“It will have everything in it!”
Molly’s eyes shone in the dark and Gary was reminded of other eyes they’d seen reflecting in their torch beam. He shuddered.
“It couldn’t possibly have every thing,” he tried, just for the sake of argument.
She slapped his leg with her bare foot. “Don’t be daft. You know what I mean.”
“Chocolates?” A peace offering.
“Of course! Every kind of sweet!”
Molly’s stomach grumbled, and his answered. They were both of them hungry. At least the rain stopped so they weren’t quite so cold.
Perhaps tomorrow they’ll beat the garbage trucks to the bins.
For Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers
Photo prompt © Roger Bultot
Na'ama Yehuda 
A beautifully told heartbreaking story.
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Thank you, Dale! It is heartbreaking that in places of plenty there are those who have so little, and often for no fault of their own. There are many ways people – all too often children, too – end up hungry and without shelter and without a place to go. The photo of the overflowing candy store had me think of those whose shelves (and tummies) are empty. And how they dream. And how much more we can do, if we care. xx
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Yeah. It is such a sad situation. Excellent take on the prompt.
Funny, I’m just about to post mine. 😉
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Thank you, my friend. I’ll be on the lookout for yours! 🙂
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😁
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Aww, so heartbreaking
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Thank you, Sadje! I’ve worked with hungry children and homeless children, and youth who ran away from homes that weren’t homes, and where they were more likely to be taken advantage of than be taken care of. The realities of want are real, and even if we have no easy answers, at least, perhaps, we can begin by being more aware. I wanted to take all those kids home with me. …
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I can imagine how hearing that sad stories must have affected you. Thanks for sharing
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Yes, it did, and I’m glad it did, for I would be worried about the state of my heart if it didn’t affect me. Sorrow is real. Knowing it and holding space for it, and helping voice it, are meaningful to me. Children can rarely help their own circumstances, but at the very least we can be those who see and hear and try to be there for them, in whatever capacity we can. And … where we can, to work to affect change on their behalf. Thank you for reading and commenting! 🙂
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Bravo. Keep up the good work my friend
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Thank you! So many people doing good work! And, more good can always be done!
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Very right.
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🙂
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I’m with Dale and Sadje – heartbreaking, but well written.
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Thank you, Trent! I appreciate the comment and thank you for reading! I’ll be checking out your contribution (and others’) tomorrow! 🙂
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Heart crusher! Great story.
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Thank you, Will. I’m gratified that their sad reality was communicated!
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sad story. my heart breaks for these kids.
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Thank you, Plaridel! Yes … if our heart stops breaking for those facing adversity, THAT’s when we ought to be worried …
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An unfortunate reality for many. Well crafted
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Thank you, Dahlia. Yes, indeed a reality for all too many, and too often they remain unseen by those more privileged. Thank you for reading and commenting!
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I was with Molly and Gary from the start. They’re very endearing characters. You had me wondering what they were up to, and the ending was unexpected, and perfect. Lovely story.
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Thank you, Margaret! I’m glad you liked them! I do, too! 🙂 And … glad you liked the story! Of course, the serious part of the story is how real this is for all too many around the world, even where there is plenty, and no one should be going without.
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Our kids don’t know how fortunate they are. A touching tale indeed.
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That is true, and it is a good thing they don’t KNOW-know it … but they can still learn how to be in the know about it! For compassion, for appreciation, for gratitude, for helping others. (off the podium for moi…)
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The days when the poor kids appreciated every tiny morsel. Sad ending, but a reminder of the less fortunate.
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Indeed! Lest we forget!
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This was a beautiful story and as a reader I enjoyed the 180 turn you led us on from the beginning to the end. On the second read, this sentence: “Molly’s eyes shone in the dark and Gary was reminded of other eyes they’d seen reflecting in their torch beam.” made more sense and with the knowledge of a second read were absolutely heartbreaking. Again, this was a beautiful story from beginning to end.
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Thank you, Michael, for reading and for the detailed comment! I appreciate the feedback! Na’ama
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A story where what isn’t said is as important as what is. I feel sorry for these two and what sounds like their scavenging lifestyle. Makes me want to know more about their situation.
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Thanks, Li! 🙂 I hope they’ll find a more comfortable place to be, and good food to fill their bellies, and people to take care of them, and even a little candy. Because candy is good. 🙂
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🙂 You are very welcome, Na’ama.
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🙂
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Aaahhh..that last line. So sad.
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Yes. Sad reality for so many. Thank you for reading and commenting!
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Sadly, right after Hurricane Ian here in Florida, there were so many in this situation. Food pantries could not keep up. Your story is poignant, Na’ama.
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Na’ama Y’karah,
Z’man HaZeh. I couldn’t help but remind myself yesterday as my stomach was grumbling that my hunger was a choice. A sacrifice. For too many it’s a way of life. You’ve illustrated this fact well.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Indeed, for too many in this world it is not a choice, and hunger remains a life and death issue. We are privileged to be able to CHOOSE to fast, if we wish, for this reason or that, but to know that when we choose to eat, there is food there. It a tremendous privilege. Hugs, Na’ama
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A heartbreaking scene so well written. There are far too many who can only dream of what we have in abundance. Heavy sigh! Thank you for the reminder, Na’ama.
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Yes, indeed, and thank you for ‘getting it’! 🙂
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Heart wrenching story, Na’ama. A sobering reminder that there are so many people, children who are living in need, in want. Although, most of us are struggling now too because of inflation, we are still so much better off than these two and others like them.
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Yes! Exactly! This is not to minimize any other person’s struggle – because struggles are real and stresses are real – but to remind, in a way, of what one HAS and not only what one hasn’t … Because those of us who have food in our bellies (let alone in our pantries) and a roof over our head, are already well ahead of the curve compared to millions others who do not have as much. Thanks for this comment! Na’ama
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