Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Trifecta Challenge: Door



“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. 

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This week's Trifecta Challenge:

This week's word is:

DOOR


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:

Anonymous said...

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 :)

Draug said...

I like the description of working the window open. It definitely feels like that sometimes.

Anonymous said...

Oh, this is a powerful one. Well done.

Anonymous said...

Oh, this is a powerful one. Well done.

BetaRules said...

A tough one - well written. (RogRites)

Suzanne said...

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.

kymm said...

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.

brudberg said...

What a great example of putting a foot in your mouth... Glad she realized it. Many never do.

Jester Queen said...

Ouch. I don't think her friend realizes how badly she just needs someone to listen.

Anonymous said...

incredible dialogue, without exception

Anonymous said...

I love Lena's speech, and I empathize. Nice story.

The Bloody Munchkin said...

Thanks all for your lovely feedback. Much appreciated.

Atreyee said...

Powerful piece,tugged at my heart!Well done:-)

Lyssa Medana said...

This is so insightful. Thank you LM x