Esha had never been a believer. There had been no evidence of a positive, benevolent presence in her life.
She listened in silent amusement as the tourist guide spoke of the faces in the mountains as ‘embedded Gods.’ Folklore said that they protected the valley and its inhabitants, and were suitably worshipped by the locals.
The lone, bare branch shorn of all finery stood defiantly against the skyline. It had a different story to tell, but nobody cared to listen.
Esha could hear her mother’s calls for justice from the valley. She had jumped to her death from this point.
(100 words)
Creative Experiments and More 
Reena, Your story is very believable and you wrote it well. Nicely done!
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Thanks for stopping by, Nan!
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That’s a powerful twist in the end. Well told.
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Thanks!
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Moving with a powerful end
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Thank you, Michael Wynn!
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As an atheist this story was easy to relate to. Gorgeously written. My hope is that non-believers and believers can get on better in this world.
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It applies to all sects with different opinions.
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Great twist at the end. It gives the whole story a totally different feel.
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Thank you so much!
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Great take on the prompt and a really economical use of words to make a strong story.
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One has to stick to the word count while writing in response to prompts ;). Thanks!
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Beautiful, powerful and moving story. A benevolent presence makes all the difference.
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Like the story of the mentally deranged person who gives a 5 crore chq, and boosts the confidence of a struggler. Thanks!
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What Neil said. And it’s also powerful and moving. Good story, Reena.
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Thank you, Penny!
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Perfectly told. The extremes are clear, and the despair is, too. Well done.
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Thank you so much!
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No wonder she’s not a believer. Her head must be is filled with questions.
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Exactly! Thanks.
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It’s difficult to be a believer in certain circumstances.
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I believe only in the reality of my universe, and it could be different from others.
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Belief takes on so many forms, doesn’t it. From the fanatics to the non-believers. The belief that religion can protect you has been proven wrong so many times.
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Experience drives belief.
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That’s gritty and truthful, Reena
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Thank you so much, Neil!
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