12 Comments
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Dave Karpowicz's avatar

CJ, Such power in so few words. D

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C.J. Heck's avatar

Thank you, Dave.

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C.J. Heck's avatar

Thank you for restacking this micro story, @Connie Casella

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C.J. Heck's avatar

Thank you for restacking this story, @Kathleen Hobbs

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

This was serendipitous. I had a nightmare about this the other night. A woman escaping her husband, getting her young child to grab and go. Packing quickly the few things that might be needed. Almost a total lack of money or friends to help her. She and the boy flee into the night on foot, heading for the bus station and hoping he doesn't come after her. Too many women are going through this; it's become a mass psychosis.

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David Perlmutter's avatar

You reminded me of this song by the great Harry Chapin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFPGdfsVwxY

"Take a Greyhound/it's a dog of a way to get around."

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C.J. Heck's avatar

That’s fun, David, but humor wasn’t involved in he plot —honest. I do appreciate the tape, thanks!

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Marpy Hayse's avatar

"...your hat is pulled down tightly to hide a swelling monument of someone’s idea of love."

Such a poignant description...I found myself scanning the accompanying photo, searching empathetically for the woman in the red coat.

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C.J. Heck's avatar

Hello Marpy. I’m so sorry, but the story is pure fiction. The photo was the closest to what I imagined the Greyhound Bus Station would look like.

I really do appreciate your comments —thank you very much, Marpy.

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Marpy Hayse's avatar

No sorries! We all find inspiration everywhere. Your writing is such beauty that it transforms the reader to where your words lead - which is a grand gift!

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Christina Migone-Benfield's avatar

So eloquent, C.J! You've said so much in so few words. I loved it and felt ever so sorry and proud of this woman, all at the same time!

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C.J. Heck's avatar

You’ve made my whole day brighter, Christina. Thank you for your kind comments.

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