PHOTO PROMPT © Priya Bajpal
Aleena let herself into the home she once shared with her teenage son, Dalir, her heart heavy. Leaning against the door for a moment, her misty eyes espied the table where she kept the shells Dabir collected. It was something he loved doing whenever he went to the beach.
A sob rose in her throat. Dabir was gone. He’d died in the fire at the factory where he worked because the exits were blocked. Today, the court ruled in favor of the company. She was bitterly disappointed but vowed, “I won’t give up. I’ll continue to fight for Dabir’s sake.”
100 Words
This story was inspired by a true event where a mother lost her teenage son in a factory fire because there was no where for him to exit. The court ruled against her and the other plaintiffs although she believed that they had a strong case. She felt that the German retailer KiK was responsible and should apologize. Over 250 people died because the safety standards were blatantly violated by the factory owners. The emergency exits were blocked or locked.
This was written for the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields For more details, visit Here. To read other stories based on this week’s prompt, visit Here.
Source: DW
Notes to Women 
Really sad, but brilliantly well written
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Yes, it’s very sad. Thank you.
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A poignant tale made all the more so as it’s based on a real-life event. Beautifully written.
Click to read my FriFic tale!
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Thanks, Keith. I read about the mother who lost her son and was inspired to write a story to raise awareness of how safety for workers is lacking.
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Oh my goodness – so sad – and how terrible to know that it’s based on a true story!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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When I read the story of the woman who lost her son, I was inspired to write a similar story about a mother. It’s sad that these types of things happen in real life. Hopefully something will be done to ensure the safety of workers so that these kinds of tragedies can be prevented. The real mother has been protesting for about six years. Like the fictional mother, she will continue to do what she needs to do.
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This is so sad but you told it beautifully.
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Yes, it is very sad. Thank you, Lisa.
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Truly sad subject matter but you handled it expertly!
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Thanks, Violet 🙂
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Awful subject, written beautifully… I get so angry when I read about situations like these…
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Thanks, Dale 🙂 Yes, I too get upset and angry when I read about these situations.
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Dear Adele,
This is the kind of story that makes my blood boil. Big companies against the little people. I felt such grief for the mother. Well done and unique use of the prompt.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I know what you mean. The big companies don’t care about the little people. That mother should not have lost her son. There should have been safety measures in place. The exits should have been accessible. I really hope that something will be done to protect the workers moving forward. Thank you. When I read the story, I was inspired to write something similar just to raise awareness.
Shalom,
Adele
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Very sad – especially as it’s based on true events.
gramswisewords.blogspot.com
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Yes, it is.
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Very well written. A poignant piece.
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Thanks, Priya 🙂
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As others have said, sad but well written
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Yes, it is sad. Thanks, Michael.
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