Mini Short Stories: 2020 Volume 1

Frail

When I was seventeen years old my life of ease was interrupted by a tragic event. My parents were at their wit’s end after I spent two weeks in lethargic silence and they resorted to bundling me off to my grandparents for the holidays.

My grandparents were elated. We had spent little time together so I hadn’t been to their farm in a decade. “You’ll come down South in de bush and wuk hard!” joked Grandpa. I remember Grandpa saying that farming isn't for the fainthearted and it made me concerned. I didn’t want to be weak anymore.

My grandparents got up so early. I often overslept and my grandfather shook his head and goodnaturedly lamented my wealthy parents’ lack of good habits. He also lamented my clumsiness when it came to chores that I wasn’t used to and if he were alive he might still be laughing at the time I tried to feed the hens cereal. My grandmother was more patient. She led me to her cactus garden. She gave me a special cactus to take care of, but it seemed like an easy task. I didn’t stop the regular chores because I didn’t want to feel as tired and weak as I had been feeling since I had walked into Melanie’s bedroom. 

Grandpa pushed me for two weeks. I got up earlier and then daily exertion was making me bloom. I overheard my grandmother report on my progress to my mother and I felt pleased and guilty. I was confused yet all I could do was focus on completing those mundane tasks to feel accomplished and guilty. I am grateful to my grandparents. They did so much for me and didn’t ask me nosy questions. They just let me heal.

I was having the most trouble with Grandma's cactus. It was being stubborn and dying. Grandma said that I needed to give it more water because even a sturdy plant could become frail and die without love. I cried. This same thing happened to Melanie. She had always seemed strong yet she had decided that life was too much too bear. She had looked frail in death when I discovered her in her bedroom. Her death had scared me. I hated that feeling of loss because I couldn’t talk her back to Earth.

It’s been ten years since then. I now run the farm which has expanded in the last five years. I love this place and the cactus garden. It gave me strength during a dark time through hard work and nursing a cactus back to life. I couldn’t do the same for Melanie, but I will always seek to convert my frail nature into strength.

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Welcome back!

This one touches on a controversial topic: suicide. While it's a cricial part of the plot, it's not the focus. The main character's recovery is.

I've never had a close friend or family member who had chosen to pass like this, but my heart goes out to all the people left behind after such a decision.

Her grandparents live a different lifestyle from the parents.

Who would you want to live with? Grandparents in the country? Or with the rich city parents?

And if you're reading this and struggling with life, please find a coping mechanism. Every one has a purpose.

Don't deny the world of your hidden brilliance.

What's your favourite stress reliever?

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