This week Charli’s Flash Fiction prompt over at the Carrot Ranch is:
In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about exhaustion. Who is tired and why.
Time Enough
Looking into the slightly desperate amber eyes, she did her best to swallow some porridge.
“Is it ok, Grandma?”
“It’s delicious, love. I’ve just had enough.”
“Can I get you anything? Are you comfortable?”
“I’m fine” She sighed, “Just pop the telly on before you leave.”
“I thought I might stay with you today.”
“Oh, Alice, there’s really no need. I shan’t get up to much!”
“I know, I just feel.. I’m worried about you. Should I call Dr.Graham?”
“No! Whatever for? There’s nothing wrong.”
At 96, she was just tired, tired of living and she’d had enough.
Lisa Reiter - Sharing the Story 
June 23, 2014 at 12:00 pm
Thanks for sharing Lisa. This reminded me of my Mum who passed away just a few weeks before her 91st birthday. She was tired and ready to go, and fortunately slipped away peacefully. Death comes not so easily for those who have more living to do.
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June 18, 2014 at 12:16 pm
Enjoyed your Flash Fiction! My dad felt the same way a few years before he passed.
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June 18, 2014 at 12:56 pm
Thanks for passing through Susan. It’s good to use fiction to challenge our assumption and perspectives. Hope Dad went with peace x
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June 17, 2014 at 7:41 pm
Nice take on the topic. My mother-in-law passed away this Easter. She was 94 and tired… sad, but understandable…
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June 17, 2014 at 5:44 pm
Great post Lisa. I have recently begun to entertain the idea that, yes, I will be too tired to want to go on living at some point (hopefully in the still somewhat distant future.) Life is exhausting! But of course….
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June 17, 2014 at 12:22 pm
Thank you everyone – This one was based on three different conversations I’ve had with people in their 90’s who all were a bit weary of life and used the term ‘I’ve had enough’.
It surprised me the first time I heard it, but I actually take a lot of comfort that there may be a point (for some of us at least) we might be able to reflect back and think, it’s been enough – I don’t mind going now.
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June 17, 2014 at 11:47 am
A poignant take on old age, Lisa.
I’d be interested to know is the tiredness for life synonymous with the the body’s breakdown along with the pain and discomfort of old age and disease? Exploring how indomitable is the spirit/will is fascinating – does the direction/intent of the will change?
PS Love my porridge even in the evenings!
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June 17, 2014 at 8:07 am
You certainly rang a bell with this one Lisa. You certainly conveyed tiredness well.
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June 17, 2014 at 4:08 am
In the end, we just grow weary as if it’s the ultimate exhaustion. Some have great endurance, though, 96 and still plugged in to the telly and some sustenance. Beautiful story, really touching.
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June 17, 2014 at 12:06 am
Ahh…powerful this Lisa. As with Marylin, this reminds me of my dear Granny who lived to 94 and grew very tired…
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June 16, 2014 at 11:00 pm
You packed a strong punch into just a few words. Made me think of my grandma.
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June 16, 2014 at 8:55 pm
Excellent Flash of reality, Lisa. This one hit close to the bone. My mom will be 96 in a few weeks and suffers with very advanced dementia. I lost my dad to Alzeheimer’s almost 6 years ago, and I think Mom is just tired now, too, and ready to leave.
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June 16, 2014 at 6:24 pm
Yes that is exactly what my gran said. I was 20 something and it made no sense then. It does now.
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June 16, 2014 at 6:22 pm
Very unique take on the topic, Lisa!
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June 16, 2014 at 5:48 pm
Well done, Lisa – sounds like me most evenings, apart from the porridge
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