Step Two - Flash Fiction

      A Discrete Moment That You Regret

      

     June was her name; the month was July. She lay there with hands shaking, her heart pounding multiple times a minute and thoughts buzzing in and out of her head. The phone rings again, this time, her sister asking what had happened. Some say they saw her use her bare hands; others state they only heard screeching of a young child.      

      Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. As she slowly opened the front squeaky door of her house, there stood two men. One with sunglasses on and the other holding up a badge. On it read "State Police". June weeped and was escorted immediately away from her family.     

     On the day of her court hearing, she got many expressions of being a child violator or a horrible mother. June just sat in silence, ignoring the smirks and reflections of the people crowding the room. She begged for an explanation, but none was given. June pleaded that she was a good mother and loved her child; she did not mean for what happened.     

     Old videos were used for evidence; showing June not only affectionate, but supportive and proud of her family. Every report card, medal or drawing from her children were saved in a plastic bin. She even got rid of the father who had assaulted her many times before and was confident in doing so. She never wanted to hit her daughter; it was out of disappointment, but more out of pain.     

     Emma, her five year old, said "Mommy, you only have one month to live and I can't wait to see how fast it goes by."    

     June has breast cancer. 

RATIONALE 

      

     "June" shows dignity by feeling bad after hitting her daughter, she weeps and feels guilt, she proves she is a good mother and got rid of a horrible man for the better of her children. The hitting of her daughter was not intentional, but showing feelings and living up to her mistake shows dignity. Obstacles are a part of life, but how you stand up to them and react to them show dignity. June didn't ever try to be the best mom or put her children in harm which proves she deserves freedom from jail. Also, the character has breast cancer so she knows she is going to die, but she keeps life rolling so she does not surrender to her illness.

     Many people get assaulted and do not tell anyone, many get mocked or threatened and do not tell anyone, but you have to have self respect. Having dignity does not mean being the best by putting down others; you have to deserve your honours for the right reasons.