One Little Boy’s Lesson on Compassion

Edit: I am resharing this post as part of the #1000Speak campaign to flood the world with stories of compassion.

Today I am sharing my response to Charli Mills’ Carrot Ranch weekly flash fiction challenge. This week’s challenge is all about compassion:

February 11, 2015 prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that demonstrates compassion.

Stevie and AshleighWhile working on my story, I kept coming back to someone whose compassion has inspired so many — and he’s not even 10 years old yet. If you haven’t heard of Stevie Nelson, I encourage you to read about this amazing young man who turned a family tragedy into an effort to help animals in need. He and his sister, Ashleigh, have not only raised more money than most adults, but they have also served as role models with their compassion for others. To read more about their efforts, check out the Honest Company’s interview with Stevie (be prepared to be inspired!)

So here is my 99-word flash fiction story on compassion:

 The reality show slipped into a commercial break, and his fiancée wiggled her hand in front of him again.

“My sister’s gonna flip with jealousy.” She smirked, splaying her fingers wide. “I can’t wait!”

He turned back to the screen. Puppy eyes stared at him as melancholy notes seeped from the television’s speakers.

She groaned. “They should just put them down.”

“Excuse me?”

“It would save money.” She shrugged, then readjusted her ring. “No one wants them anyway.”

He clasped her hands in his, kissed her cheek, and slid the ring from her finger. He’d make a better investment.

 

In the words of Stevie: “Because all animals need love…” 

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Learn more about the #1000Speak campaign.

 

Comments

  • Sometimes when a gal gets that rock on her finger she lets her true colors show! I like that he reinvested in a loving way, expressing the love to her that he is in search of. Love and compassion go together. Great flash and –wow– what a story about Stevie!

    Charli MillsFebruary 17, 2015
    • Thanks, Charli! The original version had about 200 words, so it was fun (in a challenging pull-my-hair-out kind of way) to strip back all the unnecessary details to get to the core story. And yes, both Stevie and his sister Ashleigh are spectacular role models for us all 🙂

      C. JaiFebruary 18, 2015
  • February 17, 2015

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  • Glad he got to see her true colours in time to back out. Great last line on seeking a better turn on his investment.

    AnnecdotistFebruary 19, 2015
    • Thanks for reading! I enjoyed working on it 🙂

      C. JaiFebruary 19, 2015
  • This makes me feel that everything happens for a reason and the fact that a compassionate person can make a great life partner..

    nabanitaFebruary 20, 2015
    • I agree — compassion is very attractive! 🙂

      C. JaiFebruary 20, 2015
  • Glad that he got to know the real her before it was too late!

    Shilpa GargFebruary 20, 2015
    • Thanks for reading!

      C. JaiFebruary 20, 2015
  • Very beautiful story of Stevie. A truly compassionate response to his tragedy.

    AshFebruary 20, 2015
    • Stevie and his sister Ashleigh are definitely an inspiration for others~

      C. JaiFebruary 21, 2015
  • I think the chap was lucky to find out he was making a big mistake. Lucky he got his ring back too. And I think he may have replaced her with one of those puppies. Lovely story.

    • Oh, I like that idea — that he replaced her with a puppy! Now I have to go snuggle with my puppy 🙂

      C. JaiFebruary 22, 2015
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