This is a piece of Flash Fiction I wrote for a challenge--complete story in 1000 words or less. Let me know what you think.
LITTLE ONE
Shh, Little One, don’t cry. Momma’s
here, everything’s okay. Hush little baby, don’t say a word, Momma’s gonna get
you a Mockingbird.
Your tiny fists are clenched tight
against the world. My heart melts when you grab my fingers with those tiny
hands.
How many times have I’ve counted your
ten perfect fingers, your tiny, perfect little toes? And I’ll keep counting
them, every day, because you are finally here.
You’re my little one.
Shh, Little One, go to sleep.
Hi, Little One, it’s just one step.
You’ve been trying so hard, you don’t
even realize that you can walk. I’ve been watching you try.. You take a step,
sometimes two, before you panic, give up, and fall. But I know you can do it.
Reach out, I’m here. Take my hand. Yes,
I’ll let go, but I’ll catch you if you fall.
See? You did it!
Look at you, you’re walking. What’s that
glistening sparkle just below my eyes? It’s just me, showing how proud I am of
you, that’s all.
No, Little One, don’t put that in your
mouth. That’s a toy, and we don’t eat it. I know it’s bright and colorful,
but—no, it really doesn’t belong in your mouth.
Slow down, Little One, you’re running
too fast! Oh, down you go. You’re okay, just surprised. Come here, Momma will
cuddle you. I’ll kiss your knee. Doesn’t that feel better?
No, stay here in my arms just a minute
longer. Oh, okay, go ahead and play.
I’ll be here when you’re tired.
It’s okay, Little One, it’s
kindergarden.
You’re big enough to go to school now.
I’ll be right here when class is over, and we can walk home. You’ll tell me all
about the wonderful things you learned. Won’t that be fun? Look, there’s your
friend, waiting for you.
Good-bye, Little One, see you after
school.
Thank you for wiping that tear from my
cheek, Little One. I’ll be okay, it’s just some dust that got in my eyes.
Well, Little One, you’re eight years old
now.
I’m sorry, but you’ll always be my
Little One, that’s just the way it is. No, I’m not laughing, I promise. You’re
awesome. Look how tall you’re getting. You’re growing so fast.
What’s that? A slumber party? Well,
okay, I guess you’re old enough No, I promise not to embarrass you. Not too
much, anyway.
No, I’m not crying, it’s just allergies.
So, Little One, you’re a teen-ager.
I’m not sure you need to wear make-up
just yet, but I guess we can practice a bit. My, you look so grown-up. You’re
not a little girl any more, you’re turning into quite a beautiful young woman.
Yes, he’s cute, but you’re still a
little bit young yet to act on those feelings. But I’m always here for you to
talk to, just remember that.
Sorry, yes, that’s a tear. You’re just
growing up so fast.
Little One, you’re sixteen. I guess
we’ll go get your driver’s license tomorrow.
He asked you on a date? Well, let’s talk
about it. It’s a double date? Do I know his parents? Oh, he’s their boy? That’s
fine then. Have a good time. Don’t be out too late, okay?
No, I’m not crying, I just have a runny
nose.
You’re not wearing that dress to prom,
Little One, not without some alterations.
What’s wrong with it? You know what’s
wrong. It’s strapless, low-cut, too short. All of the things we’ve talked
about. Why are you stomping around? You know the rules. Okay, that’s it, we’re
going home. We’ll come back when you’ve calmed down.
Yes, I’m crying. It’s either that or
scream, right here in the store.
Oh, Little One, your last day in high
school.
Where has the time gone? You’re
eighteen, heading for college. Wasn’t it just yesterday that I rocked you to
sleep?
Thank you for the tissue, I hadn’t even
noticed I needed it.
Little One, you are so beautiful in that
wedding dress.
He’s a fine man, and I’m sure you’ll
make each other happy. Remember, marriage is all about give and take, okay? Oh,
yeah, sorry. I know I told you I wouldn’t give you advice today, but I’m your
mom; it’s allowed. This embroidered handkerchief is the perfect memento of your
wedding day, I’ll treasure it always.
After I’ve washed it, of course, because
it’s already gotten a lot of use today.
You’re going to be a mother, Little One?
A baby of your own. And I’m going to be
a grandmother. It’s a girl? How wonderful. I can’t wait to meet her.
Oh, stop it. You know I’m going to cry.
I can’t help it if I snort when I laugh and cry at the same time.
She’s beautiful, Little One, she looks
just like you.
You’ll be a wonderful mother. Those
tears won’t stain the blanket, just throw it in the washer.
The doctor said he tried everything,
Little One, but there’s nothing he can do for you.
It won’t be long now. I wish I could
rock you like I did when you were young. I love you, Little One, did I ever
tell you that?
Hush, Little One, Momma’s gone to heaven
but Grandma’s here.
I know she’s sorry she can’t be with
you, but she loved you very much. Hush little baby, don’t say a word, Grandma’s
gonna get you a Mockingbird.
Your tiny fists are clenched tight
against the world. My heart melts when you grab my fingers with those tiny
hands. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve counted your ten perfect fingers,
your tiny, perfect little toes. And I’ll keep counting them, every day, because
I you are finally here.
Hush, little one, go to sleep.
You’re my Little One’s little one.
