a mockingbird, before grabbing you from bed, at six, screaming, “Lord, take us!”
Now, if sleep comes, you snatch that swift, dark bird from clouds, to hear it sing.
Angela Carlton’s fiction has been published in Every Writer, Everyday Fiction, 6S, 50 Word Stories, Spillwords Press, and Paragraph Planet. In 2018, her story “The Roommates,” was made into a short film. In 2023, her story “Swallowed,” was nominated for the Pushcart Prize. See more at Angela Carlton Stories & Art on Facebook.
This one sings on its own. Nicely done, Angela
Jim
Fifty words that say so much-we’ll done my friend
Heartbreaking and powerful. The lullaby against the chaos is especially striking, and the mockingbird image really lingers.
Good story with a touching scene that packs a punch.
Very powerful and beautifully written!
Thank you everyone for your insight, heartfelt comments.
Fifty powerful words that keep you wanting more! Such great talent!
I remember this story. You have done a great job by using the mocking bird. It is an image that brings up an emotional reaction. Great story.
So much said in so few words! I enjoyed this one very much.