Copyright – Bjorn Rudberg
‘It’s the stairway of destiny,’ all the kids said. Stephanie was sceptical, being a practical, no-nonsense sort of girl, qualities which sustained her as her crazy mother dragged her from town to town, following each new boyfriend. Stephanie found little comfort in childhood distractions.
‘Just climb up, and you’ll see your future,’ they said.
‘Nonsense,’ said Stephanie; but she did it, just to prove the point.
From the highest step she looked out over the trees and saw, with a gasp, her house. She watched, as her mother and the latest boyfriend loaded suitcases into the car and drove away.
*********
This is for Friday Fictioneers, a weekly flash fiction challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Writers post 100 word stories in response to a photo prompt.
Onto the page 
I am soooo glad such a place does not exist…. I would use it way to often!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m also glad. It would be tempting, I agree. Thanks for reading.
LikeLike
Alas this is true destiny for way to many kids.
LikeLike
That’s a sad reality. But I suspect Stephanie’s resilient. She’s learned how to roll with the punches. Thanks for commenting, and thanks for the wonderful photo.
LikeLike
That’s her future indeed.What a clever piece this is. But she seems the sort of kid that will survive.
LikeLike
I’m sure she’ll survive. She’s a tough one. Thanks for your nice comment.
LikeLike
Dear Marg,
I’ve heard of mothers abandoning their children for the boyfriend. I can’t imagine. This left me feeling angry. Good job! 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Anger’s a fitting response to such abandonment. Thanks for your encouragement.
Cheers
Marg
LikeLike
All I could say was, “Oh! No!” right out loud. Very well done piece.
LikeLike
Thank you, Alicia. That’s a great reaction. I’m glad you liked my story.
LikeLike
Dear Margaret,
A story that fits the prompt perfectly. The sins of the mother are visited upon the daughter, so they say, sort of. She will learn from this.
Aloha,
Doug
LikeLike
Stephanie’s sure suffered because of the sins of her mother – you’re right. This week’s prompt has produced an abundance of good stories, and there doesn’t seem to be a lot of overlap this time, which is good. I’m glad you think mine is a good fit. Thanks for commenting.
Cheers
Marg
LikeLike
Oh dear, poor girl. Looks like Stephanie might be on her own from now on. I think her mother’s treatment of her thus far has toughened her up though. Hopefully she’ll be okay.
LikeLike
Yes, she saw a future she didn’t deserve to see; but I think she’s tough, too. She’ll be ok. Thanks for commenting.
LikeLike
Marg, Poor child. I hope there’s another family member who’ll take her in. She deserves a better life than the one she’s been living. Something tells me the mother’s going to suffer for this behavior in the future. Good and well-written story. Happy Holidays! — Suzanne
LikeLike
Thank you for your nice comment, Suzanne. Some children do get a rough deal. I’d like to think Stephanie will learn from her childhood experiences, and not follow her mother’s example.
LikeLike
I like the idea of the stairway to the future, but don’t like the sad fate here. Poor girl. This is when I throw up my hands and say, “Life isn’t fair!” Great story for the prompt, Margaret.
LikeLike
It does seem she’s in for a sad future, but possibly not. I’d like to think she still has choices. I do agree – life is definitely not fair. Thanks for your feedback.
LikeLike
An interesting concept–stairway to your future. In one way, I feel sorry for Stephanie, but she’ll probably be better off without her mother in the long run.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She probably will. She’s had a tough journey, and I hope her future isn’t the same as her mother’s. Thanks for your comment.
LikeLike
I love the stairway to your story, Margaret! I wanted to use the stairway idea but couldn’t get my head to work it. Good job!
Lily
LikeLike
It’s a very appealing stairway. I know the feeling of wanting to make a story idea work and just not being able to find the way. Most frustrating. Thank you for reading and responding.
LikeLike
Margaret,
This story is skillfully woven with good forward momentum and just enough foreshadowing to make the ending pop. Well done!
All my best,
Marie Gail
LikeLike
Thanks so much for this insightful and helpful feedback, Marie Gail. I’m grateful for your observations, and I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
Cheers
Margaret
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was a powerful story, the last line hits hard.
LikeLike
The poor girl has a hard future ahead of her. The last line had to say it all, so I’m glad it worked. Thanks for your comment.
LikeLike
A sad and too often true tale. Perhaps her future is now free of clutter. 😉
LikeLike
That’s a good way to be. I expect she’s going to be alright. Thank you for reading and responding.
Marg
LikeLike