Red's Wrap
Happiness. It's relative.
She Who Hesitates
“The bells of St. Brigit’s are calling tonight. If you’re serious about your decision, now’s the time to go.” Her father put down his newspaper, folded it in his lap. “The longer you wait, the harder it’ll be.”
Ella put her hands to her face and looked at the floor.
“It’s such a final thing. Once it’s done, I can’t take it back.” She rubbed her forehead and ran her hands through her hair. “Afterward, every night and forever, I’ll hear those bells ringing, reminding me what I gave up.”
“It’s just a short time until tomorrow,” he warned, unfolding his paper to begin where he left off.
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Written in response to a flash fiction prompt from Write on Edge to use the quote: “The bells of St. Brigit’s are calling tonight” in a piece no longer than 108 words.
13 Comments on “She Who Hesitates”
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Snow Door | wisconsinacademy.org
Listen to Jan read her essay “Billy” presented on WUWM’s Lake Effect
Jan’s essay “At the Breakfast Bar” on WUWM Lake Effect
Jan’s essay “The Parish Hall,” on WUWM Lake Effect
“Fury Cannot Touch Me,” Modern Love, NYT, 9/29/11
I too was thinking convent. And thinking the father was pushing her awfully hard, which makes me wonder what’s going on…
Tight and tense, and all with barely a motion from the characters. Great to see you here, Jan.
Thank you! I loved this prompt, especially the 100 word limit.
Such tension in such a compact piece of work – it left me wanting to know so much more.
Thank you. I hope there’s a continuation prompt so I can see where this goes.
You know it’s good when your reader says, “I want to know more!” and that’s exactly what I’m saying. I’m going with the others in guessing she’s entering a convent, and agreeing with Angela about how sad it is that he’d push her out whether she was ready or not.
Fantastic job building such tension in 100 words!
I kind of felt like he was trying to nudge her out of her indecision (which can be such torture). It’s so hard sitting on the fence!
Oh, seriously! We need to know what she’s discerning! I also wondered about the convent…but I really want to know! 🙂
What a tough-sounding decision! The tension was really shown well. LM x
It makes me sad that he’s so quick to push her out the door, even if it may be the choice she ultimately wants to make.
ohh…life decisions made under pressure are so hard! Hope she chooses what’s right for here. Maybe be away from her demanding father wouldn’t be too bad an idea!
Entering a convent? Very tantalising. I hope that she made the right choice 🙂
Not sure. Is it better to wait or just postponing the inevitable?