November 30: Flash Fiction Challenge – Caring for Himself

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The last time I picked my older brother up out of the gutter he was in the worst condition I’d seen him in. Drunk, unable to stand and as incoherent as always. I bundled him into the car and took him home. The next morning, I told him it was now time for him to start caring for himself.

I wasn’t going to pick him up anymore as my family needed me too.

I dropped him off and watched him reluctantly enter the facility. With fingers crossed I lived in hope. He lasted a week. The rest is history.

 

Written for: https://carrotranch.com/2017/11/30/november-30-flash-fiction-challenge/

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21 Responses to November 30: Flash Fiction Challenge – Caring for Himself

  1. Ritu says:

    You can only help someone so much…

  2. Reena Saxena says:

    I know of a drug addict’s case who lasted a week after he was chucked out of the house. There could be subtle psychological layers to it.

  3. Awwwee. But true, you can take the horse to the wayer and all that.

  4. Sometimes it’s difficult to help people who won’t help themselves.

  5. Colleen Chesebro says:

    Oh, no. I had hoped he would find the strength.

  6. Frank Hubeny says:

    Self-care can be difficult to achieve.

  7. tric says:

    Unfortunately this is reality for so many.

  8. Charli Mills says:

    Often, to achieve self-care we have to ask another to take care of oneself. Harsh, but addictions can destroy more than one life. Poignantly written, Michael.

  9. A very sad piece, Michael.

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