With apologies for being a little late this week, here’s my story for the Friday Fictioneers. I was reminded the other day of an old favourite from a few years ago, so if you read this one and want more from me, click here.
For now, here’s the photo from Roger Bultot, that inspired today’s entry. Your feedback is always welcome.
Painting Over The Cracks
The view was dreary, so Mom picked dandelions to fill the apartment with colour and painted our rooms with cans the store threw out for being mixed wrong. Mine was “Resplendent Ruby”, but it came out green. When it snowed she showed us the beauty in each flake, and bustled us out on ‘adventures’ to scavenge the Clearance shelves for dinner.
For years, we bought it – credulous before our benevolent dictator’s relentless positivity. But even a kindergartener knows food isn’t good just because it’s in date. And that you don’t call Daddy “gentle” just because the bruises don’t show.
elmowrites 
What a deep emotive piece… And a last line that cuts to the bone. Beautifully written!
Thank you! In hindsight I don’t know if the last line was too much, but I’m glad you appreciated the story
I thought it was going to be a story about overcoming adversity until that chilling last line. Well done
Thanks!
Good story. I think a lot of people live in this sphere, maybe more so women and children. And it’s better the mom puts a positive spin on poverty rather than constantly whining. The last line opens a whole other can of worms.
Yes, I think Mom is trying to protect the kids, but maybe herself a little too
Ouch, a bitter twist. I was charmed by the paint that wasn’t what it said on the tin – all decorating should be done like this!
Sometimes it looks like it was!
ouuuu, a bitterly sad one. I don’t have to imagine this kind of life in a way, I lived parts of it. This brings back so many mems…good and bad. Great write! 🙂 ❤
Sorry for the reminders, jellico. I can’t imagine.
That’s okay. It happens.
Oh it started out so optimistically, but then…
Funny how everyone saw optimism among the desolation
I think it’s in our nature to want a happy ending.
Your writing doesn’t overpower the message. Great writing.
That’s a lovely comment. Thank you!
Very strong, the understatement conveying so much that wasn’t said.
FF has definitely taught me to imply a lot
The tone and feeling of acceptance lived in this piece. I was glad it did until the end. That should never be accepted.
Absolutely agree. thanks, Dog Lover
Your welcome
Wonderful writing!
Thank you!
The sudden shift at the ending was brilliant!
Thank you.
– Lisa
Glad you liked it
Horrific last line that really brings the piece to a climax. It’s almost cheery poverty until that last line blasts out the reality
Thank you, Michael. I think most of us find it hard to imagine a world outside the one we know, especially as children. But still, the world creeps in in places