She sits on the highway’s gravel shoulder, rubbing her sore, unshod feet. The sun presses hard on her head and shoulders.
She roots through her backpack, amazed at all the crap picked up on her journey, and pushes it away, disgusted; had she truly traveled so far without a sip of water on hand?
She waves to her children, galloping down the same road she’d traveled all her life. Colleagues also pass, clomping by in their own heavy shoes.
She rises, scenting sustenance in free-flowing water and her real tribe, just through that busted gate and across the meadow.
© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2018)
Carrot Ranch Prompt (07/12/2018): In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a broken fence. You can mend it, leave it, or explain its place in a story. Go where the prompt leads
Valley of the Trolls 
Aaaaah! I feel the freedom!!!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fresh waters and green grass, just over the meadow hill!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Broken Fences « Carrot Ranch Literary Community
This flash works well as a literal story or an analogy for life. Good use of horse-inspired language without resorting to use of “horse.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Charli!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A unique voice – gets to return to the tribe. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Where we’d all like to be…if only we slowed down and chose. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh…the great escape. Beautiful Liz ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sherri!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome Liz… freedom!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Ann!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whenever I throw a shoe, it is aimed at a cat. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! I know and accept this…meow!
LikeLike
Awesome stuff.
LikeLike