I am 10 months old, and I'm learning to walk. It's all about balance and taming gravity. When it comes to standing up straight, my tiny buttocks appear to be surprisingly heavy. One, two, three steps... plump! Mama smiles gently and calls me a fallie. She also says I'm a fast learner. She says many things, half of which I don't understand. Daddy is even worse. I complain the only way I can, but they still keep smiling at me with dark blue circles under their eyes. And I'm learning to be less whiny.
***
I am 14 years old, and I'm learning to walk all over again. I remember me shouting "Dad!", screeching tires, and a sharp jolt to the left and then forward. Dad saved a moose. A slender pine took the hit and probably saved us from flipping over and breaking our necks.
It's not about balance anymore. I can't feel my legs quite well; they don't belong with the rest of the body. But I will not fall: the walking rails won't let me, and my hands are strong. I'm no fallie. Doctors say I'm a fast learner. I know it; I've heard it before. They also say I've got my whole life ahead of me.
***
An hour past the sunset in the village. I'm shooting stars with my green laser pointer. Finally, a few of them give in and start falling into the void of the night. "Fallies," I whisper.
Make a wish.
About the Creator
Andrei Z.
Overthinker.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
The Weight of Woe
This follows "The Path of Duty" Edith awoke the next morning. Light streamed through her window, and the sounds of bird song filled the air. She brushed away the hair that had fallen over her face as she slept. Her pillow, still moist from last night’s tears, reminded her of her grief. She sat up, rubbed her eyes, and stared out at the city of Avonar.
By Tomos Jacksona day ago in Fiction
Comments (9)
Great job! Keep up the fantastic work
savior of the Ea! Congratulations and best wishes
A good word, filled with hope, promise, & unnumbered wishes.
This was so full of the beauty of perseverance. I loved it so much!
Oh this is a slice of perfection. The word, the lull of the vignette style, the tone, the theme of falling. Just brilliant.
This was so elegantly poignant.
Love all the stories for all its definitions. Great.
Great challenge word!
Omg! You sold this with such conviction I actually looked up what a fallie is as I’d never heard of it and then realised it was for the challenge! 🧐😅 This was mesmerising somehow.. something in its simplicity or the word choice, I’m not sure but it’s really evocative writing.. and I’m usually not big on many micros. Bravo!