Life-Altering News (FF #2)

A seven-year-old boy, Kiran Mani, receives very bad news

            A knock permeated the humid air. Henrietta, the neighbor with whom 7-year-old Kiran had stayed since his parents disappeared, looked up. ”Get the door.” Kiran obeyed, running to open it. When he saw who was there, his breath caught. Last time he’d seen that uniform, he’d learned Spolingharrow had caught his parents and a bunch of other Cancalians fighting them.

            The uniformed watchman gave the boy a look of pity. Years later, Kiran could only remember the following words: “I’m very sorry to tell you this, lad, but your parents are dead. They were killed in Spolingharrow.” 

Author's Note

This was written for the 100 words or less story challenge for Friday Fictioneers

Reviews

[NoelHC]

A normal day, changed so abruptly with just a few words. Well done.

[Mila]

Just a few words, but so much was said and revealed! So sad for him!! :(
Well done!

-Mila

[SpeedyHobbit Armstrong]

I knowwww le poor Kiran!

[jjwilbourne]

I like the "only remember the following words" part.
I think that is what makes it resonate more effectively in a story with so few words.

[SpeedyHobbit Armstrong]

Thanks so much! I feel like doing Taylor's Friday Fictioneers thing is helping me with being concise and not using more words than necessary, a flaw in my writing style often pointed out,

[Howling Wild Card]

Wow... that was quite shocking for such a small amount of words. Nice scenarios and portrayal of the emotions.

[SpeedyHobbit Armstrong]

Thanks so much for the review! Yeah, it's definitely a challenging endeavor conveying all you wish to convey in a succinct 100-word piece. I like the Friday Fictioneers group for that very reason though!

[Sara R.]

I'm amazed at how you are able to reveal so many details using so few words. Great writing!

[SpeedyHobbit Armstrong]

Thanks so much! Kiran might pop up in a lot of my Friday Fictioneers stories since he's one of the protagonists in two of my books in progress and I like further developing my characters

[Sara R.]

I look forward to reading more of your work!