This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a loving relationship with an adult child. What happens when a significant child in one’s life becomes an adult? Think beyond a son or daughter — a niece or nephew, a former student, a grandchild. How did the relationship shift? What is the importance of the new dynamic? Go where the prompt leads!
I didn’t think beyond a son or daughter, as Charli suggested. I stayed with the daughter. However, I want to assure you that the daughter in my story isn’t my daughter, and it definitely isn’t/wasn’t me. It’s really just a cliqued daughter who is probably not really like any daughter you know.
Mother and Daughter
One
You are my everything, my world, my universe.
Four
I only want to be with you. No one else will ever do.
Eight
You’re the best in the whole world.
Thirteen
You’re mean. Everyone else can.
Fifteen
I hate you.
Eighteen
I’m an adult. You can’t tell me what to do.
Twenty-one
It’s my life. I’ll do what I want.
Twenty-five
How can I get Bubs to stop crying?
Twenty-nine
Will you babysit?
Thirty-three
Can you help with sport?
Thirty-eight
Please talk to her. She won’t listen to me.
Forty
I wasn’t this bad, was I?
Sorry, Mum.
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.
Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt Message in a Feather, including mine, can be read at the Carrot Ranch.
Norah Colvin 