The sight of the solitary red bench evoked a misty sensation in her right eye which Mindy couldn’t attribute to the particles of the wind. She remembered the old man who inhabited that bench everyday when the shadows reflected twice our sizes, he gave her the best advice she’d ever received.
Their first encounter was when the old man came to his spot and found Mindy weeping in her school uniform. Upon questioning, she told him of the bullying she encountered daily at school for being fat. He threw his head back, laughed and said “oh Honey, next time, you tell them fat is something one can lose or better yet, sit on people with. Being judgmental and stupid is an ugly curse for life.” He added that she strides away, before the bullies can make a comeback.
Mindy looked to the heavens and said, “Rest in Peace old man” letting the mist descend down her cheeks.
Word count: 159. This story is in response to Flash Fiction For Aspiring Writers Photo prompt challenge hosted by Priceless Joy. Thank you Ady for this week’s picture. This is an event where we are given a picture each week and required to write a 75-175 word story.
Randoms by a Random 
Really awesome story! Actually, with a good message. If only that advice could be passed down to all those who get bullied even today. 😦
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Thank you Nitin. I agree! The whole concept of bullying is just sad.
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Yep, thank God I wasn’t bullied..
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What a brilliant story 💎
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Thank you Hiba 😊
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Oh my, this is WONDERFUL!! It should be handed out to all kids in school on their first day.
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Thank you very much Azul, hahaha.
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You’re welcome 🙂
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Sad because the old man was a mentor to Mindy. But like everyone he eventually died. I think he is still with Mindy though, in the advice that he gave her, especially on dealing with bullies. Great job Ameena,
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He was indeed a great mentor to Mindy. I don’t she’s ever going to forget him, thank you Mandi 🙂
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Nice. Flash fiction is challenging. Yours told a really great and necessary story.
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Than, you very much! Flash fiction is one of those things never thought I would ever be able to write.
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Wonderful story, Ameena, and so wise! So sad at the end that the old man died. I have a feeling she will never forget his lesson. Great!!
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Thank you very much Pj. Cycle of life, birth, death…
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A touching story. That old man is wise indeed. I hope his wisdom will stay with Mindy throughout her life.
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Thank you Jade, I have a feeling it would stay with her throughout her life.
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Wonderful story with a good message 🙂
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Thank you! I’m glad you think so 😄
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Very nice and different, I like it allot!
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Thank you very much Lynz. I am glad you do 😊
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🙂
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Love his advice!! Great story!!
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Me too! Thank you Joy. At times, a smart sassy comeback can be very handy 😁
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This is one of those times when someone spoke words to her that really meant something to her for a lifetime.Great story!
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Yes it was. And it’s a lesson I doubt she’s going to forget. thank you JC 🙂
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Beautiful story. That was a life line to the little girl and she’d grow up to be confident, love and accept herself. Nicely and creatively written, i love it and the picture too.
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Thank you very much. I’mglad you like it. I believe so too, the advice would help her in the long run.
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Sad that the old man died! But he had left behind words that she will never forget. This is a wonderful story with great lesson to be learnt! Well told, Ameena, with an awesome advice!
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It is sad, but he left Mandi with a golden advice. Thank you very much 😊
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It’s my pleasure 😊
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A nice one Sis 🙂
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Thank you! Glad you liked it 😄
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I read couple of your stories and really love them…you captured that required essence to the story..I guess you prefer the tragic tone..I really appreciate it cause not many can adapt to that style! Lovely
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Thank you very much Lina, I’m glad you love them 😊. Haha, I guess the tragic tone comes much easier to me. And thanks for taking the time to read the stories.
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My pleasure
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