Thank you Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for your weekly dedication and hard work for Friday Fictioneers. When I first saw Roger Bultot’s photo prompt this morning, I thought it was a church; I immediately thought of writing this story. Then I noticed the Star of David on the window, and went somewhere else instead. This other story stayed with me all day, until it finally fit the 100 word format and I could type it out. Honest, constructive feedback is always appreciated. I will visit your page as well, but it may take a while. If you read both of my stories this week, you rock extra! Thank you!
© Roger Bultot
All The Lonely People
Eleanor hides in a pew, and swallows one last pill. Having strived to live a faithful life, she hopes this will look like something else… a heart attack, perhaps? Only cordial smiles from Father and worshippers; no one loves or notices her, beyond her duties at the church. Measuring days in grains of rice, from weddings she never attends, is no life.
Father McKenzie tries to remember anything personal for Eleanor’s sermon. Years of cleaning and moving about like a ghost; he never asked about her life. Where did she belong? A pang of guilt makes him pause, and then passes.
(100 words)
And now you must go here to enjoy true genius.
* * *
KAPOW! Have you stopped by Tales From the Motherland Facebook page to spread some fairy dust? I’m grateful for each Like. Follow me on Twitter, LeBron James does (for real… well, he did. But he may have dropped me recently)! Most importantly, if you like a post I’ve written, hit Like and leave a comment. Honest, constructive feedback is always appreciated. Click Follow; you’ll get each new post delivered by email, no spam.
©2011-2019 All content and images on this site are copyrighted to Dawn Quyle Landau and Tales From the Motherland, unless specifically noted otherwise. If you want to share my work, I’m grateful, but please give proper credit and Link back to my work; plagiarism sucks!
TALES FROM THE MOTHERLAND 
Dear Dawn,
All the lonely people…where do they all come from? A deeper look into one of my all time favorite Beatles songs. Love this. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Rochelle! I hoped it would work; that the title wouldn’t be too cliché, that readers would go deeper. When I first saw the picture, before I saw the star, this story came to me instantly; I just couldn’t let it go. Thanks for your very kind words. xo
LikeLike
I will echo Rochelle. One of the Fab Four’s best songs. The boys would love to read your story, I did.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ahh, Ted, thanks so much! It’s a favorite song for me too. This story just was there and wanted me to write it. Your comment means so much!
LikeLike
I love this, one of my fav songs as well. She keeps her face in a jar by the door, no wonder no one knows her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t in any way compete with those lyrics, but oh the story behind them! Thanks Gabi. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Shame on the Father for never taking the time to break through and get to know her. I will be thinking about her all day. Well done.
LikeLike
Thanks Lynda! I think there are so many people that we see all the time, but never really see.
LikeLiked by 2 people
How utterly sad. The invisible people that exist everywhere, and are never given praise for the invisible work they do. So, so sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perhaps the work is not so invisible, but yes Linda, we so often don’t notice! Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved this flash:) I can really imagine Eleanor, quietly and tirelessly doing her job, ignored because everyone takes her for granted. So many quiet, yet lovely people we should, but don’t see every day. I love this quote, but I’m not sure who said it: You Can Easily Judge the Character of a Man by How He Treats Those Who Can Do Nothing for Him. Thanks for the reminder to be kind to everyone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Luccia! What a beautiful quote; I love it too! I read one that goes (something) like this: avoid the person who treats you to dinner, while treating the waiter poorly. Both are so true. Thanks for your thoughtful comment; it’s much appreciated!
LikeLike
Heartbreaking to have left no mark on one’s surroundings. Well done, Dawn.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Dale! Maybe she left a mark, but the mark went unnoticed… the church was clean and well kept, but it was taken for granted. Either way, yes, heartbreaking.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I meant on people… 😉
LikeLike
Clever take on a well-known song.
Expertly crafted too, so full marks this week, no armour required!
LikeLiked by 1 person
En guard! I set my my shield down, sir. And thanks for the encouraging words!
LikeLike
The Father is the leader of the church and sets the example. If Father McKenzie had noticed her, perhaps others would have also. His only momentary pang tells the story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lead by example is so often over looked; it’s such a sad thing. Thanks for this wise observation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome, Dawn.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are so many invisible people in the world. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Roger; yes, all the lonely people.
LikeLike
I love this song, and you did it justice. Well done, Dawn.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it’s one of their best, Sandra; I’m glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLike
A beautiful fleshing out of a powerful song. There are indeed so many lonely people, living their lives in the corners and shadows. Powerful story, Dawn!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brenda, thank you so much for your supportive comment; I appreciate you reading my work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much; your feedback is always so kind and welcome.
LikeLike
There are a great many lonely people in today’s world. Either they can’t seem to connect with others or other’s don’t bother to connect with them. It is extremely sad. Good writing as always, Dawn. —- Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is indeed so sad! Thanks for connecting, Suzanne
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so sad, and yet very human. And that too, is sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She was buried along with her name. A really orininal take on this week’s prompt.
Keith’s Ramblings is but a click away!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Keith; I’m grateful for your thoughtful feedback.
LikeLiked by 1 person