“Home, sweet Home,” she thought sarcastically as she entered the cheap apartment where her family now lived.
The sour smell of failure wafted through the room like a recession-scented air ‘freshener’.
Each day when she got home from her part-time job at Wendy’s, she tried to scrub another nasty area of the disgusting place she refused to call home.
Turning on the small TV screen for distraction, she filled her bucket in the discolored sink. “Government advisers are heartened by the upward economic trend…blah, blah, blah, blah…”
"This is never going to come out," she thought as she scrubbed at the spot on the worn carpet.
“Oh, yea,” she contemplated bitterly, “I am most definitely heartened by this phenomenal, upward trend.”
This post is linked to week 20 of Saturday Centus. To read the other short stories, just click here!
Other than the hovel, I have a similar reaction to the news I hear about the economy...at least she has the part-time job at Wendy's.
ReplyDeleteI think my can of Oust has that scent...maybe that's the problem.
Boy, this one catches a lot of things, Jenny. Although it has been years, I can smell the smell from places I have been in and tried to clean. The smell of failure...that was a good sentence!
ReplyDeleteIf this wasn't so sad it would almost be funny. I could go on and on about the unemployment and how some people think people aren't really looking for work but my head might explode, ha. Good Centus.
ReplyDeleteI feel fortunate to be where I am in my life. I may have started out struggling but have pulled myself up by my boot straps. This was excellent Jenny! I can relate to your post. Definitely a slice of reality in 100 words or less.!Ames
ReplyDeleteReally well written, Jenny, I can feel her frustration in every word. Love the line "recession scented air freshener" - I can relate all too well right now.
ReplyDeleteI think we all can relate to this. All to well in fact. Very well written.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the read Jenny. Thanks for sharing the recession scented air freshener
ReplyDeleteWhat a poignant piece. And she is supposed to be glad she has a part-time job at least.
ReplyDeleteSee, the problem with the Centus is I always want to read more. I love the word imagery. I think that is my favorite part of reading.
ReplyDeleteAnd it goes without saying, I love your story!
LOL! You really brought it with this story Jenny! This was an awesome piece with some delicious work pairings and the palpable feelings of disgust and frustration just oozing all over the page.
ReplyDeleteEither that or my drooling problem is getting out of hand.
I loved this! Another fine job, Mrs. M! Kudos!
wonderful! and I've enjoyed reading some of the other entries! What a fun meme!
ReplyDeleteYour writing gets better and better. It's much like practicing an instrument or a sport every day.....
ReplyDeleteWow -- another awesome post where you can convey so much with so few words. Love it! :)
ReplyDeleteThis one is both timely and amusing.
ReplyDeleteWell-written, too.
A+, if I may presume...
=)
I like...but way to dark for me...I expect something more refreshing next time...:-) Peace and blessings
ReplyDeleteHey! I think I used to live in that apartment! I know I have lived in that place in life.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this and can totally relate. I'm sensing that "sour smell of failure" right now, in fact. Great phrase.
ReplyDeletexoRobyn
Wow! Such descriptive writing Jenny! I'm in awe!
ReplyDeleteWell, at least she has a part time job. My mommie's still out of work. But we live better though - for now, at least.
ReplyDeleteGreat text, very good use of the prompt. This is a text that is so well-written and sadly, so true.
I thought it was so much fun to link onto 'Alphabe-Thursday' the last week of 'Rainbow Summer School' last week that I am here again trying out Saturday Centus.
Mommie helped me type. But I made up the story!
Purrs,
Sara Cat
(I am now following your blog!)
"The sour smell of failure wafted through the room like a recession-scented air ‘freshener’."
ReplyDelete...I really enjoyed that line. Good writing! :-)
Wow, this really captured what the atmosphere is like in the US because of the economy. Very good writing!
ReplyDeleteWow. Nailed it. Relateable,funny, moody, current,and beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteI could feel the frustration and smell the "recession scented air freshener."
Perfect!
Ok, I know I read this, I can't see a comment from me though so where the heck was I? ARGH. I am playing catch up I guess. I loved it the first time and the second time I read it. The upward trend my tail....
ReplyDeleteWonderfully heartfelt post!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Anna
Anna's SC-Week-20
Hi, Jenny! It's actually me. Didn't get a piece posted but am trying to catch up so I can start fresh.
ReplyDeleteI love this piece, can smell the squalor, would send them some candles if I could. I feel the thump of our Wendy's girl's heart as she obsesses over her unfortunate situation. I can only say I am happy she has a job.
Thanks for this reminder - especially in view of my recent tirades about my paychecks being short. At least I can stand the heat. If this girl's check were shorted, they would be hungry.
cj