Credit: The Storyteller’s Abode
The Johnsons danced in the greenfields.
The radio had just announced that their state would separate and join others to become one free country.
Dad handed Mum a yellow daisy and she stuck it in the scarecrow’s coat, making siblings Lucy and Lance roar with laughter.
Their joy was shattered when their ruler refused to abide by his citizens’ wishes and called in the army. The people revolted and one-thrid of the state was valiantly freed.
Governments initially supported a plebiscite for the oppressed people, but the occupying state’s strong economy sealed the lips of two-faced world leaders, resulting in decades of occupation, murder and torture.
The word ‘militant’ replaced freedom fighter and cross-border help from their liberated fellow citizens, declared terrorism.
A greying Lucy stood near the graves of her mother and brother in the same greenfield they’d celebrated their assumed freedom. Dad had been dragged away by soldiers who viciously beat Mum. Lance was shot in the face.
Lucy vowed to continue the freedom struggle, as did other children of this brave, forgotten land.
For Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers
Image credit: pinterest
Such a sad ending! To celebrate freedom and have it jerked away must be absolutely devastating (and that is true in your story). I sure hope they are able to unite together and win their freedom! Wonderful story filled with so many problems that are in this world today.
I guess freedom is something a lot of us take for granted but it’s a matter of life and death for those involved. Thank you so much! ☺
This is so true! It is a matter of life and death to those involved!
this was really emotional, i have just finished reading a book on Auschwitz and still feeling a little raw and your short story reminded me of people who fight so valiantly for freedom we take for granted. wonderful take on the prompt, totally unexpected!
Reading such real life stories must be very emotional. Very true, we do indeed take it for granted yet there are people who gone through and are currently involved in such brave struggles. Thank you so much! Glad you liked it! ☺
my pleasure! and i am always interested in life stories especially those from the war.
Such a sad story, but I’m sure one that played out in real life many times. Did you see Free State of Jones?
Yes, a story familiar to many real life situations. No, I haven’t seen it… sounds interesting, I’ll Google it.
I haven’t seen it either, your story just reminded me of the plot.
Freedom means so many things and we are losing a bit more of it each day. A slow loss…as your story points out.
Ellespeth
Very true. Thanks for reading! ☺
An interesting take on the story. I can see a great new TV series or something from it… What drew you to it?
Thank you! It’s actually inspired by the historical conflict of Kashmir, which unfortunately remains unresolved till today.
The denial of freedom and the oppression of a tyrannical regime is something that has been too familiar all around the world throughout history. The saddest part is that it still occurs in the modern day. A powerful story. I hope Lucy and the other members of the resistance someday manage to gain their freedom.
Very true. Such injustices have been carrying on over the decades yet the world at large doesn’t seem to care. Also, most people don’t realize that even though they aren’t directly affected by such conflicts, in today’s globalized world we are all connected and injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Thank you for your comment! ☺
It is so sad to have to fight so hard for freedom and then have it taken away. May we never stop fighting for freedom….for all! Great story. 🙂
Thank you! Yes, let’s hope that all freedom struggles carry on and people help those in need of such freedoms. 🙂
Inspiring and rather poignant too
Thank you so much for your kind words! 🙂
Such a horrible fate for Lucy. I hope she gets her freedom soon! Great take on the prompt 🙂
Thank you so much! Glad you liked it! 🙂
Wow! What a laden perspective. All the scenes were playing out in my mind. Very sad too.
Thank you for your thoughts! ☺
There are stories of freedom fighters from throughout history, and your story brought several to mind. I like your portrayal of Lucy. That she’ll never give up the fight, despite the awful losses she’s had to bear, speaks volumes about her courage and determination. Great story.
Very true, throughout history and unfortunately, some still continue. Let’s hope they have a Lucy in their midst! 🙂 Thank you so much for reading! Glad you liked it! 🙂