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The hurricanes season delivered destruction across Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the rest of the Carribean. But that’s only a piece of the suffering that rips through the world and not the latest or the last. Sarah Brentyn is donating $1 for every flash fiction story around the theme of Help, up to $50. Entries need to be in by October 14 if you want to join in. Just include a link to her site Lemon Shark so you get counted. I’ll match her donation, so let’s max her challenge out!
Help
Audrey climbed the steep, narrow stairs to the third floor and switched on the light. She kept a tidy attic, dusted, everything in labeled boxes from shoe-box rectangles to the one that had delivered her new washer. Many were stuffed to the brim, and some she filled gradually. She had empties too, waiting for the next wedding or birth, the next death, the next act of brutal terrorism, another war or earthquake, or a hurricane like the ones that spun across the ocean and left thousands in need of help.
There was so much despair that for a long time she felt guilty if she smiled, horrible for a burst of laughter. To appreciate an autumn day or lunch with a friend seemed selfish and careless as if all that suffering meant nothing to her, just another day of rain down life’s gutter. So, she compartmentalized, pared fragile layers from her heart and filled her boxes with fragments of a mangled world. And each day, she spent a few hours after work lifting lids and letting the emotions sweep her into fits of hilarity or weeping. Her boxes spared her from drowning in helplessness and kept her happiness safe. In a world gone mad, they kept her sane.
Myths of the Mirror 
I like the idea of the almost literal compartmentalisation here!
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Thanks. It’s what a lot of us do metaphorically, I think. I know its true for me or I’d never get out of bed. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and no compartmentalizing needed! 😀
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This is lovely, Diana. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks so much for visiting and for the comment, Suzanne. I’m glad you enjoyed the little piece of flash. 😀
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[…] huge shout-out to D. Wallace Peach who offered to match my total donation. So know that each and every one of you who participated raised […]
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I loved this short flash fiction filled with hopefully events, each memory stored in a box, high up in the dry attic (of Audrey’s mind, possibly?) xo 💖 There is hope but it comes in various packages. . . .🕊
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I pray there is hope for the islands. Things aren’t going well for them at all. 😦 I have a check going out for all the lovely participation.
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I’m so glad you are extending your help, Diana. The islands have been hit hard, sometimes there is hope in winds blowing and outside the islands care sent.
This long ago post was where I went back to and hoping I didn’t miss too many posts. . . hugs xo 🍁
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Things are not good down there, Robin, and this was only a drop in the bucket, but every little bit helps. Thanks so much for stopping by to read, my friend. Have a wonderful week!. 😀
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Shared on all of my pages, Diana ♥
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Thanks so much, Tina. The news from Puerto Rico is terrible and it’s an easy way to help. ❤
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Welcome, D ❤
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[…] Wallace Peach has offered to match my total donation when this challenge is through (and is working to max it out). Let’s do […]
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“Help” can come with the gift of a word, a story, a hug, a smile. You helped us all here, Diana. A big hug to you with thanks. (And thanks to Sarah.)
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What a lovely comment, Pam. I mostly jumped on Sarah’s tailgate and waved. 🙂 You’re right that help comes in many ways. Keep spreading the joy, my friend. That helps too! ❤
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Beautiful and haunting story, Diana. I love it. Great contribution to a wonderful cause. ❤
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Thank you, Vashti! I was happy to jump on board Sarah’s challenge. So glad you enjoyed the little story too. Happy Writing!
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You’re a lovely person. Thank you!
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Very nice, Diana. I like the idea of boxing these emotions/thoughts up and allowing oneself a respite from it all. Great cause, indeed.
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Thanks, Lana. Easier said than done, huh? I think we’re stuck with them and just need to find that awkward balance – live joyously but with a open heart full of compassion. ❤
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Such a beautiful post, from a beautiful soul. You are lovely, Diana. xo
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Thanks for the sweet comment, Tanya. A small thing over all, but something! I’m glad you enjoyed the flash piece – I do get a little stuck sometimes in Audrey’s quandary. Have a wonderful peaceful day. ❤
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Nicely done, Diana! Very poignant, indeed. And a great cause, Sarah. Well done!
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I saw Sarah’s post and had to jump on board, though I ignored the rules! Ha ha. I’m glad you enjoyed the story and all for a good cause. 🙂
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So well written … and gently thought provoking in these times. Thank you Diana 💛
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Thank you, Val. I feel this way at times, though the metaphor is a bit tidy and life isn’t like that. I think we have to do both, spread joy while living with compassion and an open heart. ❤
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I love everything about this post! The cause and your poignant story. Thank you, Diana and Sarah! 🙂
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Thanks, Natalie. I’m so glad you stopped by to read. The fundraising idea is all Sarah’s. I’m just tailgating! Ha ha. Have a lovely day. ❤
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Beautiful story Diana! And fantastic cause.
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Thanks for the visit, Bibhuti. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. Seems like there is suffering everywhere lately and this is just one way to help. 🙂 Have a wonderful day.
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“…she felt guilty if she smiled, horrible for a burst of laughter.” I can relate. The world has gone mad, indeed. It seems selfish to celebrate own joys, when others are grieving for their loss.
A beautiful and moving contribution for a great cause.
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I needed to share those feelings, Khaya, and I was sure others could relate. But we also have to spread the joy around while being sensitive to the plight of others, hopefully with open hearts. Thank you so much for stopping by to read. ❤
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What a compelling story, Diana. Very *real*, so present. Well done indeed. That’s a wonderful offer from Sarah too. Hugs on the wing.
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Thanks for reading, Teagan. As we feel for and help the many people who are suffering, we also have to remember that life is full of joy. Keep spreading the hugs around. That helps too! ❤
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You are so very right, my friend. More hugs!
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Diana, a tender moving story – and all in aid of a good cause. Heartfelt thanks to you and Sarah. So much destruction is almost beggers belief…every little bit counts. xx
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Thanks, Annika. It was all Sarah’s doing. I just hopped on board a good cause. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. 🙂 Have a wonderful evening.
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Such a beautifully written and poignant contribution for a very worthy cause. Thank you Diana 🌼
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Thanks so much for stopping by to read, Brigid. A drop in the bucket, but every little bit helps. 🙂 Have a lovely day ❤
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Many drops will fill the bucket Diana and create lots of ripples. May your example fill many buckets. 🌼
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Kudos to Sarah. Your story is perfect for those times we feel helpless, ineffective, useless even. I’d put boxes in the attic but I’m afraid of the rats and spiders and their webs.
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Mine attic would be full of webs too, Jacqui. Ha ha. Thanks for reading and, yes, Sarah is a sweetheart to kick this off. 🙂
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[…] via Help: Flash Fiction #Flash4Storms — Myths of the Mirror […]
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A wonderful thing Sarah is doing, and your entry is just beautiful, Diana.
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Thanks, Teri. Sarah is a sweetheart and I was happy to tailgate. 😀 Have a wonderful day, and Happy Writing!
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Flash fiction and that too 50 words is a great challenge for the one who writes novels but you have done a wonderful job Diana.I love your benevolence and share your anguish. Thanks for reaching out to help those in distress. There is always a way.
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Thanks, Balroop. Clearly I took liberties with Sarah’s 50-word limit. Ha ha. And I’m glad to help in this small way. Thanks for stopping by to read. ❤
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Superbly, sensitively, apt
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Thank you, Derrick. There’s a lot of despair in the world, and it wears down a person’s joy. Doing something to help, helps 😀
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[…] a post by D. Wallace Peach, Help: Flash Fiction #Flash4Storms, I learned that another writer, Sarah Brentyn is donating $1 for every flash fiction story written […]
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A beautiful contribution Diana. Love Sarah’s challenge.<3
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Sarah had a great idea, and I was happy to jump on board. Thanks for stopping by to read, Debby. 🙂 Have a lovely day.
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Thanks Diana. Wishing you the same. 🙂
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[…] Wallace Peach has offered to match my total donation when this challenge is through (and is working to max it out). Let’s do this! […]
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A wonderful cause, Diane, and your piece tells what I wish I could do at times in this tragic world!
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I feel that way, too, Linda, and it was the perfect time to share. When I used to work with little kids who were dealing with grief, one of the most remarkable things was their resilience, the ability to find moments of joy and play between their tears. We all have to find ways to spread joy while honoring the pain. You have a good heart. ❤
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Thank you Di.
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Beautiful – as always, Diana. Love that you posted this humanitarian relief challenge on this week’s Senor Salon – including your “matching grant.”
I don’t write fiction at all – not so far, anyway – but the 50 word limit would be the bigger challenge for me. Just ask anyone who knows me. 🙂
Though I’m already slammed, I’ll see if I can come up with some mental health related non-fiction way to feature the challenge. I’ll try not to exceed the limit by more than a thousand words (or so!) ROTFLOL
xx,
mgh
(Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMORE dot com)
ADD/EFD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder
“It takes a village to transform a world!
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Ha ha ha. I exceeded the limit and Sarah didn’t yell at me. Go for it, Madelyn. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by to read. ❤
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::huge grin:: I’m going even farther outside the box – lol. Hope to finish and post as a Wednesday exception. If not, I’ll juggle around the ones that are cued and post it as my regular Friday post. Watch for a ping.
xx,
mgh
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I’ll look for it. Awesome. 🙂
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Done and linked here as well as under Sarah’s original post:
https://addandsomuchmore.com/2017/10/04/help-needed-and-offered-flash4storms/
xx,
mgh
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Thanks so much for adding your piece to the puzzle, Madelyn!
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My honor and pleasure.
xx,
mgh
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[…] to top it all, Diana WP of Myths Of The Mirrorhas decided to match the […]
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What a wonderful piece of flash fiction Diana! And a lovely gesture from you too!
I have just submitted mine, linking to you as well. 🙂
https://butismileanyway.com/2017/10/03/flash-fiction-for-hurricane-relief-flash4storms-lemonsharkcharity/
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I just saw it. Fabulous and thanks for the link. I’m just tagging along on Sarah’s effort, but it is heartwarming to see the participation. Every little bit helps. 🙂
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Most definitely!
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[…] $1 to hurricane relief for every flash that is posted (up to $50). And to top it all, Diana WP of Myths Of The Mirror has decided to match the donation! So, here goes! 50 words filled with […]
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What a great cause. You’re such a kind person Diana!
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I wish I could do more, and I’m just tailgating on Sarah’s ride. 😀 Thanks for stopping by to read, Rob. Happy Reading!
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Every little bit does help, Diana. Be proud of adding this flash fiction piece for such a great cause. Cheers to Sarah as well.
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Thanks, Mary. I’m glad you enjoyed it. It’s a drop in the bucket, but every little bit helps. Have a wonderful day, my friend. ❤
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As always, your writing is superb, Diana, sucking me in from practically the first word. I applaud Sarah for such a great undertaking!
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Thanks, Mae. It’s a lovely gesture especially as the tragedies continue to mount. I’m so glad you enjoyed the little story. 🙂
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Brilliantly done Diana!
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Thank you! It feels like a drop in a bucket, but every little bit helps. Thanks for stopping by to read 🙂
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[…] Wallace Peach from Myths of the Mirror blog has also generously agreed to match […]
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Dear Diana, bear with me. I am not a fan of flash fiction.Sometimes I think people just use it as a notepad to jot down a random thought or two. Secondly I have never been one to shy away from the blindingly obvious… Given those two statements here it goes.
The blindingly obvious: you are a superbly skillful writer (to which your response should be: Yawn! tell me something I don’t know!).
Secondly, if you are going to write flash fiction this is how you should write it. Help is permeated with a strong thematic coherence and It is uncluttered, concentrating on a single emotional aspect that it expresses and develops like a bel-canto aria.
It is as beautifully and thoughtfully written as if it were the opening of a novel (Yawn! Tell me something I don’t know!).
And finally, it intrigues. For it leaves the reader believing it the iceberg tip of a deeper story. The visible tip successfully hooks the reader leaving them with no alternative but to run & re-run scenarios for all the possible stories underlying what they have read.
And to be blunt: that’s the way to do it!
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I would never yawn, Paul. Instead, I’m honored by your comment and the thoughtfulness you put into it (and into all your comments). I love writing these short pieces, and find the slice of life, the snapshot of emotion, relatively easy to do once the muse taps on the old noggin. In this case, about a feeling that I often encounter and how – in a general metaphorical way – I deal with it. I really needed, personally, to share this story since my blog tends to have more of a positive beat despite the suffering everywhere I turn. I’m so glad that you enjoyed it. Wishing you peace and joy, my friend.
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Thank you Diana. Best Paul
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I noticed that you ignored the 50 words, Diana. You have given me courage to post mine as I thought Sarah wanted poems so I wrote two and then realised she said flash fiction. Brilliant piece.
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I ignored the word count by 4. Ha ha. I think poems count too, Robbie. I told Judy to post a poem. See I completely trample on Sarah’s rules! She has a good sense of humor, luckily. 😀
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I think this is the best way to decribe current feelings for many! Lovely writing
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Thanks, Lynn. Sometimes I’m laughing on the blog and smiling at posts and then I remember all the people suffering and the joy feels somehow wrong. But joy has to survive too, right? It’s the vision and we have to spread it around. Have a lovely day, my dear. ❤
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yes joy has to survive! xoxoxo
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What a lovely story and a fantastic cause. -)
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Thanks for stopping by, Judy. It’s a drop in the ocean, but it’s something. 🙂 I’m sure you can come up with a poem. Pretty Please. 😀
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Well I have been toying with the idea, I can’t write stories so much, but I will try and write a poem 🙂
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Poems are excellent, and you are a natural. 😀
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Thank you Diana, I have just posted it 🙂
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Diana… 😢 You’ve made me teary. You are an amazing person, my friend. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, kindness, and generosity.
So. Much. Love. 💕💕💕
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I ignored your 50-word limit, though. Hope you don’t mind. 🙂 Happy to help, Sarah, and with all the trouble in the world these days, every little bit matters. Be sure to let me know when you reach the mark and where to send my check. 😀
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Nice story for a great cause. Thanks Diana and Sarah.
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thanks for the lovely comment, Brad. If you have a chance, give Sarah’s prompt a try. (It’s supposed to be under 50 words. Ha ha. Which I completely ignored). Happy Writing!
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