Shifting shafts of light

She lived in a castle all her life, but never knew happiness.

The cold stone floor, the bats hanging upside down on the ceiling and a Spartan meal served in a metal plate without cutlery defined her existence. Her detractors feared that she would use broken china or cutlery to hurt herself, or them. The shaft of light that came in from the window, for a few hours in a day, made her feel alive. She would wait for the sunrays.

Life could change at times. She was lying on a velvet bed, with maids standing by, to fulfil every wish of hers. Somehow, she remained forlorn, and wanted to jump out of that window. The chances of meeting life or death outside appeared to be equal.

She reached the window, looking for a ladder or something to get on the ledge. She stopped to hear the voices floating in,

“Is there any hope of recovery, doctor?”

“I am sorry. Though medicines will help, schizophrenia is not curable.”

Her detractors were conspiring again. They want to keep her imprisoned for life. The light was gradually fading away. She wanted to scream, but her voice was muffled by fear ….

Inspired by Sammi Cox at

Weekend Writing Prompt #30 -Light