Gentle Parenting
For Kayleigh's Micro Fiction Challenge
It’s insignificant for a thirteen year old to walk to the bus stop alone. When Sarah asked, she was all of nine, and mama said no. What if she was kidnapped?
So she stopped asking. She became mama’s confidante.
Now she’s in therapy for anxiety, trauma.
Growing up is scary.
A/N: This was written for Kayleigh Fraser's 50-word micro fiction challenge.
About the Creator
Mackenzie Davis
“When you are describing a shape, or sound, or tint, don’t state the matter plainly, but put it in a hint. And learn to look at all things with a sort of mental squint.” Lewis Carroll
Boycott AI!
Copyright Mackenzie Davis.
Keep reading
More stories from Mackenzie Davis and writers in Fiction and other communities.
Subterranean Purples
Riley knew what it took. As the cave grew narrower, she could feel herself getting closer to something primordial. The corridor started to soften, ever so slightly. It grabbed at her. Something in the air reminded her of deep slumber and the center of Earth.
By Mackenzie Davis2 years ago in Fiction
If You Love Me, You'll Do It
I met Jason when I was five years old. I could say that I loved him from the moment I saw him. He was so handsome to me and I felt in awe by his presence. When they introduced him as the new kid in school, I wanted to be his friend right away. I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember his smile and how he didn't seem shy. He appeared confident and ready to learn. I waved at him and said "hello," before anyone else could even say a word. He sat next to me, and I asked him if he wanted to be friends. He looked so happy as he said, "Yes!"
By Sidney Smith (Sid Smith)7 days ago in Fiction
Comments (14)
Oh it's a hard balance to strike!
Scary for parents and I feel lucky to be alive after waiting alone when little for the school bus! A well deserved Top Story!
Ooo. The implications are huge. 😱 Fab micro. Congratulations.
Congratulations on your top story.
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
How da fuck did I miss this? I thought I read, commented it and liked it and all that like a good little Vocal friend. Oh well, this is beautifully written. Such a deft use of so few words and congrats on this getting Top Story! Good to have company beside me on the front page lol!
Woot woot! Top Story! Congratulations, Mackenzie!
Oof- the twist on how growing up could mean having to take care of the ones who are supposed to take care of you. When you used "insignificant" in the opening line, did you mean that as in, 'it shouldn't be an issue for her to do that'?
The fear of kidnapping was really drummed into me as a child. I think girls are taught to fear it more than boys, and as a result boys generally have more freedom, more access to public spaces (parks, sports facilities, etc) and more confidence :-/ xx
No kidding. No child should have to shoulder the responsibility of serving as one or the other of their parents' confidante.
Mackenzie, in so few words, you manage to capture so much of what I, a high school English teacher, see coming true for so many adolescents and young adults--that growing up sheltered does not necessarily keep us safe. Beautiful take on this challenge.
Apparently I'm the only one who doesn't get it 😅 If she didn't walk alone, then why is she in therapy?
I love the level of internal debate you just opened with this! A brilliant and unique take on the challenge. Nicely done 🤍🙏✨
There is a lot to be said about letting kids walk to school on their own! I remember biking for the first alone, my dad followed me in the car just to make sure I took the proper route :) Actually hit the curb and flipped over my handlebars lol lucky for me I hit grass not pavement haha