Raina Ng’s delightful photo and an article on NPR this morning inspired today’s 102 word story. Somehow they seemed to mesh. 
Aila’s kitchen is quiet. She snugs into her silk dress and matching satin pumps, lights the paper lanterns and opens the door to her guests. How she loves the sound of laughter, the clink of crystal, the glorious tales her friends tell. Children race through the house of twenty rooms, their shrieks cause no disruption. Midnight comes. Goes. Where is my Raul? Aila wonders. The door bursts open, “The president has been shot! Come, Aila! They are searching for you!” Ten days later Aila lives in a migrant camp. What remains of her life? Six kids and an orange party dress.
The Coup
Posted: June 10, 2015 in Friday FictioneersTags: assassination, coup, good life, hard life, party, safe
Comments
Up From the Ashes 
Sounds like Alia has a bit of a riches to rags story going on.
LikeLike
Yes she does. This is based on a story I “half heard” on NPR this a.m. I had to fill in the details.
LikeLike
Tough and not far removed from things that are happening in the world right now. And those refugee camps seem like hell!
LikeLike
Oh, don’t they? Especially if all you’ve been able to take is a strapless dress and party shoes. Thanks for reading.
LikeLike
life is unpredictable. Great take.
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
From a party one moment to a camp the next. Life’s turns are such. Sad.
LikeLike
I think some countries are scarily like that. Camps, shootings, “disappearings”. Yikes. Thanks for reading.
LikeLike
That’s really too bad they were searching for her because the President was shot, then put her in a migrant’s camp, for no reason! This is a wonderful story Alicia!
LikeLike
The president was her husband…. Thanks for stopping by, Priceless, always a treat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, thank you for explaining!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. Obviously it wasn’t clear, so I’m glad you pointed that out. 100 words really emphasizes the need to be clear. Cheers!
LikeLike
And so it changes, all in a matter of hours. Great take on the prompt.
LikeLike
Thanks, Sandra. Real life turned into a one hundred word “blip”. I feel sorry for this woman. Must listen to NPR some more to figure out who she is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Life can indeed change in a minute. Nice story.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
From all to nothing in an instant… Having to leave in an instant… I think it happens when tables turn.. but the six children is maybe the most important.
LikeLike
Oh, yes indeed. Lucky they are pretty darn resilient. Thanks, Bjorn.
LikeLike
Life really can happen that quickly.
LikeLike
Yes, and what an upset it would be. Thanks, Dawn
LikeLiked by 1 person
hopefully, she can start life anew somewhere, someplace for the sake of the children.
LikeLike
It may be different, but at least they would be alive. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Time hides so many surprises in its fold – no one knows whats coming next ! Nicely done!
LikeLike
Thanks, Horus. That’s why we should live each day to the fullest. I must do better at that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hate when that happens. No one is going to feel sorry for her or the children, and I imagine it’s certainly difficult to flee in terror while wearing pumps. You set the stage extremely well before pulling a 180 on us. Great job, Alicia.
LikeLike
Why, thank you, Russell. I fear not many will feel sorry for her, but hopefully the children will come out on top.
LikeLike
One minute happy and well-off, the next in a camp. Terrible how things can change just like that.
LikeLike
Indeed. Thanks for reading. Alicia
LikeLike
That took a shock turn!
LikeLike
Life is definitely like that. Thanks for stopping by, Alica
LikeLiked by 1 person
Powerful story–so rich in wonderful detail and then, snap! Everything is so stark. Just like reality. You aced this one, for sure!
LikeLike
Thank you, Lorna.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A little scary, original, and nicely done! 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Caerlynn, I appreciate your words.
LikeLike
Wow, life does turn on a dime doesn’t it? Thanks for the background of your idea. We live close to the edge to, but the fall wouldn’t be as far, we don’t have a 20 room house. But any fall would be devastating. I hope the people in your story find a new happiness and success.
LikeLike
Nice
LikeLike
Thanks.
LikeLike
Who knows what tomorrow might bring?
Visit Keith’s Ramblings!
LikeLike
Exactly. Thanks for reading.
LikeLike
Wow, that’s quite a story, Alicia. I love listening to NPR. You just never know what you’ll learn or how you’ll be inspired. Life can change in a heartbeat, can’t it? Very written and crafted story. I like how you ended with the dress and the kids. That worked really well for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Amy. Life throws curve balls all the time. I’m glad the story worked for you. I always appreciate your thought.s. Stay well, Alicia.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Life does change in an instant even for the powerful people. At least she has her children with her. Poor Imelda Marcos had to leave her shoes behind.
LikeLike
Yes! Orange pumps are better than no shoes at all. Thanks for reading.
LikeLike
Dear Alicia,
Powerful story and a reminder of how life can turn on a dime. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Thank you, Rochelle, hope you’re healing well. Alicia
LikeLike
Yor story really made me think about how precariously balanced life can be. We might not fall from presidential palaces to refugee camps like Aila, but we never really know what each moment might bring. I’m glad she still has her dress and shoes. They’ll either keep her hopes up or remind her not to take good fortune for granted. Well told, Alicia.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for such a well thought out reply. I appreciate it.
LikeLike
Good story, Alicia. We’re blessed if we live in a place where there’s no great political unrest. Some people’s lives are so uncertain. Poor family. Well done. — Suzanne
LikeLike
Thanks, Suzanne, we must continue to count our blessings.
LikeLike