Borders and Botherations
This story is set on 15 August 1947 when India gained independence but was also partitioned into 2 countries - India and Pakistan.
The radio crackled "At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom."
Instead of tumultuous applause at this happy event, there was silence as hundreds of people listened from their tents. These small tents held their entire belongings. They were leaving behind their homes, their possessions, the familiarity of their towns and the legacy of their ancestors to start a new life.
"Amma, when will we go home? I don't like it here." 8-year-old Minnie tugged her mother's clothes.
Her mother sighed and looked at the two bags into which she'd shoved a few pieces of her home before she was rushed towards the other side of the border.
"We can't go back, this is our home now."
"Why?"
Amma chuckled and then grimaced. She kneeled and stroked Minnie's hair.
"We can never be truly independent. Behind the happiness of freedom is also the pain of partition. Some of us must sacrifice for the greater good."
"But I miss home like it was a person. My dolls, my friends, my school." Minnie murmured.
"I miss the trees, the paths where my grandmother walked, the place where I got married, where you took your first steps." Amma continued.
"Where I took my first breath, where I knew everyone in my part of the town, I'll miss the scent of Lahore. Minnie's father added.
He sat down next to them, "There is a lot to miss but there is a lot to rejoice too. For this moment of this midnight, we are free."
The family hugged each other and slept under the roof of the skies.
Independence and freedom is sweet, no matter even if we live on street but free. You managed to show that happiness in your story using the dialogs and a child's direct attitude.
The story is poignant. As @seeger comments, independence and freedom are sweet. Sometimes there is a high price to pay. Translating the price paid into personal losses helps us to feel the sacrifice this family is making to be free.
The dialogue is excellent. Use of the prompt is excellent. The story is a little short for Inkwell purposes, but not short for its dramatic impact. For that, it is the perfect length.
Thank you for sharing this story with us, @diebitch. We appreciate that you support other writers with your comments, @diebitch.
Sending love from Pakistan! Virtual hug 🤗
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A beautiful yet sad story.
One can say that freedom comes at a price. With time Minnie may get to understand.
I enjoyed your story.