I retrieved the house key from beneath the limestone rock in the daisy garden, just like I did after school each day since moving to this new house. I recognized the rock-type due to its striking resemblance to one I read about in my earth science textbook. As I proceeded to unlock the door, I paused and looked down at the pockets of my khaki pants. They were brownish-red from repeatedly shoving my hands in them while playing a few games of marble. I thought about hiding the dirt stains on my pants to avoid being disciplined, but I know trouble too well to be scared—it is my life. I finally unlocked the door, but all the blinds were closed, curtains drawn shut, and lights off.
As I reached for the light switch, the lights magically came on—I forgot they were motion-sensory. A group of people suddenly emerged out of nowhere, holding balloons and wearing birthday hats.
“Happy Birthday George!” They shouted harmoniously.
I stood in shock, holding on to my chest to prevent my heart from leaping out. It could have still escaped through my mouth, which in the midst of all the excitement, opened to an astonishing 360 degrees, yet letting nothing out—not even air. After a few seconds which seemed eternal, my breathing returned to normal.
As I regained my composure, I was greeted with hugs from the woman with whom I’ve been living since she picked me up off the street. She must have stared into my eyes for at least 5 minutes, before tears began flowing down her cheeks—they were tears of joy.
As her tears morphed into a big smile, she uttered, “Today is your birthday George, and mommy loves you.”
I was bewildered. It was preposterous that someone I’ve been living with for two weeks knows my birthdate—I don’t even know when I was born. This was the eighth family I’ve lived with, and each one assigned me a different birthdate.
“Who is my mother, where is she, and how do you know that she loves me?”
“George, I am your mother and I’ve always loved you.”
© Jenoy Merchant and merchantwritesagain.wordpress.com, 2018
Amazingly and beautifully written 😊
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Thank you!
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Your welcome ☺️😇
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Beautifully written with a great twist ending.
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Thank you for your thoughts. I think you’ll enjoy my other fiction pieces as well. Feel free to give them a look and let me know what you think in the post comments. Thanks for stopping by.
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Yes, I will certainly do that. Your story was delightful. I hope you’ll stop by my blog too. Today’s posting is a little tough to read, I’m told. I love fiction, but today I wrote nonfiction.
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Did you say it was tough to read? Challenge accepted (mentally prepares myself to head over to your blog)
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I love the twist of this story. So warm and heartfelt!
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Thank you I’m glad you enjoyed it. I try to employ the element of plot twist whenever I can. Feel free to check out my other pieces, I think you’ll equally enjoy them.
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Liked your writing style! Very nice and warm toned design.
After seeing you blog, I will be adding copyright terms to my Blog as well.
And once again thanks for pointing out that the follow button was missing on my blog. It’s up now 🙂 please do follow.
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Thank you. I’m glad you like my writing style and that you’ve found useful information on my blog. Feel free to browse through my other flash fiction pieces and leave your thoughts, I think you’ll equally enjoy them.
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This is a terrific story you have on your hands. Keep those fingers moving!
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I shall keep them moving. I hope you’ll enjoy my subsequent work and thanks for your advice.
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This got me🙌🏾💯 Well written Jay
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Thanks, Mani!
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Jenoy you should write a book! I think you have so many ideas. These are so creative and really keep the reader interested
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It’s something I hope to do one day in the future. Thanks for your usual support and thanks for your kind thoughts. Stay tuned, more to come.
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This was a very good read. The story pulled me in and the ending was great!
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Thank you for your insight.
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I like the style of writing, it makes you feel eager to get to the next line to see what’s up. The twist at the end was also great. It makes you feel like there is a part 2 to this. Great job Jay
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I’m glad it captivated your attention and that you liked the style. Stay tuned for subsequent updates.
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Expected nothing less!:) Once again, great piece!
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Thank you! I appreciate your kind thoughts.
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Crazy plot twist on that one! Love it.
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Hey, I love your blog. You’re writing is AMAZING!! I’ve nominated you for the three day, three quote challenge. Would love it if you would join. Here’s the link: https://theseareourdreams.wordpress.com/2018/04/15/three-days-three-quotes-day-two/
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A touching ending! Well done! Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you!
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A warm and delightful story!
I love your flowery, descriptive style matched with your interesting subject matter.
Great job once again!
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Thank you! I am pleased that you enjoyed my work.
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Oh! Very nice and I love the ending.
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I am glad you liked it!
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Amazing story and it’s very beautiful written.
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Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed reading this and hope you’ll enjoy my subsequent work.
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This is really awesome and I can feel the emotion. Great job! ❤
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Thank you, Rhed. I hope you’ll equally enjoy my subsequent work.
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Awesome story! I look forward to reading more of your stories.
Brief typo in this line, “This was the eight family I’ve lived with, and each one assigned me a different birthdate.” A fresh pair of eyes is always very useful 🙂
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Thank you, Teresa. I will review and correct the typo, I appreciate you pointing that out. I update every Saturday at 9 am EST. I hope to see you around.
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aw this is so sweet
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Thank you, Elaina!
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I absolutely loved this!!
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Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed reading it.
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So beautiful! It’s so emotional. Those intricate details surely add decoration to the story. I’m following this blog right now
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Thanks a lot for your kinds words, they’re much appreciated. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Stay tuned for my subsequent updates.
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This story was good AF. I had to go back and read it a second time.
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Thanks, Darius! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Your kind thoughts mean a lot to me. I hope you’ll continue enjoying my subsequent work.
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It was a very beautiful and actually an emotional story. You surely have great writing skills.
🌸
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Thanks a lot for your kind thought. I hope you’ll equally enjoy my subsequent work.
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Wow! I must say I’m so proud of you, Jenoy. WJHS’s product, Ms Barrett and Ms Coombs would be amazed by your wonderful work. Your writing style reminds me so much of how Ms Coombs writes. I really enjoy this piece & will be reading a second time. The twist at the ending is beautiful 😍
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I really appreciate your kind thoughts. They would be proud indeed!
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Good read! I really liked where you went with it in the end.
One thing I was wondering, and read a second time to try to understand, if he’d been picked off the street eight times, or if he’d been in foster parent type situations previously and then the streets?
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Glad you enjoyed reading. This is a great question. He’s been in foster homes previously and then on the streets. That’s not apparent from the story.
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How neatly expressed! I could visualize the boy entering the door…😍 👍👍
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Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to read. Hope to see you around.
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Heartwarming! Enjoyed reading it 😊
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Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed reading.
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Very sweet. I’m glad he’s found his true home, where he won’t be left out or kicked out.
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Thank you! Indeed it is beautiful that he found forever home.
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A beautiful piece!
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Thank you, Tove!
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Good one… It’s emotional. You have great writing skills..
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Thank you, I appreciate your kind thoughts.
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Beautiful! you have quite a knack for plot-twists, and that too in such short entries. Good one:)
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Thank you! I am glad you enjoy my work.
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Nice one! Doesnt every child deserve a home and a family full of love!
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They certainly do! Thank you.
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Beautiful writing. And I always love a dark undertone. Cheers.
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Thanks for taking the time to read my work, I really appreciate it!
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Pleasure all mine…I enjoyed it..
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I’m glad you did.
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I really enjoyed reading this!! You’re a very talented writer
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Thank you so much for you warm thoughts, I appreciate it. I’m glad you enjoy my work.
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Love the details in this. A short story with a big impact.
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Thank you!
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Ah man, this one grabbed me in a special way right after i read the last sentence. Great read Jenoy! Just one question… when’s the book coming out? 🙂
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Maybe I need to start working on the book. Haha! Thanks, Anthony.
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Reblogged this on Vijayagiri views.
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