Welcome to Friday Fictioneers! We are a community of writers from around the world who post 100-word stories based on a photo prompt provided on Rochelle Wisoff-Fields’ blog. This week’s photo is by Sandra Crook. Thank you, Sandra!
Last week, I explored life, death and something in-between. This week, my subject is a little more ordinary, but still of utmost importance to one particular girl….
Sheep
by Jan Brown
Whenever Ellie tried to explain her life’s ambition to her high school friends, she met with resistance and resentment. While she appreciated the countryside, she longed to experience more of the world. She applied to New York University, hoping to enjoy both college and the big city over a glorious, exciting four years.
Her boyfriend broke up with her. Her parents weren’t very supportive, either, but she had a scholarship to cover the expense. The day Ellie finally left for school, her route to the airport was blocked by a flock of sheep going the opposite direction. A perfect metaphor.
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mezzojan 
It is the perfect metaphor. Good for Ellie!
Thanks, Helena!
What’s the use of having dreams, if you lack the courage to chase after them. Go Ellie!
Thank you very much!
It is, yes, you are right!
Thanks, Hamish!
I love it!
Thank you, Symanntha!
Jan, good for Ellie and I think it’s a perfect metaphor. Love the story! Nan 🙂
Thanks , Nan!
Metaphor indeed. Nicely done.
Thanks, Sandra! I always enjoy your photos 🙂
Another young heroine going against the herd! Yay!
Thanks, Dawn !
Jan, your story reminds me of being that age, and making that journey to the airport – and eventually coming back with a different view of both the wider and narrower world. There are a lot of sheep round here, both real and metaphorical!
Thank you, Siobhan! I ‘m glad the story resonated with you.
Nicely done! It’s hard to go against the flow.
Yes, it is! Thank you for reading and commenting 🙂
Spot on!..the metaphor and the story.
Thank you 🙂
She managed to push past the “sheep” to realise her dreams. Let’s hope she manages to push past the actual sheep to catch her flight!
Thank you, Alistair!
Dear Jan,
Sounds like Ellie’s one who’ll overcome obstacles and show everyone she’s not one of the herd. Lovely metaphor and well written story as always.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you, Rochelle!
Dear Jan,
People like Ellie end up being the shepherds, a vastly underrated profession, but vital to our flock’s progress. Well done.
Aloha,
Doug
Mahalo, Doug!
Jan, Good story and a lesson in going after what you want when you know it’s right. I think she would have outgrown that boyfriend in time so it’s better she move on with her life. She can do much better. Her parents will hopefully come around given time. Well written. 🙂 —Susan
Thank you, Susan!
Absolutely a perfect metaphor! It takes real courage to go against the flow. I’m sure she will succeed! Great story… 🙂
Thank you, Freya!
Really good. Well done.
Thank you, Patrick.
Superb story. Reminds me of my niece who’s graduating tonight and has a four year scholarship to the college of her choice. Well told!
Thank you, Honie. Best wishes to your niece!
Very nice. Keep up the good words.
Thank you very much.
I love the way she found more strength going against the stream.. “only dead fish flow downstream”
Oooh, that’s a good quote, Bjorn! Thank you for reading and commenting. Have a lovely weekend!
Wow, you just can’t win with that bunch, can you? Great story, Jan!
Thanks, Kent!
Perfect metaphor, indeed. Well done, and I could relate to this, except my dad was the one who insisted on college.
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/escape/
Thank you, Maggie! I’m glad it resonated with you.
Oh, I love it! Great metaphor. This must have made Ellie feel she was moving in the right direction.
Yes, she’s definitely a girl who loves to break patterns 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
I bet that reaffirmed her decision. Good one.
Thanks, Russell!
Good one, Jan! I hope Ellie proves them all wrong and has great success. 🙂
Thanks, Lisa!