Short Fiction
This Here
A fictional short story unfortunately based on sh*t in real life
This here, on my forearm are four tiny indents where my nails dug in. Hands crossed behind my back, gathered, hiding my discomfort when you joked about girls and short skirts.
This here, on my tongue, it’s blood from biting down, I’d first inflict pain on myself rather than take it out on you for those comments you made about survivors of domestic violence not leaving.
This here, around my eyes, are dark circles from the constant eye rubbing. It’s a natural reflex when watching another world leader caught with a hand in their pants, or chair-sniffing, or making light of someone else’s pain.
Rallies, walks for justice, protests against sexual assault and murder (and sexism in general), against parliament and the forces too. How frightening for those in ivory towers of white and gold? Hmmm. Bet Hawaii’s looking good this time of year.
This here, you can’t see it, it’s the hefty weight of my heart, filling up with each new story of determination, resilience, and hope — the only way is up and around. Can’t stoop so low to their level when you’re already under their boot.
This here, is my middle finger, confident and sure. Ready to rise against the comments, the institutions and systems of unjust.
Behaviour unspoken, behaviour ignored, is behaviour endorsed. — Grace Tame
You can find me on Instagram — pop over to say hi. Be sure to also check out Short.B.Read publication for short stories and articles on writing tips. I co-curate SBR with writer and editor (and sister) Melissa-Jane Nguyen.
