Every week, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (thank you, Rochelle!) hosts a flash fiction challenge, to write a complete story, based on a photoprompt, with a beginning, middle and end, in 100 words or less. Post it on your blog, and include the Photoprompt and Inlinkz on your page. Link your story URL. Then the fun starts as you read other peoples’ stories and comment on them!
Who Cares?
‘I used to work there,’ he said, softly. ‘You wouldn’t think it, would you?’
He gestured towards the bank’s headquarters, a temple of Mammon rising, ethereally beautiful, far above the surrounding buildings. Brilliant itself with reflected light, it cast deep shadow over the church opposite.
I handed the down-and-out a cup of coffee and a hot meat pie, and sat down beside him.
‘Do you have anywhere to go tonight? Snow’s forecast,’ I said.
He shook his head.
‘Come,’ I said, taking his hand and leading him to the church. ‘You can sleep here. We’ll try and find somewhere permanent tomorrow.’
Autumn Leaves 
I liked the symbolism of the bank building overshadowiing the church, and then the role of the church at the end
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Thank you for your insightful comment, Neil. The symbolism you mention struck me forcibly, as soon as I looked at the prompt, and almost compelled the story.
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A throw back to the economic crash. A well crafted story.
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Thank you for your comment, James. In the UK, at least, homelessness is greater now than during the financial crash, and it’s increasing.
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I liked your use of the symbolism,
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Thank you for your kind comment, Trent. I’m glad you liked the symbolism.
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Dear Penny,
I love the contrast of the Temple of Mammon opposite the church. Touching piece.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS Happy Anniversary
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Dear Rochelle
Thank you for your kind words. I’m very pleased you found the story touching.
Shalom
Penny
xx
PS Thank you for the anniversary wishes!
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I also like the skyscraper overshadowing the church – but it’s the church that is ultimately offering refuge.
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Thank you for your perceptive comment, Ali. When it comes to supporting individuals, the church is usually there offering refuge.
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Great use of the prompt Penny. Nice to know the Good Samaritan lives on.
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Thank you for your kind comment, Keith. It was a lovely prompt, and gave me the storyline immediately. And reading other people’s stories, many seem to have found it stimulating.
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Clearly, someone cares. Nicely done.
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Thank you for your kind comment, Bill. As you say, someone cares – and it’s no coincidence that it is outreach from the church who is bringing help to this down-and-out. There are many things wrong with the church – we’re human, after all – but we’re called to reach out with love to those around us.
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It is, of course, necessary to help anyone in need, Penny. However, kindness toward the lamb does not dissuade the lion. 🙂
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As you say, Bill, kindness towards the lamb doesn’t dissuade the lion. But every act of caring for those who have been mauled by the lion is a step in the direction of a better and more civilised world.
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Kindness is the answer but when it comes to Bullies, it is seldom adequate. That said, I wish for exactly that world.
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a good samaritan came to his rescue just in time. nice story.
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Thank you for your kind comment, Plaridel. You are right about the good Samaritan.
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I love the contrast and the symbolism. When the church remembers its true purpose, it can be a good thing.
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Dear Gabi
Thank you for such a generous comment. I pray that the church will remember its true calling more and more.
Peace
Penny
xx
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If each that had acted in such a way for each in need, the world would be a much better place. Very powerful storytelling, Penny.
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Thank you for your generous comment, Lisa. I agree that more selfless actions would make the world a better place.
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You’re very welcome, Penny.
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So very sad. A reminder that luck can change. The Church and Banks are wealthy entities. True charity is on the ground. As others have said, great symbolism.
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Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Tannille. I think you’ve read deeply and accurately into the symbolism. I was mindful that although the church is now dwarfed by the temple of Mammon, once upon a time its architecture represented power wielded by the priests. Yes, true charity is on the ground, where the need is greatest. And, yes, the institutional church probably is too rich.
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Great story. I’m not going to repeat what everyone else said.
None of us know when the rug will be jerked out from under us and we’ll be cast to the curb like a useless piece of trash.
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Thank you for commenting, Russell. You’re right – material security is very insubstantial.
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Hello. I live near Philadelphia. There have been large numbers of homeless people there for many years. One excellent organization that aids them is Project Home.
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Dear Yeah
I don’t remember having seen you on FF before, so welcome!
I am grieved to hear about the homeless in Philadelphia, but what you tell me of Project Home gives some encouragement.
Best wishes
Penny
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A wonderful story with a positive and uplifting message, and such a great use of the picture. You know, I didn’t see the contrast between the tall skyscraper and the other, older buildings in the scene. All I could see were the ‘Plow’ sign and the shoes. Now, after reading your story, I look and wonder how I missed it.
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What a lovely comment, Margaret! I’m delighted that my story changed how you saw the picture – it’s what writing’s all about, isn’t it? We are so lucky in FF to have Rochelle choosing the prompts – she does it really well, and I’ve learned a lot from reading other people’s stories to the prompt.
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Shelter in the church, but not in the bank. I like it.
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Thank you for commenting, Linda. The church should always be a place of shelter, shouldn’t it?
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Yes indeed.
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