What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week Lillie McFerrin posts a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate can write a five sentence story based on the prompt word. The word does not have to appear in the five sentences, and is just for direction. This week: GRIEF
She had had to work so hard, washing, scrubbing, mopping in other’s houses all her life, to raise two girls, put them through college when she could ill afford it, and also get them married to suitable grooms as per custom.
Now, her children were ashamed of the way she looked, dressed and spoke.
She sat curled up, remembering harsh words, her grief overflowing sunken eyes, and trickling down gaunt cheeks.
Someone touched her shoulder then, and she looked up, only to have her face licked clean of all tears by a soft pink tongue, while a paw rested protectively on her shoulder.
Kuttan’s wagging tail stated clearly that it did not matter to him if she looked haggard, was slovenly or spoke like the illiterate she was.
©Shail Mohan 2014
It’s so ungrateful that her own children preferred to ignore her presence and her sacrifices.
I am watching this happening and it is really sad.
This is why I love dogs. They give unconditional love that no one else can give and yet some think they are just dirty creatures roaming the streets. Right now I feel so besotted with frustration after going through an horrendous event this past summer and all I need now is a dog now. Think I’ll go visit the pet store now lol.
I have wonderful experience of a stray dog defending my 6 year old from another dog who jumped at him. And all we had ever done was feed it when it appeared and talk to it with affection.
A dog is the best thing to get you through horrendous times! 🙂
Words moved my heart Ma’am!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Asmithaa 🙂
Beautiful story! This happens in many households.
Sadly, it does!
How sad!! Hope she finds happiness in Kuttan’s loyalty.. Beautifully told, Shail..
sad reality, nicely portrayed
My Entry Courage
Unconditional love is so rare in humans, huh?!
YOu know, Shail, as you have said, this IS a true story. Right here at home, with C and Kuttan 🙂 They’re soulmates, and they love each other with such an intensity that pales when I think of me and him 🙂 🙂 Even down to the two children, except they are a son and daughter!
Just a couple of days back she called up early in the morning and was in tears, when she said she dreamt of Chinnu that night. She keeps seeing her, quite regularly – and her emotion moved even me to tears!
But yes, there is nothing like love from the likes of Kuttan, and Chinnu and Luci and Goofy and the hordes (I use this word deliberately 🙂 ) of other wonderfully warm being like them 🙂
Thank you for the name you gave him 🙂 I’m delighted, and let me go tell Kuttan now 🙂 He’s slowly beginning to come out of his shell (-shocked state) after Mia/Malu (I’ve started calling her that too, and she responds instantly to the second name!!!) has arrived!
Can we receive anything but love and acceptance from our four-legged angels?
That was touching, Shail!