MIND’S A MAZE (GENRE: Realistic Riction)
PHOTO PROMPT © Jean L. Hays
By Neel Anil Panicker
Her mind’s aching with sepia toned memories; memories that get dimmer by the hour.
‘Cancer, of any type, is slow poison. It kills you; slowly, breath by breath.’
This is someone’s memoir she read. They batter her already battered mindscape.
This month’s been hectic. She’s traveled through childhood, relived her school days, her joyous life as the “most naughtiest, loveliest, bestest 10 year old girl in the history of Scottish High School.”
This from her Fifth Grade teacher; somewhat bombastic but heartfelt utterings.
Outside, the hospital van wails. She extricates herself from the past. It’s Chemo Day, again.
Her future beckons.
Friday Fictioneers is hosted by the wonderful Rochelle at
Poignant and sad, packed with detail and snippets of stories.
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I think this is my favourit so far of all your stories.
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Dear Neel,
So very well written. Poignant and tragic.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Excellent Neel, very powerful in its simplicity and some lovely phrases.
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Beautifully and sensitively written Neel.
Click to read my FriFic tale
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The abrupt contrast between past and future makes each stand out more vividly. Well done, Neel!
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An excellently written piece.
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Great piece of writing Neel.
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A harrowing tale.
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Superbly written piece, Neel.
But there is no ‘Fifth Grade’ in Scottish schools.
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“most naughtiest, loveliest, bestest 10 year old girl in the history of Scottish High School.” I love this line. I picture it written in an autograph book. (I’m not sure kids have those anymore.)
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I found mine the other day… oh man!
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Too real, Neel. Almost as if you’ve lived it.
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Beautifully done, Neel. So well written.
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Sad story, but beautifully written with the foreshadowing in the first part and the memories of her past. Let’s hope for the best, many cancers can be beat today.
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