Itisha is arrested for a social media post, which is perceived as being inimical to the interest of the powerful. Fear pervades the neighbourhood, as her family gathers funds to engage a lawyer, and lives in dread of the midnight knock.
Her father comes across an email from Goodreads, which shows that Itisha has been publishing with a pen name. There is also some money in her account received from book sales, which can help her cause.
He scans her devices to find the manuscripts, and his eyes moisten as he reads those. Itisha speaks of a free, idyllic world where intellect, creativity and honesty find equal expression. One is not stained by the other, and there is no need for camouflage. He decides to fight.
Only mouths are we. Who sings the distant heart which safely exists in the centre of all things?
Prompt:
“Only mouths are we. Who sings the distant heart which safely exists in the center of all things? – from Rainer Maria Rilke, “Heartbeat.”
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A poignant message in a gorgeously worded prose piece, Reena! I am glad you chose to shed light on this- stories like Itisha’s arrested for a social media post is something that happens a lot and deserves justice. Thank you so much for writing to the prompt. 💝💝
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Thank you, Sanaa!
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Fiction that too easily could become fact. Hopefully, fighters will prevail.
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Fighters are the only hope the world has.
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Bravo! A wonderfully crafted story with a poignant message. Loved it!
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Thank you, Susan!
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This sounds like a nightmare scenario. I am glad Itisha got her voice out into the world in any case!
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Thank you, Ingrid!
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Too good
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Thanks!
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A beautiful story Reena
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Thank you, Sadje!
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You’re welcome 😉
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