For this week’s flash fiction challenge over at Carrot Ranch, our task was to think about beginnings and endings – or rather, hellos and goodbyes: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a hello or a goodbye. You can pick any greeting that grabs you from howdy to fare thee well.
The direction I took is a metaphorical one based in history. Following the story, I’ll offer some background.
The New Era
Credit: Americancivilwar.com
I hold my hand up to my face, shielding it from the pelting rain. Shouts of protest meet me—I pretend not to hear them. They’ve solely had their voices heard long enough. Now, it’s my turn.
Brushing the moisture from my overcoat, I step into the building. A long table awaits me and thousands of other women who will greet the new era.
The rain’s chill reaches my bones and my hand shakes as I mark my choice. With a lump in my throat, I drop my ballot into the box.
Starting today, we will always be heard.
This story is inspired by Marie Ruoff Byrum, who is believed to be the first woman to cast her vote after the passage of the 19th amendment in 1920. The rain is factually accurate, though the protesters as I described them were fictional. They are a representation of protests women faced when fighting for the right to vote.
Allison Maruska 
I love the historical takes on fiction. Well done!
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Thanks! 😊
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Great flash! You used a technique that is among my favorite reasons tho write fiction. You can use a specific action (like protesting) to represent the great idea of what women faced. Making it one woman’s first ballot against protesters drives the significance of her act.
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Thanks! 😊
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99 very powerful and moving words!
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Why am I just now seeing this?
Thanks for reading and for the comment! I’m glad you liked it. 🙂
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Wonderful tribute to the women who fought for the right we enjoy today.
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Thanks. I hope we don’t forget what a fight it took.
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Great take on the prompt, Allison. Hello to a new era. I’m pleased to be part of it. Thank you Marie, and all the others who paved our way.
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Indeed. It’s amazing to think it hasn’t been even a hundred years yet.
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I do like where you took me in this piece, very well done..
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Thanks. I appreciate the comment. 😊
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Powerful.
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Thanks. 😊
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