There we were, me and Sis holding our sleeping bags. My mother, her body shaking with grief and little nourishment, told us to unroll our bags. Fearing she was close to her breaking point, we did as she instructed.
Ignoring us, Mom leaned against Daddy’s grave. Sis slipped in next to me, and I held her close. Running my fingers through her knotted hair, it smelled faintly of little girl and chilly air. Too late in the season for crickets to sing her to sleep, Sis drifted off quickly.
Sleeping in a field of stone, unfortunately had become our routine.
100 words/genre: dramatic fiction
Thank you Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting Friday Fictioneers. I’m doing my best to become inspired again and this photo for some reason did it for me. Please be sure to give me constructive criticism and read the other stories that are posted on Rochelle’s page. Have a great weekend everyone.
Love, Renee
Renee Writes Here 
It’s a really good sad tale of a devoted widow & daughters. It really brings out their sorrow
I’m glad you thought it was good. It was very sad. I think I could write more about them.
Heartbreaking and just the teeniest bit creepy. I loved it!
I wanted it to be a tiny bit creepy. I’m so glad you felt that way when you read it.
Oh how sad!
It definitely was. The story came to me after a comment I overheard from an old colleague. It killed me to hear that they had actually done this with their children….
Everyone grieves differently. Sleeping in a field of stone is a great phase and last line to your story! And just a tad on the creepy side.
You’re right, it was kind of creepy. I like it that way though. Giggle.
I know. Me, too!
A very melancholy and touching tale. When children must be the strong ones, everyone suffers just a bit more for it.
I agree completely.
An interesting way to express devotion. One wonders what the children will think in future years.
It’s scary to think that far down the road for all of them.
These poor kids. That mother seriously needs help. Very interesting story, there’s a lot untold.
I think I’d like to write more about them. Thanks for your comment sweetheart.
Dear Renee,
Sweetly told tale of how one woman handled her grief.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Dear Rochelle,
It’s so good to hear from you. Was the story okay? You know your critique means a lot to me.
Shalom,
Renee
The story was fine, Renee. The only nitpick I would have would be “me and Sis” but I assumed that was meant to be in a child’s voice.
Touching, if slightly disturbing, tale.
Well told, Renee