My weekly hundred words.
Copyright Douglas M. MacIlroy
Recovery Operation
The multiple rolls down the mountainside were over instantly.
The rest, an endless dream. Somehow escaping the smashed car. Crawling up what seemed a cliff. In shock, shivering, as we waited for a passing car in the night. The doctor saying there were no mirrors. My friends looking quickly away. The drive to the city. Plastic surgery. The metal holding my re-shaped nose taped below raccoon eyes.
In the airport, my alien head subjected to averted gazes, I vowed to never look askance at the deformed, the challenged, the different. Theirs was forever. I would heal.
My friend, the driver…uninjured.
This, that and the other thing 
Dear Janet,
Walk a mile in my shoes…..
Very well illustrated.
Aloha,
Doug
Thanks, Doug. It was a long mile, I can tell you, but I still try. Loved the photo, even though I didn’t get an enjoyable story from it. Looks like you guys were having a blast.
janet
Is that a hint of bitterness at the end I taste?
Looking back, I don’t think I ever felt bitter about it. She stayed away from me after the accident, which wasn’t necessary for me, but must have been for her. I added it as irony, the same irony that allows a drunk driver who’s killed five people to walk away uninjured. I was just thankful to be alive with my somewhat crooked nose.
janet
Guilt makes people do many strange things. I hope she was able to heal like you.
I think so, Dawn.
janet
Good. I know that gives you peace as you seemed to have forgiven her a long time ago.
It was so long ago and even then, I didn’t blame her. I don’t even know exactly what happened, as I was asleep. But in the mountains, one mistake can cause big problems. I was glad she wasn’t hurt, although it didn’t seem fair I did. 🙂 It was just something that happened and fortunately, didn’t turn out badly.
How old were the two of you?
I was about 23 and she was about the same, I think.
Life changing at any age, I would imagine. Good story Janet.
Thanks, Dawn. I enjoyed chatting with you.
janet
An awful lot happens here in 100 words. Well written
I love the humility that was gained from the experience. Others might have become bitter.
Gina, you make a good point, that so many situations have the possibility of going in one of two (or maybe more) directions. It’s up to us what we do with them. In this instance, I was thankful not to have been killed. The insurance adjustor said anyone in the back seat (of a VW Beetle) would have been killed. I’m thankful for large blessings!
janet
It feels like a miracle to me, too. I’m so grateful!
A gentle way to remember a VERY bad experience. Nice job, Janet.
Thanks, Alicia. It was a very bad experience but thankfully the only bad reminder is my nose. I think when you’re in shock, everything is quite dreamlike and I really had no pain, which would have changed the gentle memories, I imagine.
janet
I love an oblique take on the prompt, and this is certainly that. Very well done, full marks for originality and taking the reader right into the nightmare.
It was the bulbous head/helmet that did it, Sandra. I’m glad it worked, as it was what came immediately to mind.
janet
A life can change ( or change you ) in an instant. You have been given the gift of a second chance and we are grateful.
Thanks so much. No one is more grateful thank I. I think in this type of situation, you don’t even realize how fortunate you are until later.
janet
Things like that do make you think about what it must be like to live with looking very different permanently. A very well put together story Janet, that did get me thinking.
Claire, I sat in the airport thinking how terrible and hurtful it must be to have people look at you like that (or avoid looking at you like that), every day of your life and I was utterly grateful that I would one day be able to take that metal piece off and that the black eyes would fade and I’d look like me again. Probably the little light bulb above my head not only went on but burned out. 🙂
janet
Crisply written, really tight writing there. I liked it very much as that was my trade, though latterly as safety officer. The norm would be a paramedic on the scene, who usually can patch up enough for the helicopter and hospital, but your tale is taut and rings real. The luck of the draw with the driver in this case. Must getan email to you about summer, haibun and paperback . more rewrites..
Well done on this one – message brought home!
One problem here, Hamish, was that this was before cell phone, so there was no way to contact anyone. I’m thankful the car stopped for us as I must have looked quite awful, along with so much else for which to be thankful. We haven’t made our final summer plans, i.e. dates, yet but mid-July is a good guess. Have to check le Tour date for the nearest village. We’ll talk soon.
janet
GOODNESS………..true story…am in shock there.
I was in shock there. 🙂
That’s an interesting image for that kind of headwear . It would never have occurred to me
Larry, it reminded me of a deformed head (I saw it first on my phone, so it was very small.) And that made me remember feeling that way and from there, the story. I have to say I often think the same thing about other stories I read–where did that idea come from? It’s one of the interesting things about FF.
janet
What an original take on the prompt, Jackie. The idea of the alien head can present so many things. In this sense, maybe a little bitterness at the end. Well done.
Irony, not bitterness, Amy (at least in the real story, from my side.) Bitterness wouldn’t be unreasonable, but it wasn’t meant that way. The alien head made me think of feeling like I had an alien head; hence, the story.
janet
Oh, that makes sense to me. Thank you!
Any, bitterness would be completely understandable. It doesn’t really matter which way it’s read, but I never did feel bitterness. Perhaps I could have made it a bit clearer. 🙂 Another person mentioned that, too, so it’s certainly a viable interpretation.
Well, that’s the beauty of flash fiction too. I think it’s okay for different interpretations. When I get a chance, I’ll reread it! Thanks for your explanation.
If you have the time, fine. If not, don’t worry. 🙂
You took me right into your experience. I could feel what it was like to go through the accident and it’s aftermath. Well done!
Thanks, Karen. I’m glad you didn’t have to live through it any other way, but I’m glad it seemed so real.
janet
Quite a story … and a lesson too. Actually, maybe a couple of them. Very sensitively written, as always. Thanks, Janet!
Very much appreciated, Perry.
janet
It’s amazing such seemingly unconnected things and images makes our head connect it to our past.. am glad you are still here to share your story… and thanks for sharing Janet !
Glad I’m here to share it, too, Horus. 🙂 That’s definitely my pleasure.
janet
A valuable lesson learned there. At least everyone was ok, after healing.
Very true, Dr. Ali. Thanks for stopping by.
janet
wonderful story. i think it’s beautiful how the incident made her see other people differently and that something positive came out of it.
Thanks, kz.
janet
Dear Janet,
Quite a story, intensified by the fact that it’s a true. I echo the comments of others and say, crisp and well written. Need I say that I love the way you used the prompt? 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
I knew you’d like the oblique use of the prompt, Rochelle. Every time I head off in an odd direction, I think of you. 🙂 Ha!!
janet
Excellent story on the remembrance of your terrible accident. How lovely that it gave you an understanding of the sufferings of others. How wonderful that someone was willing to stop for you and take you to medical help. Well written.
Patricia, if these people hadn’t stopped, I’m not sure how long it would have been. There weren’t lots of people out at that time of night/early morning.
janet
i have a very significant friend who suffered something similar. luckily for her, she was so small at 16 that she was thrown beneath the dashboard and suffered less than others. “less” includes unconscious for a few days and a month to regain speech, which is why she became a speech therapist. well done.
“Less” is a relative term, but can make all the difference, can’t it? Good for her for using her experience to do something worthwhile and, I’m sure, satisfying.
janet
You captured it perfectly! Having experience facial reconstruction after a car accident, I can say that you captured the emotions very very well. Thank you, Love it! Happy Easter!
My pleasure! I’m glad it worked out for you as well as for me. My crooked nose isn’t really too crooked, for which I’m truly thankful, as well as for being alive!
A blessed Easter to you as well!
janet
Amen to being alive! I have a plastic eye socket, plastic nose, steel & plastic roof of mouth, and a steel jaw. You can barely see the scars anymore unless I go out without sunblock. But, I still have problems with mirrors. There were no pictures of me, so my “mom” gave them hers. I don’t look like me anymore at all.
Isn’t incredible what can be done now? I’m thankful you’re alive but I’m sure that it’s difficult not looking like you anymore. That’s what I felt like at the time of this story, but mine was so minor compared to yours! (Hope no one ever punches you in the jaw!!)
Oh dear – that sounds like a real experience, albeit an horrific one. Well written.
Thanks, Liz. On “the best of times/worst of times” scale, it tilted heavily toward the worst. But it could have been much worse!
janet
Reminds me of when I broke my leg …….. I could perceive so much disability around me. Wonderful perspective. 🙂
Thanks! When we notice something for the first time, or read about it, or experience it, we tend to see further examples everywhere. Hopefully we can see most things without experiencing them! 🙂
janet
Hopefully. 🙂
Powerful story and comments. Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure, Shandra. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. Enjoy your day!
janet
thank goodness, you survived to write this story.
I feel the same way, Plaridel. Thanks.
janet
Some very profound word pictures in there. Nice work!
Thanks, Judah.
janet
Really powerful storytelling, Janet and even more so, having read some of the comments. What an ordeal you went through!
I found the first sentence a bit off. I kept re-reading it and it just doesn’t have the impact it should. “The multiple rolls down the mountainside…” I’m wondering if “Rolling down the mountainside– it was over in an instant” might not be stronger. It’s one more word, but your count can probably be adjusted elsewhere. Elsewhere in the story, I like the fragmented sentences that convey a sense of shock and broken memories.
What an experience! Thank goodness you did as well as you did, considering…
Dawn, thanks for taking the time to think through and comment. I’ll take a look at that sentence again if I have a minute (not trying to put you off, but I’m getting ready for Easter weekend.)
The rolling and bouncing down the mountainside was over in an instant.
Would that have more impact to you? I’d have to put in more words elsewhere, but just trying to get a feel for what you’re looking for.
Thanks.
janet
Yes, I think that or something similar to my suggestion, better convey (I think) the sense of rolling and a sudden stop. As it is now, I find it confusing and thus, it loses some of it’s impact (so to speak). As a reader, I find myself skimming over that first sentence and focusing on the rest… because I need to keep figuring out exactly what you mean, even though I get it intellectually. The reading of it doesn’t convey, for me, what I know (from comments, etc) what you are trying to say. Happy Easter!
Wow, it’s not often we get a true story, and especially one that’s so personal and real.
I’m blown away.
I’m just happy to be here to blow you away, Russ. Thanks.
janet
I didn’t realise it was a real story until I started reading the comments. That must have been scary. But all’s well that ends well and a life lesson learnt. You packed a lot into the 100 words.
Sounds like it was a harrowing experience, and from the comments I’ve browsed, it was based on reality. Glad you survived to tell the tale!
Janet, a horrible memory and thank God you were fixable. I have lost 2 nephews and 1 cousin from drunk drivers and my son and I have been in a car hit by a drunk drivers. We were lucky, But, you are right. People don’t know what to think so it’s so unpleasant to go out in public. I’m so glad you are here – I think the driver of your car will probably always feel guilty for the accident – right or wrong- how could you not feel some guilt walking away unscathed? Nan 🙂
Nan, I’m quite relieved to be here and in mostly one piece as well! 🙂 I haven’t thought about it for ages, but that photo just brought it to mind and all is grist for the writing mill. 🙂
janet
The doctor saying there were no mirrors… that was a jolt!
If I hadn’t been in shock, I would have realized that wasn’t a good sign. 🙂 Fortunately I can now look in a mirror without it cracking. 🙂
Janet- Sometimes it is the extremes that make us understand another better. I watched friends roll their jeep off a cliff face. They amazingly walked away bumped and bruised but not broken when two kids the weekend before gave their lives on the same hillside. Glad you came out to tell us about the ordeal. Dana
I’m glad to be here to tell about it, Dana. 🙂 You really never know, do you? I’ve been showered with blessings in my life and that was one of the largest.
janet
Thank you for sharing this slice of real life with us Janet.Am happy that you came out of that terrible accident with your life.I am awed by your sensitivity towards others who are less fortunate and who have to live their lives having to bear the odd kooks,the averted gaze and the rest-what a lesson you took away from your accident.Great use of the prompt and I loved the phrase,”raccoon eyes.” 😀
Thanks all around. I’m glad to be here, too.
janet
🙂
Wow, the emotion behind this story is so raw and powerful. I first believed it was another piece of your fiction, as they are always vivid and engaging as well. I’m glad I read the comments below to find that this was, in fact, a tragically true story. My heart goes out to you, and I’m glad that you made it from the accident with your life. Though, I’m sure the trauma still pricks your memories to this day. It was also interesting, and very believable, how your perspective changed about physical abnormalities. I enjoyed rereading this several times. Your work always leaves me breathless.
How do you ever get in a car again, let alone get behind the wheel? Obviously you recovered physically; mentally and emotionally…probably never. And yet, I would never have known. You’re so upbeat…God bless…and hugs…
Oddly maybe, driving wasn’t ever an issue. But it took many months before I could relax in the passenger’s seat when someone took a curve at a good clip, even if they were good drivers and in control. I think it was remembering waking to the sensation of leaving the road. Other than that, I honestly haven’t had more ongoing issues than sometimes wishing my nose were straight again. 🙂
janet
What an awesome story. And apparently, a bit of truth here. Absolutely loved it.
Thanks, Shirley. All true. 🙂
janet
Wow. That doesn’t even read like fiction at all. Too real.
Some interesting thoughts here. So difficult not to stare sometimes. And the driver unharmed/unmarked. Nice one.
That must have been a terrible experience. I’m really glad you healed, it must have taken you an awful lot of courage and faith to pull through 🙂
It certainly wasn’t the best time of my life! The whole time went quite quickly and smoothly due, I imagine, to shock initially and then drugs. 🙂 it could have been so much worse.
janet