I’m not sure why I went this route or if it even is really true to The Red Dress Club‘s prompt…Life. But, here’s my contribution. 300 word, flash fiction.
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Maddie was a Butterfly Princess. Everybody in her entire family knew that. All Butterfly Princesses needed the Butterfly Garden. And Maddie wanted that more than anything in the entire world, more than Polly Pockets or Liv Dolls, although, she really wanted those too but didn’t want to sound spoiled. Her mommy, whenever she asked for something, would respond “Gimme, gimme, gimme. I want. I want. I want.” It made Maddie feel small and ashamed.
Maddie was turning 5 soon. The beginning of the summer. She was having a small birthday party, inviting only the girls from her preschool class. She really wanted to invite the boys too but her Mommy said her Daddy was a bum and so we couldn’t afford to “invite the whole world”. “And besides,” her Mommy told her “it’s not an important birthday. You’re only turning 5.”
Maddie thought all birthdays should be important. When she grew up, she was going to make HUGE parties for her children and they could invite whoever they wanted and they’d get whatever present they wanted.
Every time the Butterfly Garden commercial came on, Maddie begged her mom. Her mom would always respond with a grunt that told her to go away.
When her birthday party finally arrived, Maddie was bursting. She wore her beautiful pink tutu and butterfly wings. Her cake had butterflies and they played pin the wing on the butterfly.
She tore through her presents, opening dolls, books and games. Finally, the one from her mom.
She took a deep breath and opened it.
She couldn’t believe it.
The Butterfly Garden!
Through tears of joy, she smiled at her mom and thanked her.
Her mom just nodded and as she was walking toward the kitchen said, just loud enough for everyone to hear, “Now maybe the brat will leave me alone.”
You tell a story so very beautifully.
What a sad story. I’d like to gather Maddie up and give her the biggest butterfly party she’s ever seen.
Colleen´s last blog post ..Weight for Me Monday – week 11
You know what struck me about this piece? My heart sank more than a little when the mother uttered those words-so powerful “Now maybe the brat will leave me alone.” because I knew so many parent out there do this kind of thing.
I think it was a perfect piece about life. And what a powerful reminder of how adults can have children but that doesn’t mean they are qualified to be parents!! Wonderful writing.
Jen´s last blog post ..checkin the facts
This did make me sad, but only because I know moms like that… who can only respond to their children with derision and sarcasm. You do write beautifully.
Tara R.´s last blog post ..Obligatory shadow-slash-foot photo
Wow, oh wow. When I read your opening lines, I wasn’t expecting that at all. I love the twist on it, the portrayal of parental unkindness, underlying marital tension and the lack of love is heartbreaking. All the more heartbreaking because we see families like that all the time. I’m so glad I stopped by from RDC, great to meet you.
Little Gumnut´s last blog post ..Bloody life
Wow, sad; though very beautifuly wtittin!