The Painter

Posted on by areadingwriter

It’s as if no one’s breathing, as if the clock stopped ticking, as the white cloth draped around the statue slowly unveils my painted carabaos.

Cheers roar, claps chatter, tears fall, it has only been three months since this town was wreaked havoc by the strongest typhoon ever recorded. Million-worth of homes destroyed, dozens of trees uprooted, thousands of lives ended.

As I wipe my tear-soaked face, I know I made the right choice– to paint again after a decade-long hiatus caused by my gallery’s sudden bankruptcy. Now I’m painting not just expensive art, but joyful smiles from the heart.

—

Word count: 100

©2016 Rosemawrites@A Reading Writer. All Rights Reserved.

Photo credit: S. Writings

*This is inspired by the tragic Typhoon Haiyan, known as Yolanda, which hit the Visayas area of the Philippines on November 2013.

In response to Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers (FFfAW) March 29, 2016.

Rules:

  • a flash fiction challenge (stories in 100-175 words or less)
  • each story should have a beginning, a middle, and an end
  • no serial (continuation) stories
  • include a pingback to the challenge post

Thank you for a though-provoking prompt, Priceless Joy! ❤

Read more short stories here:

Published by areadingwriter

I read because I write. | I write because I read.

37 thoughts on “The Painter”

  1. I love how each of your FF prompts are unique and clever. I think these bright cows would be a sign of hope and revival for an area battered by a typhoon. Also, the artist is making a living again painting so he can give back to his community and help it become a nice place to live/shop/work again. Great take!

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    1. Wow! You completely understood this little tale, Mandi! And I am thankful for that because that means you are really reading it. ❤ (I know you always did! :D)
      Thank you so much! I am also elated that you noticed the uniqueness of each FF piece. 🙂 It was not a concious effort but I am glad you make me see that! ❤

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  4. That last line!! ❤ Great take on the prompt, Rosema. As always. I love how you wove excitement, happiness, hope, and pride in your tale. Beautiful and heartfelt. Especially that the character was a victim of Yolanda and of bankruptcy. There is always hope for everyone at the end of the day. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Such a tragic event that affected so many lives, homes, and livilhoods and for the painter to have a “rebirth” and paint something beautiful representing a new beginning is wonderful! Loved this story Rose! (Is it okay if I call you Rose instead of Rosema or do you prefer Rosema?)

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  12. What a beautiful sentiment–the idea that this person is rebuilding herself along with the community. I was just listening to a news story earlier this month about the tsunami of 2011 that devastated Japan. There was so much loss, but so many stories of courage in the rebuilding.

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