Red, orange or pink lips? The choice was hard. Which one?
And then there were the shoes. Purple, brown, gold, light blue, white, or plain old dull grey? No contest! The purple ones always seem the most comfortable to wear and walk in.
And what about the dress? Multicoloured? Or how about the new bright green one with yellow flowers on it? After all, it’s new and still has the price tag attached. It’s about time it got shown off for the first time. There’s plenty of eyes to see it.
As for the nails, the gold nail varnish looks fantastic and smells like pear drops, a favourite sweet that always brings happy memories of Grandma.
It’s time for me to look in the mirror. I can’t help but feel a surge of confidence and excitement as I take in my reflection. How gorgeous I look in all these colours, don’t you think so?
Is that somebody coming into the house and walking up the stairs? Yes! My heart skips a beat. Oh, no! Panic, panic, what shall I do? My mind races, trying to devise a plan, but fear freezes me.
It’s too late. My father, a man whose presence always brought a mix of fear and anticipation, is already in the room. I don’t even have to turn around to find out he’s there, as the stench of alcohol, tobacco, and hints of my schoolteacher, Mrs. Freeman’s perfume, hit my nostrils.
My whole day went black. The only good thing was that I could watch the bruises change various colours as they faded.
Written for Esther Chilton’s writing prompt – Colours.
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A man deeply connected to the city loses his job and believes the city needs change. This culminates in drastic action. Can he save the city?
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Hugh's Views & News 
Sad and poignant Hugh. Good story! 🙂
Thanks, Debby.
A poignant tale, Hugh. Proudly wearing the colors of Pride. Only to wear faded bruises. Tear-jerking.
Thank you, Terri. Sadly, a story of today’s world.
Happy Pride.
Wow! I didn’t see this ending coming, Hugh! Sadly, this happens in present times, and unfortunately abuse trickles down from generation to generation. The results of archiac mindsets should not be tolerated because physically and mentally they take their toll.
I completely agree, Eugi. And even though it’s a crime to physically harm a child in some parts of the UK, it still happens.
Oh no! From joy to horror. Poor kid. It’s sad and unfair. I’d tell the dad that with such an “open mind” about cheating, he should have an open mind about other matters. And, since he’s seeing someone with a name like Freeman, you’d think he’d allow others – children, men, and women – to be and feel more free also.
That’s all very true, Liesbet. Mrs. Freeman was the first name that came to mind while writing this piece. In my days at school, we were told to talk to a teacher about our problems. I wonder how she would have reacted to this problem. Maybe a follow-up?
Great idea! The talking to a teacher (I used to be one) and the follow-up!
You left a lot to the reader’s imagination, Hugh, and I love that. There is no doubt in my mind what the scene was and how it played out. You took us from complete joy to utter destruction. Well done.
Thanks, Jan. I based this flash on true stories I’ve been told by others. Sadly, it still happens to children today. I wish we could do more to stop it.
A lovely, happy beginning with a terrible ending. As you and many of your comments say, a sad reality for many.
Yes, a sad reality of today. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Wow what an ending Hugh. So sad 😞
Thank you. Yes, it is sad, but it is still a sign of the times.
Nope, didn’t see that coming. Sadly the reality for many children. Brilliant change of bright colour to black.
Thank you, Suzanne. Yes, this story is a sad reminder that what happens in it still goes on today.
I’m sure this is a real life story for some. Where bigoted fear lives on, despite some accepting the difference in others.
A nicely written piece with an unfortunate sting in the tail. Thank you.
Oh, it’s definitely a true story that sadly still happens today.
Thank you for the feedback on my writing and for commenting.
It started out so hopeful and then boom. Another Hugh twist only this one sad.
Sad ending, but a true fact, even in today’s world. It’s heartbreaking that young children still get beaten all because they want to dress up like one of their favourite characters.
Oh, wow! Fiction here but has probably happened too often. Very sad and leaves the reader pondering… so, well done, Hugh!
Very often, Erika. I’ve been told true accounts of this type of story. Heartbreaking stuff. I was recently told of a case where a young boy was beaten all because he wanted to wear a dress like his favourite princess did in the movie Frozen.
This is so sad and tragic that something like this (still) happens. I think those who cannot deal with the development of acceptance, act so cruel because they become desperate.
I agree, Erika. But why take it out on a child, especially during these times? Of course, alcohol excess does not help, but I do wonder how anyone who is so cruel to a child feels the following day. Thank goodness people are more aware these days and can intervene or call for help.
Indeed, how an one, who still has some love for his child and simply a conscience live with this. I got haunted by less terrible deeds.
A sad ending to what could have been a beautiful and colorful story. The end hit me all at once!
Thank you. The ending is hard-hitting, isn’t it? I felt this story had to be told, especially since it still happens today.
Oh, my goodnes, Hugh, this hits the heart – I felt this was going to be the twist at the end. 🥹
Did you see the twist coming, Judith? Yes, it is a sad story that is true even today. I felt this story had to be told, even with its heartbreaking ending.
I did, Hugh. Not because it was obvious, it wasn’t, but because I had a similarly bigoted father, who , when I dressed to go out, always told me I looked like a fat tart. It didn’t matter that it was the fashion, nor that my friends dressed the same – he just wanted me to feel bad about myself. I realised a while ago that he was jealous of the young people of the 60s/70s – he spent his youth during the war years. It’s the one way I can forgive him for the hurt… and my lack of confidence that lasted for ears. Take care of yourself. x
I’m so sorry to hear about your bigoted father, Judith. It’s difficult to understand why some parents want to make their children feel bad. I’m glad you forgave him, though. I went nearly 30 years without my father speaking to me after I came out. But I’m pleased to say he finally came around to it, although I still felt very uneasy when in his presence. I forgave him, though.
You reflect a very sad reality here, Hugh. We feel for your character. Great writing.
Thank you, Esther. All based on true stories I’ve been told over the years.
Oh! This is heartbreaking.
Sadly, a piece of flash based on true stories I’ve heard.
Whoa!
Did the ending come as a bit of a shock?
That’s so sad, Hugh.
Sadly, it is still a story that is true in present times, Cathy.
Unfortunately I can believe it.