Needs Must #flashfiction #carrotranch

Posted on Jul 5, 2016 by TanGental

June 29, 2016 prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that explores human needs. Not all needs are basic. Why would others put a price on basic needs, like water? Or perhaps you want to explore why a person might develop a need in order to survive a situation (like a miner needing the companionship of a prostitute). Think about needs and not having access or being in control of them.

From the Carrot Ranch

Sometimes, all you need is the air that you breathe

‘Is he homeless mum?’

The man sat on stained cardboard.

‘Can we give him something?’

‘We shouldn’t, Penny. He may be an addict.’

They studied the man. Mary started as Penny marched over and crouched down. The man raised his face. He nodded as Penny reached out; the man took her hand. Mary could see his was filthy, the nails ingrained with dirt. Penny, normally so fussy, didn’t flinch.

When Penny returned she was crying.

‘That was so kind, Penny.’

‘He said he’s been there four days and I’m the first person to stop let alone speak to him.’

For more of Mary, Penny and their family, click here

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
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19 Responses to Needs Must #flashfiction #carrotranch

  1. restlessjo says:
    Jul 5, 2016 at 5:03 pm

    A sign of our times, Geoff. Glad the youngster had a heart. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Ritu says:
    Jul 5, 2016 at 7:35 pm

    This is so poignant. ..

    Liked by 2 people

  3. Erika Kind says:
    Jul 5, 2016 at 9:57 pm

    That touched me deeply!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. noelleg44 says:
    Jul 6, 2016 at 2:05 am

    So touching. Your Penny had a big, big heart. A special 99 words about people we just look over.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Sarah Brentyn says:
    Jul 6, 2016 at 3:38 am

    *sigh* You know this was going to get to me. I love how you weaved the need of a home with the needs of human interaction and respect and empathy. 💗

    Liked by 2 people

  6. Annika Perry says:
    Jul 6, 2016 at 8:08 am

    So sad but true. I talked to a woman in the shops once and she was nearly in tears, said it was the first time in days she had spoken to anyone. I felt so for her – human contact such a vital need in all our lives and so many do not have that. I feel very blessed with my family and friends.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Allie P. says:
    Jul 6, 2016 at 2:21 pm

    I can’t say more about your story than has already been said other than I agree so much with those who read before me. To be seen and recognized as a person is really an underappreciated human need. Beautiful.

    Also – I love that song.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Pingback: The Chain of Light | Erika Kind

  9. Silver Threading says:
    Jul 18, 2016 at 4:58 pm

    We all need that contact with another human. Years ago there were studies done on babies who were raised in orphanages where they received little to no contact (hugging, love) in those early years. They grew into maladjusted adults. A story to make us all think about the isolationism that is being forced upon us in the world today. Hugs. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

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