(Photo Credit: Anurag Bakhshi)
‘Why is everyone laughing at our scarecrow, mama?’ Seven-year-old Rick’s eyes filled with tears. ‘Why do all scarecrows HAVE to wear men’s clothes? Just like all the boys HAVE to wear shirts and pants…’
Kyra bent down to the level of her son. ‘Baby, people laugh at what they don’t understand. It doesn’t always mean that they’re right!’
Rick wiped his tears and stared at his mother, his hazel brown eyes wide with curiosity.
‘Really, mama?’
‘Of course, darling!’ Kyra picked her son up onto her lap.
‘You’ve dressed her so beautifully. With my handbag and the old dress that I was meaning to throw away. Well done, kid!’ She ruffled his hair.
‘But mama…’ Rick’s lips trembled, as he stared down at his nails, avoiding her glance.
Kyra held his chin and looked into his eyes. ‘You can tell me what’s bothering you, love.’
Rick lowered his face. ‘It is not a ‘her’…the scarecrow is a boy…but he loves dressing like a girl…’
Kyra held him tighter in her arms. She’d felt it before. The time had finally come.
‘Yes, boys can dress like girls if they want to, sweetheart. The scarecrow can and so can you!’
~Word Count: 198
Written as part of Sunday Photo Fiction. Write a story of around 200 words based on the photo prompt given (above). Hosted by Susan Spaulding. For more details visit HERE.
To read more of the stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
Great message. Nice post.
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Thank you so much! 🙂
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Its so beautifully woven Kasturi with a profound message
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Thanks so much for the lovely comment, Akshata! 🙂
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Personal choice is cool, just requires courage sometimes.
You are brave to put it out there, well done
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Thanks so much, Ceayr! 🙂
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This is lovely Kasturi and what a great message conveyed in a few words.
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Thanks so much, Meha! 🙂
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Awesome message, much needed in every home.
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Thanks so much, Anurag. 🙂 I totally agree that this kind of talks are really needed in today’s times.
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I liked the slow unfolding of the vividly painted scene
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Thanks so much for that poetic comment, Dahlia! Much appreciated. 🙂
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Your story is unique in its messaging and told with sensitivity. Well done!
~Susan
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Thank you so much, Susan! 🙂
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