A corpse was found as the sun rose, in a corner between houses, lying against the wall. The little girl had been frozen to death, holding a bundle of matches in her hand.
“Poor child … she tried to warm herself,” some passersby said.
Villagers had seen her the night before, shivering and roving. She emulated the picture of misery – skinny, filthy, with wide misty eyes. No one stopped, looked, or cared, as she crept. No one minded how she longed for warmth – the warmth of a room with a fireplace, the warmth of a dining table with fine china and hot supper, and the warmth of companionship and love. They rather focused on their affairs and averted their eyes. Not even her closest took particular notice of her.
Hence, no one imagined that, just as the flame went out and her last breath seeped through her feeble body, how euphoric she was, knowing that she neither existed nor felt anymore. Not a single one.
photo copyright Al Forbes
For Sunday Photo Fiction – December 4th 2016
What does nelkumi think? 
a sad tale but one that repeats itself often
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Sad… and beautiful. Nice one nelkumi 🙂
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Thank you.
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So sad and a timely reminder as winter firms its grip.Excellent.
My story – One Winter’s Night
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I did enjoy your story. Thank you for the visit and comment.
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The mean villagers of your story… let her die
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Such sadness. I wonder if the people noticed her. A shame she had to die before people reacted.
A good story Nelkumi.
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Thank you.
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Wow such sorrow. At least that’s how I feel. And disgust that the villagers just walked by her, ignored her, used to seeing her. I want to pick her up and bring her inside. Yet I know how people in general ignore what they are accustomed too, stop seeing the reality of the sadness, only their lives. But I’m happy too she doesn’t have to suffer. Heaven will be so much better place for her, and never cold.
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Its unimaginable that people would not help a child in need! That is so sad . I wonder how people can live. With Themselves when they do nothing to help!
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That’s indeed a sad story, Nelkimi. I’ve seen averted eyes all too often. A little girl was begging in Delhi. She had no coat and I was told it would do no good to gift her with a coat as an adult would take it away and sell it for the money they could get. It’s heartrending. Good writing. —- Suzanne
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Thank you.
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