PHOTO PROMPT © Liz Young
Inspector Crow finished his report, stretched and sighed heavily. Teenager Rachel, a runaway, trying to escape a life of physical abuse, had run recklessly into substance addiction, prostitution and ultimately more physical abuse.
He’d seen it before and wondered, pointlessly, how to prevent another tragedy. He was tired of mopping up the consequences, weary to the core of troubled lives ending in violent deaths.
The problem, as he saw it, began at home.
If only her mum had been strong enough to intervene.
If only her brother hadn’t abused her.
As he left his desk, his phone rang.
Another case…
Word Count: 100
Written for Friday Fictioneers – a 100 words story based on a photo prompt. Hosted by Rochelle. Read the other entries here.
Clare Hempstead 
Dear Clare,
Too close to reality. I felt his frustration and sorrow. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂 Thanks very much
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That’s a world-weary police officer. I imagine working on those sort of crimes could easily make you give up and despair.
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I can’t imagine how they keep going case after case. It must be soul destroying.
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Unfortunately, that is how it goes…just another case.
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Yes, it’s a tough job.
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A depressing job, even for the most up-beat of policemen.
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I agree. They must get so fed up with seeing the same situation over and over.
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I wish this story wasn’t so true. Abuse by the brother added a poignant layer. Good job.
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Thanks Kecia – much appreciated.
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Chillingly realistic.
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Thanks Liz. Chilling picture.
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The only good thing is he does not become so blasé that he doesn’t care… though he is discouraged with good reason…
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Yes, I imagine many become desensitised by it.
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A vicious cycle well told in 100-words
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Thanks Alicia. It’s not a job I would want to do at all, let alone for years and years as some do.
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I feel just like the others, sad and sympathetic. It’s a frustrating life. Thank God they’re willing to do it.
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It would be awful without them. I think he has the right idea. Something needs to be done to prevent it rather than just investigating afterwards.
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You got into the mind of this guy. Super-duper, Clare!
You packed it to to go!
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Thank you so much.
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That sounds like a pretty terrible job. The tragedy and sadness never ends 😦
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Thanks. It must be tough to get out of bed every morning, knowing what your day may bring.
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Sad reality, all too often seen in law enforcement.
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Thanks Jellico. Not an easy job.
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It’s relentless I suppose and all to common. I felt for him.
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Thanks Louise.
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I feel the cop’s weariness but like that he hadn’t given up. Nicely written.
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Thanks very much.
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Sad sad… some things just seems destined to happen.
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Yes, and you can predict it in so many people. If only we could pluck people out of certain situations and deposit them in much happier circumstances!
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Very well-written, Clare. You told the same old story through the eyes of the same old detective and yet it was fresh and vibrant and I could see him setting up this scene to create some kind of prevention campaign.
I wonder what stops people from stepping in. Why don’t they speak up? All too often, you only see the consequences.
xx Rowena
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Thanks Rowena. If only we could prevent such events instead!
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We all try! Well, perhaps not all but…
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I thought this was really well written and the reveal of each element of her problems expertly paced. There was great realism about the piece, you can imagine this is exactly what it’s like
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Thanks Mick. Some people have such sad lives, almost unimaginable by those who don’t.
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A sad, endless litany of tragedy. Nicely told, Clare
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Very painful and realistic. I wonder how the inspector maintains his sanity with one story so similar to the last and having to watch it happen again and again.
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Shew, what a job to have! I’m glad someone is there to do it. i couldn’t.
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