“Girls! Breakfast!”
Sissy slipped silently into her seat, her lip quivering as she watched her sister ease carefully into her chair.
“What’s wrong with you?” her grandmother asked the older sister. “You’re lame this morning.”
The girls’ eyes met. “It’s nothing, Granma.”
“Sure looks like something. Are you two going to do more than poke your breakfasts?”
Sissy hiccupped. The older girl hissed at her younger sister. “Button it.”
But the little girl burst. “She wouldn’t let those boys at me Granma, she let me get away.”
Their grandmother made the phone-call before gathering them close, rocking and humming.
*********************************************************************************
I was peer pressured into providing a bit more of “Unbuttoned”. I almost wish I hadn’t written either piece but to not have gone where the prompt led would not have changed what is too often a true story for too many girls. I am not sure how to write the happy ending that this fictional family deserves. Is there any kind of justice that undoes the damage done? There’s no lesson to be learned; these girls did nothing wrong. They are tough and stand up for each other so we can only hope that these characters have the resilience to not give up on themselves and will grow up as healed and whole as possible.
The July 5, 2018, Carrot Ranch prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes buttons.
Pingback: Unbuttoned | ShiftnShake
I do like this happier ending…had assumed the worst from part 1!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did a poor job of writing because I meant to reveal more of the worst. Now grandma knows what happened the night before when big sister protected little sister so at least she can help.
If only I had 117 words or even 113…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hate it when that happens!
Part one was really good (also)–hurt my heart a little–but happy to have the broken heart mended!
LikeLike
There is a lot of strength revealed in part 2 on the part of all three characters. It bodes well for them. I’m glad you submitted to the peer pressure, D.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for it. I do appreciate it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is survival in the elixir. Bot the same as a happy ending. It’s like I tell Cynthia — it’s not going to be the same but it will be okay. I’m glad you went where the prompt led you. That is bravery, the hero answering the call. I also like that you offered your readers an extension. That is listening, the writer willing to provide.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Uh huh. I see what yer doin’.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLike
Pingback: Buttons « Carrot Ranch Literary Community