“They say when God shuts a door, he opens a window.”
Lena tried not to snort derisively at the comment but it
escaped her mouth anyway. She was about to ruin the nicest day out she’d had in
a long time. She was dressed in actual clothes not covered in her son’s bodily
fluids, she was bathed for once, and miracle upon miracles, she’d even brushed
her teeth! That was as much of an oddity as being be out in the sunlight and drinking a cup of coffee was. Despite herself, she was about to eviscerate it all
with a snicker.
“What?” Adriana was a friend, and she meant well but it was
as if she hadn’t heard a word Lena had said. Lena poured her heart out, told
this woman that she’d just signed a Do Not Resuscitate order on her own son,
that, based on his failing condition, she might have to use it and soon. The
best Adrianna could muster was a well-worn cliché.
“Nothing,” Lena said. “It’s just that from my personal
experience, God hasn’t so much closed the door but slammed it in my face and if
he sees fit to crack a window, I have to crowbar that sucker open and seize
that opportunity, fighting tooth and nail to do so. I’ve been crawling through window
glass trying to get what Jacob deserves, what I deserve and all I’ve gotten
through that window is a lot of scrapes and cuts for my hassle.”
“You have more than that.” Adrianna stated. Lena shot her a
look, getting up to leave angrily. “You have Jacob. No matter what he’s going
through, at least you have him. That’s more than some of us ever get.” Lena
heard the break in Adriana's voice and saw the forlorn look on her face. She stopped
and sat back down, realizing she needed to listen instead of talk.
*****************************************
This week's Trifecta Challenge:
1: a usually swinging or sliding barrier by which an entry is closed and opened; also : a similar part of a piece of furniture
2: doorway
3: a means of access or participation : opportunity
The second I read the definition, this was the first thing I thought of. Enjoy.
14 comments:
I like this. I could relate to Lena because I've been in situations where I've been so caught up in my own problems that I don't see my friends' problems. So glad she got the cue to sit back and listen :)
I like the description of working the window open. It definitely feels like that sometimes.
Oh, this is a powerful one. Well done.
Oh, this is a powerful one. Well done.
A tough one - well written. (RogRites)
Great take on the prompt! Nice portrayal of the naval-gazing we do when we have a problem. I really like the ending — very powerful, yet understated.
Good couple of reminders - staying in the moment but leaving "our" moment now and again for someone else's.
Also loved crowbarring the window open.
What a great example of putting a foot in your mouth... Glad she realized it. Many never do.
Ouch. I don't think her friend realizes how badly she just needs someone to listen.
incredible dialogue, without exception
I love Lena's speech, and I empathize. Nice story.
Thanks all for your lovely feedback. Much appreciated.
Powerful piece,tugged at my heart!Well done:-)
This is so insightful. Thank you LM x
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