10 July, 2025 @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2794 | Prompt: lonely in a crowd (solitario entre la multitud)
MicroFiction: A 250 word story format that I often utilize to address the daily prompts. The story today is written using the word prompt "lonely in a crowd".
...Often, individuals who aren't comfortable for a variety of reasons in a social setting, tend to either not attend a function. In the alternative, if one does attend and doesn't possess the social skills to mingle and engage in meaningful conversation, retreating to a safe space is the solution. It helps to have an object in one's hand, such as a spirit or other suitable drink.
For my theme, I was inspired by and utilized the @daily.prompt's publishing of 10 July 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2794: lonely in a crowd;
9 July 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2793: I probably deserved that; and
30 June 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2784 : mild illness
Below is my story:
Brent eased down onto the bed with a calm that took three painstaking years to master. Before his legs followed that would ruffle the coverlet, he turned slowly to gauge her awareness. No movement meant he could at least expect a restful few hours before rising.
He was wrong. Damn.
As soon as an indention in the mattress occurred, Callie stirred. The mild illness she experienced that developed into a beast mirrored what his mother suffered. To this date, doctors couldn't pinpoint what exactly was the cause of either.
Malaise they diagnosed. And it took away a huge portion of his adult life.
Friends asked whether he'd considered a live-in nurse or a nursing home. Any time spent in his mother's presence since his father passed knew the answer.
Which would it be for his beloved Callie? Lying dead still, steady labored breathing calmed him. He chided himself for wishing he hadn't attended that party. But they were destined with matchmaking friends on both side. Each stood in opposite corners of the room. Lonely in a crowd. His future. The outcome predetermined. I probably deserved that, he cried silently.
A presentation deadline looming the next morning after a sleepless night, he hesitated before yanking on his desk drawer. His eyes landed immediately on his mother's file. He'd shouldered the responsibility alone for too long. Time for sibling responsibility.
Callie. He would apply for her disability; secure a part-time nurse; then call his boss to return to the office full time.
Source...
Microficción: Formato de relato de 250 palabras que utilizo a menudo para responder a las preguntas diarias. El relato de hoy está escrito con la palabra «solo entre la multitud ».
...A menudo, las personas que por diversas razones no se sienten cómodas en un entorno social, tienden a no asistir a un acto. En caso contrario, si se asiste y no se poseen las habilidades sociales necesarias para mezclarse y entablar una conversación significativa, la solución es retirarse a un espacio seguro. Ayuda tener un objeto en la mano, como una bebida espirituosa u otra bebida adecuada.
Para mi tema, me inspiré y utilicé la publicación de @daily.prompt de 10 July 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2794: lonely in a crowd;
9 July 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2793: I probably deserved that; and
30 June 2025, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2784 : mild illness
A continuación mi historia.
El cuidador obediente
Brent se tumbó en la cama con una calma que tardó tres años en dominar. Antes de que sus piernas siguieran erizando la colcha, se giró lentamente para calibrar su estado de alerta. La ausencia de movimiento significaba que al menos podía esperar unas horas de descanso antes de levantarse.
Se equivocaba. Maldición.
En cuanto se produjo una hendidura en el colchón, Callie se revolvió. La leve enfermedad que experimentó y que se convirtió en una bestia reflejaba lo que había sufrido su madre. Hasta la fecha, los médicos no podían precisar cuál era la causa exacta de ninguna de las dos.
Diagnosticaron malestar. Y le quitó una gran parte de su vida adulta.
Sus amigos le preguntaban si había pensado en trabajar con una enfermera o en una residencia. Cualquier momento pasado en presencia de su madre desde la muerte de su padre sabía la respuesta.
¿Cuál sería para su querida Callie? La respiración entrecortada de Callie lo calmó. Se reprendió a sí mismo por desear no haber asistido a aquella fiesta. Pero estaban destinados con amigos casamenteros por ambas partes. Cada uno estaba en esquinas opuestas de la habitación. Solitario entre la multitud. Su futuro. El resultado predeterminado. Probablemente me lo merecía, lloró en silencio.
A la mañana siguiente, tras una noche de insomnio, se acercaba la fecha límite para la presentación y dudó antes de abrir el cajón de su escritorio. Sus ojos se posaron inmediatamente en el expediente de su madre. Llevaba demasiado tiempo cargando solo con la responsabilidad. Era hora de asumir la responsabilidad de un hermano.
Callie. Solicitaría su incapacidad; conseguiría una enfermera a tiempo parcial; luego llamaría a su jefe para volver a la oficina a tiempo completo.
Source...
The screenshot at WORDCOUNTER.net evidences my use of exactly 250 words to create my ZapFic250.
La captura de pantalla en WORDCOUNTER.net evidencia mi uso de exactamente 250 palabras para crear mi ZapFic250.
SOURCES:
a) JustClickindiva's Footer created in Canva utilizing its free background and images used with permission from discord admins.
b) Unless otherwise noted, all photos taken by me with my (i) Samsung Galaxy 10" Tablet, (ii) Samsung Phone, & (iii) FUJI FinePix S3380 - 14 Mega Pixels Digital Camera
c) Purple Butterfly part of purchased set of Spiritual Clip Art for my Personal Use
d) All Community logos, banners, page dividers used with permission of Discord Channel admins.
e) Ladies of Hive banner used with permission of and in accordance with the admin's guidelines
f) Thumbnail Image created by me in Canva.
g) "Flames." What is Apophysis 2.09. https://flam3.com/
If translation included, I use DeepL to assist my readers.
Thanks for your patience an understanding.
Si se incluye traducción, utilizo DeepL para ayudar a mis lectores.
Gracias por su paciencia y comprensión.
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