Her birthday was on the thirteenth of February and when she read that the ruins had 213 steps, she excitedly planned the visit with her friends.
211, 212, they chanted in unison.
“Come on Deborah! You be the first to reach your ‘birthday step!'”
And as she took that last stride, triumphantly declaring the number 213, her foot slipped and she felt herself falling. Her horrified friends grasped desperately, as she almost knocked them over on her excruciating plunge downwards.
She had injured her spine in two places and the doctor said she’d probably never walk again.
213… February 13th, a number and date she so desperately wanted to forget.
She refused to celebrate her birthday the following year and angrily shoved the cake aside.
“Deborah…,” began her mother.
“No! I hate this date! I hate it!”
“Deborah! Your foot…it…it moved!”
She’d been trembling with rage and hadn’t noticed her right foot shift from the wheelchair footrest.
The worst date of her life had once again been the start of a new one.
Written for Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers
Dollops of Heedful Ramblings 
Like this take. Bad things can happen at any time, we can’t always stop them, but so can good things. I’m sure she is a stronger person for her trials and hopefully, will see her Birthday as a day of hope and second chances, not just the day she fell.
Yes, hopefully she’ll realize that there is always hope and no matter what happens, you can’t just given in to life. Thanks for reading! 🙂
Love this story! A great spin on the prompt. I think it is wonderful that her foot began to move on the same date her mobility had been taken from her. Her birthday has a new meaning – never give up. Wonderful story!
Thank you so much! Yes, never give up in life..easier said than done, but that’s where willpower comes in! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Thank you!
Oh. Wow! The cheerful beginning makes a beautiful and stunning contrast for the next paragraphs! So cleverly done! And I am glad it ended with a tinge of hope. 🙂
Aww thank you so much!😊 Yes, it’s always nice to end with a bit of hope!☺
That is true. Hope is what makes our life interesting. 🙂
It’s so common. we are giving up after something bad happens and we refuse to see good things. Very nice story! It’s very important to have close people.
That’s true…it’s very easy to give up. Thank you so much for reading!☺
So thoughtful of you to add a positive note in the end. It’s a human nature that he tends to associate negative feelings for some dates and places but thoughtful minds always look for something good.
Misfortunes never meant that life ends 🙂
True, misfortunes are just part of life’s test I guess, and we must simply try even harder to pass with flying colours! (or come close! :)) Thank you so much for reading and commenting! 🙂
So nicely done. Like is so often about hope isn’t it along with elements of surprise…..
That’s true… you live on hope and try to bravely face the curveballs life throws at you! Thanks for reading! 😊
Fitting title – love the rebirth of the her spirit 🙂
Thank you so much for reading! Glad you liked it! 🙂
🙂
I love the surprise ending of this! It’s great that she was so angry and was able to see just how much she could accomplish. Now, she will work very hard to improve and she has a better frame of mind to work with! A sad and happy story all into one. 🙂
Yes, after going through so much hardship, seeing a glimmer of hope will hopefully make her work harder to get better! Thank you so much for reading! 😊
Great story. I love the hopeful note at the end. Maybe now she can start seeing things in a more positive light again. 🙂 Really well done.
Thank you so much! We all need hope to get through life and its challenges! Thanks for reading! 😊
One little foot movement can lead to a dance 😉
Sweetly said! 😊Thank you so much for your comment!