Bernadette is bitter about her husband leaving her, after their marriage collapsed (as a result of the abduction of their first daughter, Giselle.) Her second daughter Yemi is her only comfort. Bernadette misses out on life with Yemi, retreating into a bitter and lonely world of regret and denial. This has spanned decades, leaving her trapped in her house, while Yemi attempts to help her. (Yemi is a youth worker and drugs councilor.) This story is dedicated to my son, Sam, who brightens my life. Thank you, Sam. (Special thanks to Miss Passé for suggesting another story featuring Yemi Balsara.) CLICK HERE for next chronological story.

I’ve been enjoying all the stories, but am surprised and pleased to see a “Bernadette”–that’s my name, and it’s so rarely used it’s always a little shocking at first.
Bernadette rolls off the tongue so well, even inside your head! 😀
Really good flash fiction. Thanks.
Thank you, glad you liked reading it!
I’m liking how your blog is set up. Thanks for following my blog by the way.
Hi, Rudolph, you’re welcome and thank you! Good to meet you.
Hi Cheryl, thanks for following! I love your drawings, very impressive!
Hi! You’re welcome and thank you!
fascinating names you have selected for your characters.
🙂
Hi “T” thanks for stopping by. Yes, they come from all over the world. I’m enjoying reading your poetry BTW. 😀
So sad… I really don’t know how I would handle things, if my mother is like Bernadette. Yemi is such a cool and strong character. I like her. Thank you, Cheryl! 🙂
Yemi is one of my favourites (secretly) 😀 She’d be a good friend if she was real!
Yes! I would love to be friends with her, too. 😀
Definitely! 😀
Hello Cheryl, thanks for liking my video and following my blog. Welcome to my world!
Hi! You’re welcome, it’s good to meet you, and likewise!
So you draw and write. I think I have to spend time on your blog 🙂
Wow, you are on line, glad to meet you!
And you too! I love the photography on your blog. I don’t speak French unfortunately, but my browser’s translating your text for me. It’s good to meet you! I could spend hours browsing your blog. I love black and white photography. 😀
😀 thank you! Likewise, I’m still browsing your photography.
I have nominated you for a Lovely Blog Award here: http://aplaceforpoetry.wordpress.com/2012/07/26/recognition/
I really appreciate your work x
Thanks, Julia, I appreciate that!! I’m glad you like the stories. As a thank you for the award, I’ve added your site and the link to my thank you page xx 😀 Cheryl
Like the understated power of this one – a really accute portrait of family relations. Fascinating characters.
Thanks Richard! 😀
Cheryl,
You are so intricate and complex. I am nominating you for the Inspiring Blogger Award. If you want to accept, link back to firsttimerecords.wordpress.com, post seven things about yourself, and nominate fifteen other blogs for the award.
All the best,
Tom
The best of luck to you with your writng projects Cheryl. Thank you for dropping by The Questioning Way Blog
Hi Dewey, thank you, I love your posts, they’re very uplifting and compassionate. Good to meet you.
Good to meet you as well 🙂
Another great post– You must spend tons of time on the work published here!
I don’t know if you get into the awards on WordPress or not, but I nominated your blog for an award– More info can be found here: http://fictionalmachines.wordpress.com/2012/07/30/kreativ-blogger-award-nomination/
Enjoy the day & keep up the great work!
wow! I am glad she went. My mother is in poor health and goes in and out of trying so this is a bright spot. You are very talented
Thank you, I love your poetry, I’m glad you stopped by to read and especially empathised with Yemi and Bernadette. (They definitely need to get out more, I can relate to that too 😀 )
Thanks for following my blog and yours is very thoughtful as well. The portraits of your characters are distinctive and well-drawn. Keep advancing your craft.
You’re welcome and thank you for taking the time to stop by! Good to meet you.