At this point, I feel like I'm getting the hang of this. I honestly thought I wouldn't be able to write more of these, let alone win, but now I'm glad I tried. The best part is that I really enjoyed writing them! So much so that I'd stopped writing my novel for a few weeks, in order to give these small pieces more detail and make them as beautiful as possible. And so, this small piece here is another one of my favourites - not just because I won, but also because it is very heart touching; not something I thought I was capable of writing.
This was another one of Chicklit's flash fiction prompts and this one's a picture prompt. I have attached the picture below, so you get a better understanding of this short fiction.
I hope you enjoy reading it.
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After what seemed like a lifetime, the day I had been waiting for had arrived. I couldn't stand being in the same room for a whole week, wearing the same blue gown which reeked of the familiar hospital stench that I had grown to hate. Even though it was saddening to say goodbye to a friendly nurse, I tried to convince myself that it was all for my good.
But I couldn't.
I was broken out of my reverie when the car stopped. Looking up, I couldn't help the smile that took over my face on the sight of my house. I carefully got out of the car and made my way to the door, wanting nothing more than a lazy afternoon, after a week's suffering.
I was wrong again.
The door burst open and several things happened at once. There were balloons and confetti everywhere and my house was beautifully decorated. My entire family was standing before me singing 'Happy birthday Emma' on the top of their voices. My parents stood beside me with a tired smile on their faces.
This was the first time ever that I had forgotten my own birthday. Maybe it was because of the pain I had to endure for the last few days that it slipped my mind.
Pain that was more mental than physical. The kind of pain you experience when you know you're not going to live for more than a month. When you realise cancer has eaten away your happiness and is now claiming your life.
Or maybe because it just didn't feel right to celebrate the existence of life when it was on the verge of its journey.
I could see the sadness in my parents' eyes, even when the smiled. They try to appear strong for me but I always see through them.
My father once told me that life was very short and that's why it's necessary that we understand the importance of 'living in the moment', rather than regretting our decisions later. And so I listened to him.
For once, I let myself be happy. I let myself enjoy my birthday for what could be the last time ever.
