Post 1580. Tuesday August 15
Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers
He had no need to sit on a filthy blanket in the street. He didn't need the loose change dropped at his feet. He chose to live alongside those that had no choice.
In the depth of the night, he wandered past benches and shop doorways leaving money he had collected and more besides for the wretched souls as they slept. When they awoke they had no idea from whence it came. But find it they did, every morning.
Years earlier his parents were cruelly stolen from him by a tragic accident. He inherited their vast fortune. He had no other family and had never formed friendships. A review of his charmed life thus far disquieted him, so he resolved from that day forward to dedicate his life to those whom society had cast aside. He became a new person, an unseen guardian angel. Bit by bit he handed out his legacy to those most deserving. Invisibly. Anonymously.
One day he disappeared. No one missed him. After all, he was just another down and out.
Word count 176
Tragic, but good one!
ReplyDeleteThank you Reena
DeleteWonder what happened to this beautiful soul. So sad that on one missed him. great story
ReplyDeleteIt was his choice I guess. Thanks Marja
DeleteA great story. It is life's paradox that no one misses him. Well written, Keith.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much neel
DeleteHi Keith - great take on the prompt ... and the government got the rest ... so sad - and I'm sure there are people like him around - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThere may well be, but we'll never know. Thanks Hilary
DeleteHuman empathy at its best. Great take.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much
DeleteThe anonymous messiah ! It's hard to come by such people in today's world where people thirst for limelight, more than anything else .
ReplyDeleteGreat story, Keith .
I couldn't sum it up any better! Thanks moon.
DeleteThe tragedy is that unsung heroes are the true heroes (not, say, fictional superheroes or overpaid sports stars!) and no one realises it. Nicely done Keith
ReplyDelete100% agree - bloody footballers! Cheers Iain
DeleteHow much better the world would be with more people like that. So sad for him not to be missed though.
ReplyDeleteHis choice to disappear from view, but sad just the same. Thanks Annalisa
DeleteWhat a beautiful and sad story. Scholarships will be awarded from my foundation in a few weeks and I will be sitting at home. Knowing that someone is being helped is enough without sitting through a boring dinner. Just me.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you all the way. Thanks for your thought-provoking comment Denise
DeleteA beautiful tale of generosity and kindness. I hope his will disposed of the remainder of his wealth appropriately.
ReplyDeleteI would like to think so. Cheers James
DeleteSo sad that he disappeared and no one missed him since he was doing some good in the world of the homeless. He cared about the homeless people that others did not care about. Great story, Keith!
ReplyDeleteI thought of him as a humble soul who got satisfaction from doing good without being applauded for it. Thanks so much PJ
DeleteYou know, it would probably happen just that way, too... We don't even get to know our neighbors these days.
ReplyDeleteHow true is that? Cheers Calen
DeleteWow, Keith! I absolutely adore your protagonist. He is a guardian angel. Hope he has moved to a different part of town. Cheers, Varad.
ReplyDeleteI imagined him wandering from town to town doing good. Thanks for your comment Varad
DeleteThis story somehow reminded me of The Buddha. The story can be seen to be a deeply spiritual journey towards peace. Very well written.
ReplyDelete...now you come to mention it! Your thought provoking words are much appreciated.
DeleteI have chills. The comment from Fluid Phrase only adds to the feeling.
ReplyDeleteIt does indeed. Thank you Darla
DeleteThe story of a noble person... loved this one!
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased, thank you Shivi
DeleteSurely the poor people who were at the receiving end of his generosity must have missed him. People who donate for charity expect their names to be written in gold and this messiah is doing it without a sound anonymously.A very good story , Keith.
ReplyDeleteA rare breed indeed. Thanks so much Kalpana
DeleteA beautiful soul! Well done.
ReplyDelete