Early Riser

On By The VoiceIn Drama, Flash Fiction, Friday Fictioneers, Short Story
PHOTO PROMPT © The Reclining Gentleman
PHOTO PROMPT © The Reclining Gentleman

The sun was barely peaking over the horizon as Danny trudged along the path towards work. He only saw the lone daffodil pushing up from the ground because he’d had his gaze cast downwards.

‘Not even spring yet,” thought Danny. “An early riser, just like me.”

His job in the hospital laundry room was tedious, but finding work as an ex-con wasn’t easy. He knew he’d be paying for his mistakes for the rest of his life. He no longer lived behind bars, but his past was now his prison.

“Welcome to the world, little flower.” he nodded. “Stay strong.”

Word Count: 100

[This is my entry into this weeks Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Use the photo prompt to create a short story in 100 words or less.]

~V

32 thoughts on “Early Riser”

      1. Hi Chris,

        I like that better than ‘V’. I have a pen pal in prison. He takes responsibility for his crime. I couldn’t help but see him in your story. A little plug here…you can read his story in the a book called Bank Notes by Caroline Giammanco. A good read if you’re interested.

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      2. Thanks. If his story was worth writing about, I’d like to read it. My story was based on more personal experience than I care to admit. In the end, the only salvation is taking responsibility for one’s actions and moving forward. Mistakes may haunt us but they cannot control us.

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  8. Moving story, and so frustrating, that someone who’s done their time is still paying for it on the outside. My best friend is looking forward to being in that same crappy position himself in four years, but hey, a hospital laundry room is better than where he is now.

    The ending is especially touching — trying to help and show empathy toward someone else (even an anthropomorphized flower) is a great way of digging yourself out of your own hole, and an excellent sign that the character is on his way up.

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    1. Regrettably, a conviction will haunt someone forever. Release from jail or prison doesn’t end the punishment. While it’s important that people take responsibility for their actions, society is not forgiving of a criminal record. I wish your friend the best. He has a lot of frustration and disappointment waiting for him on the outside, but hopefully, like Danny, he’ll stay strong and not give up or give in. Thanks for writing, Joy. 🙂

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      1. Thanks, Chris. He recognizes that he *really* messed up this time and is sincerely trying everything to turn it around, but yeah, it’s going to be a long hard haul. I’m doing my best to help keep his spirits up in the meantime.

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    1. Thank you. I’d like to think that Danny is listening more to his inner voice now as he faces the challenges of each day. He understands that his attitude towards life is what will dictate his success or failure. Perhaps his brief comment to the daffodil is evidence of that. Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. I appreciate it. 🙂

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