© Dale Rogerson
Ramon didn’t want to leave the memorial. Every second there was a tribute to his pain. Even at four in the morning, it was hot and muggy. Loneliness was an oppressive blanket. Tonight he especially missed Hector, his laugh, his twisted sense of humor.
“The Pulse” had once been a haven for them and for hundreds of others. Hector was one of the 49 who died. Ramon still limped from the wounds in his leg.
On June 12th of last year, terrorist Omar Mateen took everything from Ramon, everything except his spirit to survive in spite of it all.
On June 12, 2016, terrorist Omar Mateen entered The Pulse nightclub, a popular entertainment venue for the LGBTQ community in Orlando, Florida, killed 49 people and injured 68. The anniversary was just a few days ago.
The haunting image found at Rochelle Wisoff-Fields’ blog reminded me of it. The idea is to craft a piece of flash fiction no more than 100 words long. My word count is 98.
To read other stories based on the prompt, visit InLinkz.com.
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I really like how you link-back your stories to their inspiration , helps the readers to get the complete picture .
I remember reading this news , last year.
You have written it so beautifully, James.
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Thank you, Moon.
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A very touching, and very real, tribute. Excellente!
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Thank you.
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I appreciated the news article that you linked after the story. It helped to bring more depth to the story. A very touching tale James.
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Thanks, Jade.
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I agree the picture definitely says Florida. A creative take on the prompt — linking it to the true event.
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Thanks, Sandra.
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Thank you for sharing this-in our society of new horrors every day, this is one which should not be forgotten.
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Agreed, Kris. Thanks.
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Go, Ramon! You caught the aftermath of crazy business like this very well. Kudos.
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Thanks, Alicia. It’s never easy to write about such tragedy.
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Well done! A beautiful, terrible tale of pain, loss and death caused by hate.
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Thank you. I did extensive reading of various news stories following the event and the motivations of the shooter seem complex. Nevertheless, the pain and death he left behind is horrific.
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Such sadness in this world. You caught it beautifully.
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Thank you.
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From what I saw on the news there was a very moving all day tribute where the Pulse was located. You captured the grief and struggle to survive beautifully in this piece.
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Thank you, Life Lessons.
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It is sad to recall these continuing terrible events that seem to occur ever more often.
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Yes, they are sad, Michael. You’re right, they are happening quite frequently now.
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Dear James,
Good use of the prompt. Alas, this history is all too recent. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And all too frequently as Michael pointed out. Thanks.
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Extremely well forged tribute, James
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Thank you, Michael.
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Nice tribute to a sad event.
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Thank you.
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Something different on the prompt. Nice writing as well.
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Thanks.
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Great use of the prompt indeed. I would not have given that man another second in the media. He could remain nameless, as far as I am concerned.
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He is, however, part of the history of that event, so I felt it necessary to use his name, though with infamy.
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Of course
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Touching and moving tribute. Nicely done.
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Thank you.
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A fitting memorial to a horrible event, James. Thanks for the note at the end giving backstory. —- Suzanne
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A sad but beautiful tribute to a night that many, many will never forget.
I live in Florida. Three hours from Orlando. I’ve always thought of Orlando as a happy place because of Disney.
Now, it seems, it has the same criminality of any city. I hope those who have suffered losses can heal.
Nicely done …
Isadora 😎
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Thank you, Isadora. So do I.
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