1. She looked down. A deep gash ran obliquely over her torso. Blood sputtering. White light beckoned. Was this the end?
2. It was a suicide, they said. She pulled the trigger, but their oblique remarks towards her body held the gun.
This is my attempt at the Twenty Word Tuesday event hosted by Bulbul’s bubble. (https://wp.me/pbcaAs-wZ)
This week’s prompt was: Oblique.
While both these 20 word stories are about death. They are in two completely different contexts.
In reference, to the second story, I would like to take this opportunity to convey how important it is for all of us to be mindful of our words and actions. They have great power. They can create and destroy.
To anyone who is going through a tough time, stay strong. It does get better.
51 replies on “Obliquity – Short Stories”
Both your takes are so good! People don’t realise what damage their words cause!
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Hi Nawazish, thank you so much! That’s so kind of you. Yes, exactly. So many people are oblivious to the damage they are causing. Ignorance isn’t always bliss. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. Have a lovely day. 🌹
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Words can really hurt just as much as sticks and stones. But there is always a way out of the darkness if you don’t give up too soon.
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Hi Benjamin, yes I completely agree with that. Sticks and stones break the body, but words can break the soul. It is always wise to be aware of the effect words have. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment! Have a beautiful day. 🌺
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You’re right. You have a wonderful day as well. Stay safe!
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I loved the first one more. Your selection of words are so great. Really awesome job
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Hey Dulcy, ahh thank you so much! That is so kind of you. I am really glad you enjoyed reading these. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. Have a perfect day. 🌼
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My pleasure and same to you 😊 ☺
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Interesting and synchronistic. Just last night a fb friend went on a rant about how it’s NEVER ok to make comments on another person’s body – even if you think it’s a compliment. She suffers from a medical condition that keeps her extremely thin and always gets offhanded comments about her weight and it really make her angry.
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Hello, thank you for taking the time to read and comment! I completely agree with your friend. It is NOT okay to comment on anyone’s body or appearance. And honestly, no one has the right to. Words can inflict pain or heal it, and it’s sad that so many people use it to inflict pain.
I hope you have a lovely day. 🌼
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so good 👌
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Hey Era, I am so pleased you thought so and enjoyed these. Thank you for this lovely comment and for taking the time to read. Have a happy day. 🌹
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Pleasure😊
You too !
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Both the takes are brilliant and hard-hitting, esp. the second one. We should be mindful of the influence of our words and actions in other’s life.
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Hi Anisha, I am so delighted that you thought so! Exactly, in this case ignorance isn’t bliss rather, knowledge of the effect of one’s words and actions, is power. Thank you for taking the time to read and drop this lovely comment! Have a happy day. 🌺
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I agree, Rishika. It was a pleasure reading your post!
Thanks! I wish you a great day too! ❣
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Body shaming is one of the worst forms of injury a person can inflict. It damages mentally at so many levels. A man or a woman should have the right to dress in any manner they like. Stereotypes or presumed notions kill the mind first, the body comes later. Well done Rishika. 😇
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Hey Harsh, yes yes yes. Words are the most potent weapon available to us. And so many of us, use it recklessly, to cause harm. I completely agree with you. What a person wears or looks like is their business only. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and for dropping this inspiring and delightful comment.
Have a blessed day. 🌹
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You too Rishika. 😇
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Both stories are excellent. The second one is especially hard-hitting!
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Hey, I am so pleased that you enjoyed reading these and thought so. Yes, it’s somewhat sad that there is even a need to tell people that words have consequences. Thank you for taking the time to read and for dropping this lovely comment. Have a wonderful day. 🌼
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You’re welcome. 😊
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Both your takes are amazingly penned. We never really understand how harsh words could be at times.
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Heyy, I am so glad you enjoyed reading these! Thank you for your kind words. Exactly, so many of us remain completely oblivious to their power. Thank you for taking the time to read and for dropping this really kind comment! Have a beautiful day. 🌹
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really important message and you poetry captured the pain Rishika.
There is always a way out… it is through.. xo
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Hi Cindy, yes I love that. The only way out is through. Wise words! I am so glad you liked these. 20 words is quite restrictive but I tried to explain it the best I could! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment.
Are the fires completely contained?
Hope you are keeping well.
Have a lovely day. 🌺
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It’s so true and glad you like them.
I actually write a piece like that which I’ll post at some point.
You’re so welcome. It’s hard to hit those in word count and convey your message but you did it. You are so welcome! They get better each day. Thanks for asking. Glad to be back to some sense of Norma lacy her.
You have a good one too!❤️
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Both versions were very good, and your message is so important. Thanks for sharing it!
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Hi Ann, I am so glad you took the time to read and comment, thank you! I really appreciate your kind words, so glad you thought so. It’s important to be aware of the power our words hold.
Have a wonderful day. 🌼
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Yes it does, Rishika. 💓 A painful, but important topic to write about.
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Hi Michele, thank you for taking the time to read and comment. Ignorance isn’t bliss when it comes to our words and their power, I guess! I really appreciate this kind comment.
Have a blessed day. 🌺
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Wow! Both of the versions are amazingly written, Rishika, but the second one is just pure gold and my favorite; not many understand the power our words hold. So glad to have you sharing your tales with us, thank you.
Cheers
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Hey, aw thank you so much! Yes I thought of bringing the very prominent issue of suicides and shaming up through the tale. So glad to be here and doing so! I really appreciate your kindness and encouragement. Have a lovely day. 🌹
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You thought good. It is always pleasure, Rishika. Cheers 🙂
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Nice, Intresting rishika.! 😊
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Hi Pavansai, I am so pleased you thought so. Glad that you enjoyed reading these. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment! Have a beautiful day. 🌺
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[…] Obliquity – Whimsical Wordsmith […]
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Really good attempt, both are mesmerizing!!😁😁
The second one, is too good!! When you said “body held the gun”!!!
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Hi, thank you so much that is so kind of you! I am very pleased that you thought so and enjoyed reading these. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. Have a lovely day!! 🌼
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Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
GOOD TRY—BETTER THAN I-!
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Hi Jonathan, ahh thank you so much. Love the rhyme you added there! Thank you for taking the time. Have a wonderful day. 🌹
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And you also, friend!
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Wow both of these are so emotional and deep.
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Hey Pooja, I am so delighted you thought so. I decided to highlight the very prominent issue of shaming and suicides that has unfortunately been inculcated in our world. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and comment! So kind of you. Have a beautiful day.🌺
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My pleasure and have a beautiful day too
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Both the takes are just fantastic!!
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Hey Harsh, I am so pleased you thought so! Thank you for your very kind words and for taking the time to read. So glad you enjoyed it. Have a lovely day. 🌺
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Loved both, “their oblique remarks towards her body held the gun”. Well written.🙂
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Hi Reshmi, oh I am so happy that you thought so! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. So kind of you. I hope you have a great day. 🌺
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Nice ones!
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Hey Leena, thank you for taking the time to read and comment! I am so glad you enjoyed these. I really appreciate your kind words. Hope you have a blessed day. 🌺
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