Today’s post is part of the annual A-to-Z Blogging Challenge. Each day of April (except Sunday,) we write a post corresponding with that day’s letter of the alphabet. For more information on the challenge and its creator visit:
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com
My theme for this years’ A-Z Challenge is An Intimate Look at the Homeless and Mental Health Epidemic in America which just happens to be the subtitle of my next book, The Stranger in My Recliner. The book is the true story of Sophie. She was the eighty-year-old homeless woman that my husband brought home one night. She lived with us for nearly three –years. The book will be out this fall.
Night Falls
It was cold. The sharp pains in her back and hand reminded her. Trying not to move anything but her eyes she scanned. She saw him and felt relief and fear. Getting up was painful but she had to make sure he was breathing. They both had to get out of there before the school kids walked by, saw them and got scared. The mothers would call the police. She did not want to scare the kids and she definitely did not want to go to the hospital or even worse, jail.
Frank moaned, struggling to get on his feet. Sophie shushed him. The drug addicts were still passed out. They gathered their shopping bags and shuffled their way to the main road. The black sky just under the trees turned gray for a moment and then a bright orange. They shuffled faster. Shelly would be arriving any minute. The thought of hot coffee helped them pick up the pace.
They sat at the booth enjoying the warmth from the sun, soaking up every ray hoping the memory would keep them warm tonight. After lunch Sophie would leave Frank at McDonalds and she would go to the bank, to the storage facility and to the Goodwill store. They needed blankets. There was no time to cry. She found two thick blankets that were reasonably clean. She couldn’t wait to show them to Frank, she was so worried about him.
She could see the red flashing lights ten blocks ahead and knew. Now she was completely alone.
She shuffled back down the side street. Her fingers cramped around the plastic shopping bag handles. The sun was already turning bright orange. She had to get back before it fell behind the trees. She could not remember a time in her 80-years when she felt so terrified.
Again, night falls.
Thank you for reading,
Doreen
I’m one of Lisa’s Live Wires! Lisa is a challenge co-host Lisa Buie-Collard
My fellow live wires:
Rhonda Albom – Bob R. Milne – Tamera Narayan – Stephanie Faris – Heather McCubbin – Randi Lee
21 thoughts on “Night Falls…”
Beautiful and heartfelt. I cant wait to read your book.
Thank you so much Toni!
I cannot wait to read this book, Doreen. In this excerpt you set the scene so perfectly. I can feel the cold dampness and the fear. Now I want to know more.
Thank you so much Helene. I’m hoping to get a release date soon:)
Good job of putting us in the situation as we read. What a terrifying life.
Play off the Page
It was terrifying to watch. I cannot imagine.
Very moving…
Thank you Cindy.
I’ve had imaginings like this. The book sounds so good.
Thank you Carol.
I can’t imagine what that must be like in the cold months…
It is so sad.
Oh how clearly you bring such a situation to life. I cannot even imagine the hardships. You are one heck of a writer, my friend.
Thank you so much Lisa.
My heart strings have just been pulled. Looking forward to your books release.
Thank you so much Mary, I appreciate it!
You know what a fan I am of your writing, and this is no exception. So compelling. I’m so proud of you for doing this challenge. Of course, I can’t wait for your book release.
Thank you so much! I am looking forward to yours too!
Beautifully written and visually compelling. Your work always touches my heart <3
Thank you so much for reading!
Death and homelessness, a sad and too often tale, from exposure, from drugs, from alcohol, from poor health, and from the police. People need someone to tell their stories, to let their voices be heard.
I’ve written about a high school classmate, who’s story I’d like to know more about.