Content warning
This story may contain sensitive material or discuss topics that some readers may find distressing. Reader discretion is advised. The views and opinions expressed in this story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Vocal.
"There she is," said one teacher to another.
"She's the one with that curl that gets in her eyes."
Miss Another says, "Her mother needs to pin that, so it doesn't flop!"
"Yes, but I heard she can barely get herself out of bed nowadays."
"Well, it's understandable after what she's gone through."
"True. Crazy how she told everyone he'd died from an airborne illness."
"Yes, but it was clear that there were rope burns around his neck"
"They had an autopsy done because he was found at home, as law requires"
Only minutes before, the little girl with the curl had a fit of crying...
so much so that her friends ran to get adult attention.
And all they had asked her (before she seemingly fell apart)
Was if she wanted to play jump-rope with them...
About the Creator
Shirley Belk
Mother, Nana, Sister, Cousin, & Aunt who recently retired. RN (Nursing Instructor) who loves to write stories to heal herself and reflect on all the silver linings she has been blessed with :)
Enjoyed the story? Support the Creator.
Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also pledge your support or give them a one-off tip, letting them know you appreciate their work.
Keep reading
More stories from Shirley Belk and writers in Poets and other communities.
Dinosaurs Don't Inspire Me
I'm sorry, Vocal. I just couldn't do it. I couldn't get inspired to write a poem about dinosaurs. I just didn't have it in me. Maybe because I've always been a bit freaked out about them? And the fact that they never captured my imagination didn't help, either. Is that okay?
By Shirley Belk21 days ago in Poets
Comments (12)
My heart went out for the little girl...
This is utterly heartbreaking😭😭 I don't even know how to describe just how masterfully you created this. I have no words, I just want to cry now🥲
Those triggers, can send a person off in mad rampages...be careful what you say...and to whom you say it.
Oh no you didn't.... Wow. That was not what I expected. Loved your take on the challenge. Tragic. Great PoV choice.
Oh my that ending hits hard. Excellent job.
Excellent but sad poem… Poor ‘little girl with the curl’!🥺
That poor little girl. I wish I could give her a hug 🥺
The playground is a dangerous place!
Oh no! the rope.....ohhhhhhhh
Nice writing keep it up!!!
Very interesting twist, Shirley. Great job!!!
Trauma all through.