Lifting her face, Sara soaked in the absolute peace that surrounded her. The cooling breeze reminded her that the summer days were shortening as was her time here. The unfettered days of her vacation had been a respite from the drudgery of her daily routine and had led to a decision her family would not easily accept. Being the oldest child did not mean she should be the lifetime caregiver of their wheelchair-bound sibling. Either everyone take their turn looking after him; or each person contributes to his care. It was time Sara take back her life.
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2020
(This post was inspired by Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle. The challenge asks for bloggers to write a story in 100 words or less in response to the photo prompt.)
Colline's Blog 
She’s gonna have to make an issue of it, as unfortunately her other siblings probably do believe it is her job.
LikeLike
She is. I have noticed in life that the oldest often ends up having to take the most responsibility. She will definitely have to fight for shared responsibility.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I liked the way you used the breeze to indicate the boundary between one season and the coming one, echoing the character’s situation on the boundary of change
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I wanted to show both the outer and inner world as being on the cusp of change.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Colline,
Sounds like she’s going to have to take a stand.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
She is Rochelle, for her own health.
LikeLike
I like how you compare and contrast the weather and her life.
Deep issues carefully handled.
LikeLike
Thank you for the compliment Ceayr.
LikeLike
Well done. The turning point.
LikeLike
Yes, indeed. Once a decision has been made it is easier to make changes.
LikeLike
Oldest siblings are expected to be responsible and take care of everything.
Tough to regain their life after years of conditioning.
Others should chip in and share too.
LikeLike
As an older sibling, I would agree. 🙂
LikeLike
A situation many of us have or will face. I hope her siblings will take note. Very well written Colline.
LikeLike
Thank you so much Iain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A heavy burden to carry, I hope they find a middle ground.
LikeLike
That is what one would hope for.
LikeLiked by 1 person
An interesting take on the photo. And sadly, often true.
LikeLike
Yes, unfortunately.
LikeLike
A difficult decision that must be taken, as far as I am concerned. Sad, but necessary.
LikeLike
Yes. Necessary for her own health.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not an easy decision to make, as Sara, too, has probably felt that it was her responsibility. She has had to fight her own scruples. I hope she has the strength to convince her family to play their part.
LikeLike
I hope she does too. Sometimes in life you really have to fight for what is just.
LikeLike
Good for you Sara. No easy decision, but you have to be true to own self.
Good luck.
Randy
LikeLike
She would welcome any added luck!
LikeLike
If you’ll keep doing what you’re doing, no one will offer to assist you. I hope Sara has the spine to stand up to the whining, excuses, and criticism that is sure to come.
LikeLike
I would help that her break has given her the time needed to find the strength.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s an issue many will face with aging parents as well…it’s a tough conversation, but one that needs to be had…beautifully written
LikeLike
It is John. Especially when the person requiring care is in no way independent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your is the 3rd story I’ve read so far with a wheelchair in it (mine is one also) which is cool. GMTA. It’s funny how often the scenario where one or two siblings are left to care for an elderly parent. Sometimes there are good reasons for why it happens that way, but sometimes not. I’m glad the MC is going to insist on sharing the load.
LikeLike
Sometimes caring for an elderly parent does fall into the lap of one person with, hopefully, the financial help of the other children. I question the justice of care, though, when it concerns the care of a dependent sibling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen, Sara! Great story. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much 🙂
LikeLike
I think this happens far to often. You brought the issue to life. If everyone helps it shouldn’t be so bad.
LikeLike
It does – I have seen it time and again when one child is expected to take on all of the responsibility.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Usually the eldest or the eldest girl I find.
LikeLike
That has been my observation too
LikeLiked by 1 person
She’s been taken advantage of far too long it seems. Time to share the load. Well done Colline
LikeLike
Thank you so much Keith.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish her well. Taking a stand does not ensure others will rise to the occasion.
LikeLike
So true. Often you have to fight for what is your right.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s past time for her to make a stand!
LikeLike
Definitely. There comes a point when a person has to stand up for themselves.
LikeLike
Good luck to her. It’s a wise and reasonable decision and I’m glad the soothing sounds of the fountain brought her to it.
LikeLike
As well as the beauty of the gardens 🙂
LikeLike
It’s hard on her to always have the responsibility but also to get her point across without sounding uncaring. She’s in a very invidious position. Well told
LikeLike
Thank you.
She will definitely need to stay firm.
LikeLike
Life has many obstacles, I hope she makes the right decision.
LikeLike
Often the decisions you make for your own care are the right ones.
LikeLike