Another Līgo Haibun Challenge. For more information on how you can join in the creativity click on the Link mentioned here. This week the challenge for aspiring writers is the following prompt “Down at the Crossroads”. This week they are looking primarily for a narration; the telling of a story. They’ve also added musical color with an excellent musical video to the prompt which you can view by clicking on the link. My offering today:
Young love for sale!
The building, one of the older structures in the block. Though dilapidated and rundown it was off the main drag of the city and the rent was cheap. Her place, on the third floor. The dark stairway to her room, just inside the building. She walked slowly up each well-worn stair step. He, right behind her. Her third for the night, but she was already tired.
She was pretty and didn’t look her age, no trouble finding customers. She didn’t do drugs and didn’t have a pimp either. Hard to avoid, but she had a male friend who owned a martial arts school. No one messed with him.
Tonight she was weary, of life, of what she did for a living. But it had gotten her off the streets, well sort of. She sold her body on the street, but her soul belonged to her. She had dreams for a better future. This one would be the last, tonight. Maybe the last one, period!
But she still looked good. Maybe she’d wait a little longer. Make a little more money, just in case. She’d think about it tomorrow. Reaching the top of the stairs she unlocked her door, smiling a little sadly and led him inside.
our futures await
poorly or wisely chosen
the crossroads of life
~
Thanks for reading, have a great day,
~ Penny
The Why About This 
You made me go there and feel it, really feel it, what wonderful words to take one there.
Thank you Eric. I really do appreciate your appreciation and comments – a lot!
Those ‘maybes’ from the last paragraph really raised the tension a notch. I liked this piece as it does not delve too far into the depths of sentimentality, but rather states things how they are. I might include that in my rant today actually.
Thanks, and enjoy your ranting. Good for the soul, I find!
brilliant story, Penny…you made it seem all so real. the walk up the steps…the fatigue of this young girl and her hopes for her future. your images…perfect! ♥
Thank you Sunshine, I appreciate your stopping by and your compliments as well, thanks again, Penny xx
:))
I love the words on the scrabble board – that dreams and reality meet at the crossroads. 😉
Thanks Tina, it’s always about choices, dreams keep us going and can shape our reality as well but sometimes there is the crossroad! Great to see you here my friend! 🙂
Poignant tale and haiku. Lovely. 🙂
Thank you very much! 🙂
It is always very difficult to let go of bad things, right? For some, it is drugs, for some it is even procrastination (which could be very damaging)..a lovely take on this week’s prompt
Thank you Padmini, I do appreciate your comments.
better get out of the game while she still can… a brilliant story indeed
Thank you kz, very much!
Excellent job, Penny. It is like that…one more time and then I’ll be done.Here’s to the ones who did break free and hoping for the ones who will and holding dearly to the ones who won’t make it out. Crossroads…always that – what if?
Thank you Liz. I’m with you, I never give up hoping for all of us to learn and grow and mostly overcome our own fears and insecurities that can prevent us from going in the right direction at the crossroads of life.
Amazing Penny. You outdid yourself with this prompt! Was totally mesmerized reading…. Thank you my dear friend ~
so much love, RL
Thank you Robyn. Sometimes the nature of the piece (the written word), to me, requires a little more attention to detail in order to pass along an important message. Especially if it is a story told as a fiction but the reality for many. All my love bestest friend of mine, Penny, xo
How sad.
As long as she has her soul – there is still hope.
I’m rooting for her to find her way out of all of that & to follow her dreams for a better future.
A great write Penny!
x x:) 🙂 xx
Thanks RoSy! Me too, I think she will! No I’m sure of it! 🙂 xo
You weave an excellent tale Penny, always with a message for us. 🙂
Thank you very much dear friend of mine! 🙂
What a brilliant story ending in the haiku. Once again you outdo yourself with your fiction Penny.
I would do this but I think my brain is fried. 😆
Thanks Alastair, and I’m quite certain that your brain is not “fried” 🙂 btw, the following is the song that inspired me for this written piece. Cole Porter wrote the song, the singer is the famous Ella Fitzgerald. One of the best singers ever! Enjoy:
, Some things are timeless! Penny
I’ll have a look when I finish my ironing 🙂
Oh this is a sad and brilliant tale. I really really loved it. Many bottoms and the real shades of gray. Hope there is a new crossroad with even better options.
And I forget to say, a brilliant picture.
Thanks. I didn’t really want to put in an actual picture of a person or persons, but did want to convey the ambience of the moment!
Thank you Björn. I believe there is always hope. Our choices do tend to produce certain results (regardless of what led us there). I also believe in each new day for this woman and others there can be a potential crossroad where a better choice can be made. Just my thoughts on the subject, 🙂
Well, you leave AnElephant rhymeless today.
This is quite superb, terse, atmospheric, compelling.
We understand her, empathise with her, and despair for her.
Your haiku and closing image provide perfect closure.
Thank you Brian. Your approval and appreciation of my Haibun is greatly and completely appreciated by me! 🙂 xx
Again – well done.
Thanks Sheri, very much! 🙂
That is superb.. you really made the prompt speak for your post ..
Thank you soumyav! Your compliment is much appreciated by me!
future won’t wait for us… we either stay put or accompany the future in its journey.
good one my friend.
Thank you my dear friend, have a great day Roxi, xo