PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Flower Child
Why doesn’t Ellen understand she is an introvert? Is she so inscrutable? How does Ellen expect her to survive the private home she will share with eight other residents? She’d met the husband-wife caregivers and her soon-to-be roommate last week. Why were they smiling all of the time?
She refuses to hug Ellen before she leaves; goes straight to her room afterwards.
Bill brings dinner to her in her room tonight. It smells delicious.
Joann, her roommate, brings her a slice of rainbow cake and says Maryjane made it to welcome her.
“Ellen tells us you are a flower child.”
[100 words]
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields is the host of Friday Fictioneers.
Tao Talk 
This isn’t really implied by your story, but it occurred to me that it’s funny how many counterculture hippies and protestors from the 1960s “grew up” to be upper-management and CEOs.
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Yes indeed. Talking the talk and walking the talk are two different things. Modern society is horribly corrupting.
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So is human nature in a lot of cases.
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That was the original idea for my story, but I couldn’t seem to tell it in 100 words.
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Dawn, gmta, thanks :)
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Maybe it’s not going to be so bad after all
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Maybe. I hope so! Thanks for your faithful readership and comments, Neil.
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Sounds like they know just what to do. (K)
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<3
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K, remember the Moomins? I found out last night they have an animated show and it’s available on YouTube. Once I gave granddaughter the Moomin counting book she wasn’t afraid of them anymore and has been watching it :) Thank you for making me aware of them as now she is <3
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When we went to the exhibit, my daughter was sorry she hadn’t known about the animated show. I’ll have to ask her if she looked for it. I’m happy it resonates with yor granddaughter!
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Here’s their YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@MoominOfficial
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Thanks!
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:) I watched half of E1 today. I can see why she likes it.
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Very cool Li :D Awesome take for the photo prompt!
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:) thanks!
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Very interesting, Lisa. I get the impression she is joining a cult here, or at least a commune of some sort. The line “why were they smiling all the time?” conveys a lot.
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David, it could be! Once I let a story fly it is out there on its own. Thanks for taking time with it.
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Did someone drink the Kool-Aid? Interesting take, Lisa.
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Good question, Nancy! Thanks for reading.
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A little spooky. I had it in mind that she was going into assisted living, but assisted with what?!
Good story, Lisa.
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Dawn, I like the dissonance you pick up on the story. It’s how I felt at the end of it. Something not sitting right with the situation. Thank you.
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from introvert pov it can get overwhelming at first…
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Indeed, Nandini. I hope she adjusts with time. Thank you for reading and your comment.
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Cakes are always associated with celebrations
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So true, Geeta. Cakes are blessed to be the chosen ones to celebrate with.
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A commune would be hard for an introvert. But they seem nice. Lovely slice of life, Lisa.
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Joy, thanks much. I hope it works out for her.
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Dear Lisa,
As a Baby Boomer it’s sobering for me to think of flower children being the thing so very long ago. Mind you, I’m still 18 in my head even though my mirror contradicts me. Sigh.
We just lost my sister in law last week. She lived in assisted living and was under hospice care so this one hits me in the gut. Sweet, poignant story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, it is sobering. I hear you on still feeling the flower power.
Condolences on the passing of your sister in law.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Lisa, this was briliant with the way your psychology info seeps in and I could feel the introversion, the need for connection while pulling back, and the expression of warm welcome with the cake. It was for flower power hippie theme and went with the cake – but really could be a timeless story in other ways
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Thanks for reading and your thoughtful comment, Yvette. <3
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🙂
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Life style changes are a gradual process and the introvert is a complicated world.
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Absolutely, James. Thanks for reading and your comment, from one introvert (i.e. me) to another?
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I hope it works out well for her❤️
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Me too <3
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That has got to be the hardest move ever to be made.
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I agree, V. I pray this is never me. I’d go nuts in a hurry, no matter how nice they were.
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I felt like I missed something until I read the comments. It would be nerve-racking for any introvert to have to share a room. Other than that the people and arrangement sound lovely.
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Gabi, I think it is a best-case scenario for her. I imagine she’s unable to live independently for one reason or another and her daughter isn’t equipped to have her live with her. I really hope it works out for her <3
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The transition none of us wants to make, yet many will have to, and being an introvert would make it so much more challenging and frightening. Well storied.
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Steve thank you very much.
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You’re very welcome, Lisa.
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That was a hopeful story. Maybe she will fit in after-all. These changes are terribly difficult. It was for my dad, but the staff and residents made him feel cared about and welcomed. Lovely, Lisa!
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Thanks very much for your thoughtful comment. Glad it worked out for your dad.
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Do we think Ellen will fit in… eventually? I do hope so.
An excellent story, Li.
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Chris, Ellen is her daughter, the one who put her in the senior care home, but I get what you mean. Thank you <3
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Oops! Sorry about that. I must have misread it. But I did get the bit about the elderly woman who will be okay in the home. Sorry again!
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No worries, Dear Chris. <3
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That poor woman, she can’t even go to her room to be left in peace? <shudder>
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I think her days of peace are over. Maybe her roommate was trying to make her feel welcome, but for an introvert it can be torture.
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An appropriate gift. Good choice.
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Glad you think so, thanks!
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Sounds like it might now be as bad there as she imagined. Perhaps
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I agree. She’ll have to wait and see…
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I hope it works out for her too, Lisa. It’s tough if you’re used to being in your own place and then, having to live in a strange place with strangers, not matter how nice they may seem. I expect that they were smiling to make her feel welcome although she didn’t see it that way.
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Adele, thanks for your thoughtful comment.
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