July 11, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a loving relationship with an adult child. What happens when a significant child in one’s life becomes an adult? Think beyond a son or daughter — a niece or nephew, a former student, a grandchild. How did the relationship shift? What is the importance of the new dynamic? Go where the prompt leads! See July 11: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.
Coming Out – by Hugh W. Roberts
“Gran, I’m gay.”
“I’m so glad you’re here. I was worried something was wrong,” came the reply.
We hugged. We’d been through so much together.
“There’s nothing wrong with me being gay, right, Gran?”
She shook her head.
“I love you, Gran.”
“I love you too, Bill.”
We hugged again before I went to my room.
I was finally ready to start living my life openly and honestly. And I knew I had my Grandmother’s love and support to help me along the way.
Although I was tired, I was also happy. I knew that I was finally home.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
***
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
If you enjoyed this post and want more like it, click the ‘Subscribe’ button to stay up-to-date with my latest content.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
Discover more from Hugh's Views & News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Hugh's Views & News 
Nice! Grandmothers are far more understanding, wiser, and caring than parents.
Although some parents are also very understanding. My mum was great when I came out.
I wish all mums were like your mum, Hugh.
And we mustn’t forget the dad’s too.
Yes, we mustn’t! Interestingly, our mother was the strong one (and kind) and it was easy/easier for my brother to come out to her. Our dad was the kindest and most understanding soul on earth. My brother never was able to come out to him. Apologies for the ramble!
Not at all, Jennie. I enjoy and welcome discussion on the subjects of my posts.
I get why your brother was afraid to tell your father. My father refused to have anything to do with me for over 30 years after I came out to him. However, every person is different in how they handle things. These days it’s easier to come out and many people won;’t have any problems with a son or daughter coming out. However, in some countries it’s still illegal to be gay. However, there is still a lot of work to be done.
Yes on all counts, Hugh!
I love ‘your’ Gran. She’s just what a gran should be – loving and wise.
Thanks, Norah. I was very lucky to have a gran like this. Unfortunately my other Gran had already died before I was born. I have some wonderful photos of her, though.
You were very fortunate, Hugh. Grandparents are treasures.
We need more Grans in the world, Hugh.
We do.Thanks, Eugi.
Most welcome, Hugh.
Those grandma’s, Hugh… they all believe in us and love us unconditionally! 💜
Yes, I agree, Colleen. I wish they were around for us for ever.
Me too, Hugh. My grandma was the best. I don’t think I ever told her that enough.
That’s why we should also tell people while they are still with us, Colleen. My last surviving aunt always said ‘don’t bring me flowers when I am dead, bring me flowers while I’m alive.’
Very true, Hugh. 💜
More people should be like Gran.
Agreed, Cathy.
A great post Hugh 💜💜
Thanks, Willow.
Lovely Hugh. Kind of resonates with my nephew who was so worried about how I’d react when he told me – and was so shocked and happy to discover it wasn’t an issue. I’m not sure what impression I’d given him to cause him to be so worried.
I can understand why your nephew was hesitant to come out to you, Brenda. Even though times have changed a lot, some of the scars from my past when I came out still haunt me and I find myself hesitating before answering the questions ‘are you married?’ or ‘who was that man I saw you with?’
Good to hear that he did tell you, though.
I agree. ❤️
Not knowing what that reaction would be, making that statement has to be difficult.
It’s one of the hardest things I’ve had to do, Dan. But I didn’t want to live my life as a lie. I think it’s easier to ‘come out’ these days, but it’s still such a shame that some people have a problem with other people being different from them.
It was much harder in the past. I had a gay friend in the 70s who committed suicide. It saddens me to know that there still might be people considering that, 50 years later.
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend, Dan. It’s awful to think that even today, people consider suicide for being gay. And it’s also awful to think that in some counties being gay is a crime with the death penalty. So much work still to be done.