Once again, thanks to Freya for pointing out this writing meme.
Alastair is both a writer and a photographer. The idea of Alastair’s Photo Fiction is that a photo that he has taken is used as a prompt for flash fiction – a short story – or poem of around 150 words.
The waves were licking Ailsa’s toes. She took another step into the water, then another. The sea was grey and rough, the beach empty. She was shivering, despite the navy pullover she had kept on. She bit fiercely on the hair she had been chewing all along and froze when she realised her shorts were wet.
She rubbed her nose, the sand only making the tears and snivelling worse. All she could hear were the waves and her sobs coming and going in unison.
Ever since Mum had come back with the silly baby boy, nothing was the same. Where was the fun she had been promised? It was all about him, him. She might as well be swallowed by the sea, nobody would ever notice.
Then Ailsa heard her before she felt whisked off her feet in a swift embrace of Chanel, silk and red hair.
She was a daughter again.
I love this – it’s poignant and beautiful. I’m pleased that I was too old to feel jealous of my younger siblings when they arrived on the scene!
Thank you Freya! Apparently I was jealous of my first brother – but I can’t remember it! 🙂
And thank you for the shout-out!
You are welcome! Your ‘why not take part’ triggered off my enthusiasm.
How poignant, and so insightful of a child’s point of view.
Thank you Lorri! I am glad you enjoy it.
I love this story. My daughter is 15 and her mum has given birth a year ago, and she feels left out by her mum (thankfully she doesn’t with me) but it is not easy for a child to understand when a new sibling comes along. This is a great story, and thank you for taking part. Much appreciated
Thank you Alastair for the kind words and for a wonderful meme! I am glad the story spoke to you.
Great photo!
You’re welcome. Thank you
Loved this, Hannah!! 🙂
Thank you for reading and commenting! I am glad you liked it.
Well written, emotions felt real.
Excellent.
Thank you anelephantcant!
A younger child suddenly becomes the centre of attention, with the parents loving him. The older one’s emotions are understandable. well written story
Thank you nightlake!
Being the oldest in the fam 5 times over – I know how this feels. Everytime I visit a newborn to welcome him/her – I always take a little gift to acknowledge the big brother/sister & let them know that they are loved too. It’s not always easy being #1 – LOL 😉
This is a very considerate gesture. Thank you for the tip and for commenting.
I have two and the oldest often feels left out. Thanks for the insightful story.
Thank you for reading and commenting!
I am not sure how much jealousy there is when children are close in age. But when a sibling comes along later and one becomes the middle child… Not the favored at either end… that is a new dimention. Hopefully most parents can make time for all of their children.
Thank you for your visit.
Thank you for reading and for the insight. I was the eldest child so have no idea what it feels like to be ‘elsewhere’.
The story is not autobiographical though.
Wow, swept me away.
Thank you Swirling Turnip!
I really enjoyed the perspective you used here Hannah. Brought those so strong feelings a little one feels when a new baby enters the picture. And feeling special when mom “remembers” you! You presented a wonderful scene, very nicely done!
Thank you Penny! I am glad you enjoyed it.
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Supposedly, my brother wanted to flush me down the toilet when I arrived.
Ouch! A friend of mine wanted to chuck her sister in the bin!
Most excellent. The sea needs love too. Would it be wonderful or terrible to be the daughter of a Sea Goddess?
Thank you EagelAye for reading and commenting!